Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'technology'

English Word: technology

Key Russian Translations:

• технология [tɛx.nɐˈlɔ.ɡʲɪ.jə] - [Formal, commonly used in academic and professional contexts]
• техника [ˈtɛx.nʲɪ.kə] - [Informal or broader, sometimes implying machinery or techniques]

Frequency: High (This word is frequently encountered in everyday Russian, especially in modern discussions about innovation and science.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level per CEFR; straightforward for learners with basic vocabulary, but inflections may require practice. For 'техника', it might be slightly easier at A2 due to its commonality.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

технология: [tɛx.nɐˈlɔ.ɡʲɪ.jə]

Note on технология: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('лɔ'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to differing stress patterns in Russian. Pronounce the 'гʲ' as a soft 'g' sound, similar to 'y' in 'yes'.

техника: [ˈtɛx.nʲɪ.kə]

Note on техника: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'нʲ' is palatalized, making it softer. This word has less variable pronunciation across dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The field of study or application of knowledge (general scientific and technological advancements)

Translation(s) & Context:

• технология - Used in formal contexts like education, business, or scientific discussions, often referring to digital or innovative fields.
• техника - Applied in more everyday or informal settings, such as referring to mechanical devices or practical skills.

Usage Examples:

• В современном мире технология играет ключевую роль в повседневной жизни.

  In the modern world, technology plays a key role in everyday life. (This example shows 'технология' in a broad, formal context discussing societal impact.)

• Развитие новой технологии может изменить будущее человечества.

  The development of new technology can change the future of humanity. (Illustrates 'технология' in a future-oriented, innovative context with a complex sentence structure.)

• Техника в этой лаборатории позволяет проводить точные эксперименты.

  The equipment in this laboratory allows for precise experiments. (Here, 'техника' refers to tools or machinery, demonstrating its informal, practical usage.)

• Изучение технологии в университете открывает множество карьерных возможностей.

  Studying technology at university opens up many career opportunities. (Shows 'технология' in an educational context, with emphasis on plural forms and opportunities.)

• Современная техника упрощает рутинные задачи, но требует регулярного обслуживания.

  Modern equipment simplifies routine tasks but requires regular maintenance. (Highlights 'техника' in a comparative, everyday scenario with conditional elements.)

Mechanical or applied techniques (specific to tools or methods)

Translation(s) & Context:

• техника - Preferred in contexts involving engineering or hands-on applications, such as in workshops or repairs.

Usage Examples:

• В мастерской мы изучаем технику ремонта автомобилей.

  In the workshop, we study the techniques for repairing cars. (Demonstrates 'техника' in a vocational context, focusing on skills.)

• Технология производства в этой фабрике основана на передовых методах.

  The technology of production in this factory is based on advanced methods. (Links back to 'технология' in an industrial setting.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Технология' is a feminine noun of the first declension (third group in some classifications), which follows regular patterns for most cases. It is invariable in the plural form but changes by case in singular. 'Техника' is also feminine but can be plural and follows similar rules.

Note: 'Техника' as a plural noun has irregular forms in some cases but is generally straightforward. Both words do not change in gender-specific ways.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • техника (broader, often interchangeable in informal speech)
  • инновация (emphasizes innovation aspect)
• Antonyms:
  • традиция (tradition, as it contrasts with modern advancements)
  • природа (nature, implying opposition to artificial tech)

Note: 'Техника' as a synonym may have a slight nuance toward practical applications, while 'инновация' focuses on novelty.

Related Phrases:

• Информационные технологии - Refers to information technology, commonly used in business and digital contexts.
• Передовые технологии - Means advanced technologies, often in discussions of innovation or future trends.
• Техника безопасности - Safety techniques or protocols, especially in workplaces or engineering.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'технология' directly corresponds to the English 'technology' in formal settings, such as scientific papers or education, while 'техника' is better for mechanical or skill-based contexts. Be mindful of the formal/informal divide: use 'технология' in professional emails or reports, but 'техника' in casual conversations. Grammatically, both are feminine nouns, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender and number. When choosing between translations, opt for 'технология' if the focus is on concepts, and 'техника' for tangible applications.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'технология' interchangeably with 'техника' without context, e.g., saying "Я изучаю технология" instead of "Я изучаю технику" when referring to mechanical skills. Correct: "Я изучаю технику" – This error stems from direct word-for-word translation; remember, 'техника' is more appropriate for hands-on techniques.
• Mistake: Incorrect inflection, such as using nominative in all cases, e.g., "о технология" instead of "о технологии" (genitive). Correct: Always decline based on case, as shown in the inflections table above, to avoid sounding unnatural.
• Mistake: Overusing 'технология' in informal speech, which can make it sound overly academic. Explanation: In Russian, context dictates word choice; pair it with appropriate register to match English nuances.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'технология' often carries connotations of rapid modernization and national pride, especially in light of Russia's advancements in space technology and AI. Historically, terms like this emerged during the Soviet era to emphasize industrial progress, so they may evoke themes of innovation versus tradition in contemporary discussions.

Related Concepts:

• наука (science)
• инновация (innovation)
• промышленность (industry)