Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'trolley'

English Word: trolley

Key Russian Translations:

• троллейбус [trɐˈlʲejbəs] - [Formal, used for public transportation vehicles]
• тележка [tʲɪˈlʲeʂkə] - [Informal, commonly used for shopping carts or hand trolleys]

Frequency: Medium (троллейбус is moderately common in urban contexts in Russia; тележка is frequent in everyday shopping scenarios)

Difficulty: B1 (for троллейбус, intermediate level due to its specific transportation context; for тележка, A2 for basic learners, as it's a simple noun)

Pronunciation (Russian):

троллейбус: [trɐˈlʲejbəs]

тележка: [tʲɪˈlʲeʂkə]

Note on троллейбус: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Note on тележка: The 'ж' is a voiced fricative, similar to 'zh' in 'measure'; it doesn't change in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A vehicle powered by electricity from overhead wires, often used in public transportation (e.g., trolleybus).

Translation(s) & Context:

• троллейбус - Used in formal or everyday contexts for urban public transport, especially in cities with electric bus systems.

Usage Examples:

• Я езжу на троллейбусе в центр города каждый день.

  I take the trolleybus to the city center every day.

• Троллейбус - экологичный способ передвижения в мегаполисах.

  The trolleybus is an eco-friendly way to get around in big cities.

• В дождливую погоду троллейбус часто задерживается из-за проводов.

  In rainy weather, the trolleybus is often delayed because of the wires.

• Мой маршрут включает пересадку на троллейбус номер 15.

  My route includes a transfer to trolleybus number 15.

Meaning 2: A wheeled cart used for carrying goods, such as in supermarkets or for manual transport (e.g., shopping trolley).

Translation(s) & Context:

• тележка - Informal and versatile, often in retail or domestic settings; can imply something small and portable.

Usage Examples:

• В супермаркете я всегда беру тележку для покупок.

  In the supermarket, I always take a trolley for shopping.

• Тележка на складе помогает перевозить тяжелые коробки.

  The trolley in the warehouse helps to transport heavy boxes.

• Дети любят кататься на тележке в парке.

  Children love riding on the trolley in the park.

• Не забудьте вернуть тележку после использования.

  Don't forget to return the trolley after use.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. Троллейбус is a masculine noun with standard declension patterns, while тележка is a feminine noun that follows common Russian inflection rules.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners at B1 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Для троллейбус: автобус (bus) - Similar for public transport, but not electric.
  • Для тележка: вагонетка (small cart) - Used in industrial contexts; slightly more formal.
• Antonyms:
  • Для троллейбус: велосипед (bicycle) - Represents individual, non-electric transport.
  • Для тележка: рюкзак (backpack) - An alternative for carrying items without wheels.

Related Phrases:

• Ехать на троллейбусе - To ride on a trolleybus; used for describing daily commutes.
• Взять тележку в магазине - To take a trolley in the store; common in shopping scenarios.
• Троллейбусный маршрут - Trolleybus route; refers to scheduled paths in urban areas.
• Тележка для багажа - Luggage trolley; often seen in airports or stations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "троллейбус" directly corresponds to the British English "trolley" for public transport vehicles, while "тележка" aligns with American English "cart" for shopping. Choose "троллейбус" in formal or transportation contexts, and "тележка" for everyday, informal situations. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as it affects adjectives and verbs (e.g., "большой троллейбус" for masculine). If the context involves multiple items, ensure proper pluralization.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "троллейбус" with "трамвай" (tram), as both are electric vehicles. Correct: Use "троллейбус" for overhead wire-powered buses, not rail-based ones. Example of error: "Я езжу на трамвае" when meaning trolleybus. Correct: "Я езжу на троллейбусе".

• Error: Forgetting to decline "тележка" in sentences, e.g., saying "в тележка" instead of "в тележке". Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "Я положил вещи в тележку".

Cultural Notes:

"Троллейбус" is a staple of Russian urban life, especially in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, symbolizing efficient, eco-friendly public transport from the Soviet era. It reflects Russia's emphasis on communal infrastructure, contrasting with more individualistic transport in some Western cultures.

Related Concepts:

• автобус (bus)
• трамвай (tram)
• маршрутка (minibus)
• корзина (basket, related to shopping)