Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'thermometer'

English Word: thermometer

Key Russian Translations:

• термометр /tɛrˈmɔmɛtr/ - [Formal, Commonly used in scientific and everyday contexts]

Frequency: High - This word is frequently encountered in medical, scientific, and daily conversations in Russian-speaking regions.

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Learners at this level should be able to recognize and use it in basic sentences, as it follows standard noun patterns but requires familiarity with Russian pronunciation.

Pronunciation (Russian):

термометр: /tɛrˈmɔmɛtr/

Note on термометр: The stress falls on the third syllable (/mɔm/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the rolled 'r' sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, such as softer vowels in southern Russia.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The device used to measure temperature

Translation(s) & Context:

• термометр - Used in general contexts for measuring temperature, such as in weather, medicine, or science (e.g., in formal or technical discussions).

Usage Examples:

• Я измеряю температуру с помощью термометра. (Ya izmerayyu temperaturu s pomoshch'yu termometra.)

  I am measuring the temperature with a thermometer. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, common in everyday health contexts.)

• Врач использует медицинский термометр для проверки пациента. (Vrach ispol'zuyet meditsinskiy termometr dlya proverki patsienta.)

  The doctor uses a medical thermometer to check the patient. (Illustrates the word in a professional medical setting, with an adjective modifier.)

• Термометр показывает 25 градусов в комнате. (Termometr pokazyvayet 25 gradusov v komnate.)

  The thermometer shows 25 degrees in the room. (Demonstrates usage in a descriptive environmental context, emphasizing measurement.)

• Дети боятся термометра во время болезни. (Deti boyatsya termometra vo vremya bolezni.)

  Children are afraid of the thermometer during illness. (Shows the word in an emotional or narrative context, highlighting common associations.)

• Современные термометры работают на батарейках. (Sovremennye termometry rabotayut na batareykakh.)

  Modern thermometers run on batteries. (Exemplifies the plural form in a technological discussion, varying grammatical structure.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Термометр" is a masculine noun of the first declension. It follows regular patterns for most Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. Always adjust based on sentence requirements for case agreement.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: градусник (gradusnik) - Often used interchangeably in medical contexts, but "термометр" is more general; термостат (termostat) - Refers to a device that maintains temperature, with a subtle difference in function.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "термометр" is a specific tool without a direct opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• медицинский термометр (meditsinskiy termometr) - Medical thermometer; used in healthcare settings to measure body temperature.
• цифровой термометр (tsifrovoy termometr) - Digital thermometer; refers to modern electronic versions for accurate readings.
• уличный термометр (ulichnyy termometr) - Outdoor thermometer; commonly used in weather reports or environmental monitoring.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "термометр" directly corresponds to the English "thermometer" as a neutral, everyday term. It is versatile across formal and informal contexts but is most common in scientific, medical, or technical discussions. Be mindful of case endings when using it in sentences—e.g., use the instrumental case (термометром) when indicating the means of action. If multiple translations exist, choose "термометр" for general purposes, while "градусник" might be preferred in strictly medical scenarios to avoid confusion.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "термометр" with "термостат" (thermostat). Incorrect: "Я использую термостат для измерения температуры." (I use a thermostat to measure temperature.) Correct: "Я использую термометр для измерения температуры." Explanation: "Термостат" regulates temperature, not measures it, so learners should differentiate based on function to avoid misleading statements.

• Error: Forgetting case agreement, e.g., using nominative in all contexts. Incorrect: "Я смотрю на термометр" when it should be "Я смотрю на термометре" in prepositional case. Correct: Adjust to "Я смотрю на термометре." Explanation: Russian nouns change based on their role in the sentence; always check the governing preposition or verb.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, thermometers are often associated with health and weather monitoring, especially in the context of Russia's harsh winters. The word "термометр" doesn't carry unique cultural connotations but is frequently referenced in literature and media, such as in Chekhov's stories, to symbolize everyday life or medical routines.

Related Concepts:

• барометр (barometer)
• гигрометр (hygrometer)
• манометр (manometer)