Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'taxi'

English Word: taxi

Key Russian Translations:

• такси [ˈtaksʲɪ] - [Formal, commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is frequently encountered in daily conversations, especially in urban settings or when discussing transportation.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; it's a basic loanword that's easy for English speakers to learn and pronounce, with no complex grammar rules.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

такси: [ˈtaksʲɪ]

Note on такси: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'к' is palatalized (sounds like 'ks' with a soft 's' influence), which is common in Russian loanwords. Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers due to its similarity to the English word.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A motor vehicle licensed to transport passengers in return for payment of a fare, often hailed on the street or booked via an app.

Translation(s) & Context:

• такси - Used as the standard term for a taxi in general conversation, applicable in formal and informal settings, such as urban transportation or travel discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял такси до аэропорта, чтобы не опоздать на рейс.

  I took a taxi to the airport to not miss my flight.

• Сколько стоит такси от отеля до центра города?

  How much does a taxi from the hotel to the city center cost?

• В Москве такси часто заказывают через приложения, как Uber.

  In Moscow, taxis are often ordered through apps like Uber.

• Она работает водителем такси и знает все shortcuts в городе.

  She works as a taxi driver and knows all the shortcuts in the city.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Такси" is a neuter noun borrowed from English/French and follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for foreign words ending in a consonant. It is indeclinable in most cases, meaning it does not change form in different grammatical cases, which simplifies its use for learners.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, "такси" remains unchanged across cases, which is common for modern loanwords in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: извозчик (izvozchik) - An older, more literary term for a horse-drawn or traditional cab; less common in modern usage but implies a historical context.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "такси" is a specific type of transportation. However, related opposites might include общественный транспорт (public transport) in broader contexts.

Related Phrases:

• вызвать такси (vyzvat' taksi) - To call a taxi; used when summoning a ride via phone or app.
• такси по городу (taksi po gorodu) - Taxi around the city; refers to city-wide taxi services or sightseeing by taxi.
• заказать такси заранее (zakazat' taksi zaranee) - To book a taxi in advance; common for planned trips to ensure availability.

Usage Notes:

"Такси" directly corresponds to the English "taxi" as a loanword, making it straightforward for English speakers. It is neutral in register and can be used in both formal (e.g., business travel) and informal contexts (e.g., casual outings). Be aware that in Russian, it's common to specify the mode of ordering, such as through an app, due to the prevalence of ride-sharing services. When choosing between translations, "такси" is almost always the best fit, but in historical or literary texts, "извозчик" might be preferred for a more archaic feel.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "такси" with "такса" (taksá), which means "tax" or "duty" in Russian. Incorrect usage: "Я плачу такса за поездку" (I pay tax for the trip). Correct usage: "Я плачу за такси" (I pay for the taxi). Explanation: "Такса" relates to fees or tariffs, not vehicles, so context is key to avoid this mix-up.

• Error: Forgetting that "такси" is indeclinable, leading to incorrect declension like "таксим" in genitive case. Incorrect: "У меня нет таксим" (I don't have of taxis). Correct: "У меня нет такси" (I don't have taxis). Explanation: As an indeclinable noun, it doesn't change, so always use the base form regardless of case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "такси" is a staple of urban life, especially in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, where traffic and public transport can be challenging. The rise of app-based services like Yandex.Taxi has modernized the industry, reflecting Russia's adaptation of Western technology. Historically, taxis evolved from horse-drawn izvozchiks, symbolizing the country's transition from imperial to modern eras.

Related Concepts:

• автобус (avtobus) - Bus
• метро (metro) - Metro or subway
• трамвай (tramsay) - Tram