Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'steel'

English Word: steel

Key Russian Translations:

• сталь [ˈstalʲ] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in technical, industrial, and everyday contexts, but not as frequent in casual conversation).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; suitable for learners with basic vocabulary, as it involves common nouns and simple declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

сталь: [ˈstalʲ]

Note on сталь: The 'лʲ' represents a palatalized 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's softer than the English 'l' in "feel." Pronounce it with the tongue slightly touching the alveolar ridge.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A hard, strong, durable metal alloy made primarily from iron, used in construction, tools, and manufacturing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сталь - Used in formal and technical contexts, such as engineering or material science discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Эта сталь используется в строительстве мостов. (Eta stal' ispol'zuetsya v stroitel'stve mostov.)

  This steel is used in bridge construction. (Demonstrates the noun in a practical, industrial context.)

• Нержавеющая сталь устойчива к коррозии. (Nerzhaveyushchaya stal' ustoychiva k korrozii.)

  Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion. (Shows the word in a compound phrase, highlighting material properties.)

• В автомобилях часто применяют высококачественную сталь. (V avtomobilyakh chasto primenyayut vysokokachestvennuyu stal'.)

  High-quality steel is often used in cars. (Illustrates usage in everyday technology contexts with adjectives.)

• Сталь в этом инструменте делает его долговечным. (Stal' v etom instrumiente delayet ego dolgovecnym.)

  The steel in this tool makes it durable. (Emphasizes the material's role in product design.)

• Производство стали — ключевой сектор экономики. (Proizvodstvo stali — klyuchevoy sektor ekonomiki.)

  Steel production is a key sector of the economy. (Demonstrates abstract or economic usage.)

Meaning 2: (Metaphorical) To make something strong or resolute, as in "to steel oneself against fear."

Translation(s) & Context:

• сталить (stalit') - Used in informal or literary contexts to mean hardening or strengthening resolve; less common than the noun form.

Usage Examples:

• Он постарался сталить свою волю перед испытанием. (On postaralsya stalit' svoyu volyu pered ispytaniem.)

  He tried to steel his will before the test. (Shows the verb in a psychological context.)

• Чтобы выжить, ей пришлось сталить характер. (Chtoby vyzhit', ey prihodilos' stalit' kharakter.)

  To survive, she had to steel her character. (Illustrates metaphorical strengthening in narratives.)

• В кризисные моменты люди учатся сталить нервы. (V krizisnye momenty lyudi uchatsya stalit' nervy.)

  In crisis moments, people learn to steel their nerves. (Demonstrates usage in emotional or challenging scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сталь" is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its inflections:

For the verb form "сталить," it is a first-conjugation verb with regular inflections, e.g., present tense: сталю, сталишь, станет. It does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • металл (metall) - General term for metal, less specific than сталь.
  • сплав (splav) - Alloy, used when emphasizing composition; differs by implying a mixture.
• Antonyms:
  • пластик (plastic) - Refers to non-metallic materials in industrial contexts.
  • дерево (derevo) - Wood, contrasting with metal in construction or material discussions.

Related Phrases:

• Нержавеющая сталь (Nerzhaveyushchaya stal') - Stainless steel; a common alloy resistant to rust.
• Легированная сталь (Legirovannaya stal') - Alloyed steel; refers to steel enhanced with other elements for specific properties.
• Сталь в огне (Stal' v ogne) - Steel in fire; an idiomatic phrase meaning resilience under pressure.

Usage Notes:

"Сталь" directly corresponds to the English noun "steel" in most contexts, particularly in technical or scientific discussions. It is neutral in tone but leans formal; avoid in very casual speech where simpler terms like "металл" might suffice. When using as a verb (e.g., "to steel oneself"), opt for "сталить" in literary or motivational contexts, but note that Russian often prefers other expressions like "укреплять" for emotional strengthening. Pay attention to declensions based on sentence structure, as Russian requires case agreement.

Common Errors:

• Confusing declensions: Learners often use the nominative "сталь" in all cases, e.g., saying "из сталь" instead of "из стали" (from steel). Correct usage: "Из стали сделан этот инструмент" (This tool is made from steel). Explanation: Russian nouns change based on grammatical case, so always adjust for genitive or other cases.

• Misusing in metaphorical contexts: English speakers might directly translate "steel oneself" as "сталь себя," which is incorrect. Instead, use "сталить себя" or better, "укрепить себя." Explanation: "Сталить" is not commonly used idiomatically; opt for native equivalents to sound natural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сталь" symbolizes industrial strength and resilience, reflecting Russia's historical role in steel production during the Soviet era. For instance, it evokes images of massive factories like those in Magnitogorsk, representing national endurance and modernization efforts in the 20th century.

Related Concepts:

• железо (zhelezo) - Iron
• металлопрокат (metalloprokat) - Metal products
• сплавы (splavy) - Alloys