Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'telephone'

English Word: telephone

Key Russian Translations:

• телефон [tʲɪlʲɪˈfon] - [Common usage, Formal and Informal, Singular and Plural forms vary]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations, media, and technology-related contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary item in Russian for English learners, especially those new to the language.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

телефон: [tʲɪlʲɪˈfon]

Note on телефон: The pronunciation features a soft 'л' sound (palatalized), which can be tricky for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional dialects, but this is the standard form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A device for transmitting sound over long distances, such as for voice communication.

Translation(s) & Context:

• телефон - Used in general contexts for both landline and mobile devices, applicable in formal settings like business calls or informal chats.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял телефон и позвонил другу. (Ya vzyal telefon i pozvonil drugu.)

  I picked up the phone and called my friend. (This example shows the noun in a simple, everyday context involving action.)

• Её телефон всегда на столе. (Yeyo telefon vsegda na stole.)

  Her phone is always on the table. (Demonstrates the noun in a possessive structure, highlighting location in daily life.)

• В офисе есть несколько телефонов для клиентов. (V ofise yest' neskol'ko telefonov dlya klientov.)

  There are several phones in the office for clients. (Illustrates plural form and professional setting.)

• Он потерял свой мобильный телефон вчера. (On poteryal svoy mobil'nyy telefon vchera.)

  He lost his mobile phone yesterday. (Shows the word in combination with adjectives, in a narrative context.)

• Телефон в моей сумке разрядился. (Telefon v moyey sumke razryadilsya.)

  The phone in my bag ran out of battery. (Example of the noun with a verb, indicating a common modern issue.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Телефон" is a masculine noun in the first declension (first conjugation for nouns). It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As a regular noun, it does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мобильный (mobil'nyy) - Specifically for mobile phones; implies portability.
  • аппарат (apparat) - More formal or outdated term for a telephone device.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "телефон" is a neutral object. However, in contexts of communication, something like "молчание" (molchaniye, meaning silence) could contrast in broader themes.

Related Phrases:

• Позвонить по телефону - To call by phone; used for initiating a call in both formal and informal situations.
• Мобильный телефон - Mobile phone; a common phrase for handheld devices in everyday tech contexts.
• Ответить на телефон - To answer the phone; often used in professional or urgent scenarios.

Usage Notes:

"Телефон" directly corresponds to the English "telephone" but is versatile in Russian, covering both landline and mobile contexts. It is neutral in terms of formality, making it suitable for all registers, but be cautious with inflections based on grammatical case (e.g., use genitive for possession like "телефона"). When choosing between translations, "телефон" is the most general; opt for "мобильный телефон" if specifying a cellphone. In spoken Russian, it's often abbreviated in casual talk, and it's essential in phrases involving communication technology.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я имею телефон" instead of "У меня есть телефон" (correct: I have a phone).

  Correct usage: "У меня есть телефон" - English learners often forget the prepositional case in possession structures. The error stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing it with verbs, e.g., using "телефонировать" incorrectly as a noun.

  Correct usage: "Телефонировать" is a verb meaning "to telephone," so stick to "телефон" for the noun form to avoid mixing parts of speech.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the telephone has historically symbolized connectivity, especially during the Soviet era when access was limited. Today, it's integral to daily life, with mobile phones playing a key role in social interactions. Phrases like "позвонить" reflect a cultural emphasis on verbal communication over digital texting in some contexts.

Related Concepts:

• мобильный (mobil'nyy)
• звонить (zvonit')
• коммуникация (kommunikatsiya)