Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'trowel'

English Word: trowel

Key Russian Translations:

• шпатель /ʃpɐˈtʲelʲ/ - [Formal, Used in technical or construction contexts]
• мастерок /ˈmasterək/ - [Informal, Regional variations, Used in everyday DIY scenarios]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized fields like construction or gardening.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should recognize it with some exposure to technical vocabulary. For 'шпатель', it's straightforward; for 'мастерок', slight variations in regional dialects may add minor complexity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шпатель: /ʃpɐˈtʲelʲ/

мастерок: /ˈmasterək/

Note on шпатель: The initial 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; practice it like the 'sh' in 'shoe', but ensure the following vowels are soft and palatalized in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Main meaning: A hand tool used for spreading and smoothing materials like mortar, plaster, or soil in construction, gardening, or DIY work.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шпатель - Used in formal or professional settings, such as construction sites, where precision is key.
• мастерок - Applied in informal contexts, like home repairs, and may imply a smaller, more versatile tool.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял шпатель и разровнял цемент на стене.

  I took the trowel and smoothed the cement on the wall.

• В саду он использует мастерок, чтобы посадить цветы.

  In the garden, he uses the trowel to plant flowers.

• Шпатель необходим для нанесения штукатурки равномерно.

  A trowel is necessary for applying plaster evenly.

• Мастерок в руках опытного мастера творит чудеса.

  A trowel in the hands of an experienced craftsman works wonders.

• Без шпателя невозможно закончить ремонт кухни.

  Without a trowel, it's impossible to finish the kitchen renovation.

Secondary meaning: In a broader sense, it can refer to any flat-bladed tool for mixing or applying substances.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шпатель - In culinary or artistic contexts, like spreading icing or paint.

Usage Examples:

• Художник использует шпатель для смешивания красок.

  The artist uses a trowel to mix paints.

• На кухне шпатель помогает наносить крем на торт.

  In the kitchen, a trowel helps apply cream to the cake.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'шпатель' and 'мастерок' are masculine nouns in Russian, following standard declension patterns for inanimate objects. They exhibit regular inflection based on case, number, and gender.

For 'мастерок', the inflections are similar: Nominative singular - мастерок; Plural - мастерки; etc. These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • лопатка (lopatka) - Similar to a small shovel, often used interchangeably in gardening.
  • скребок (skrebok) - For scraping, with a slight difference in implying more abrasive action.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a tool noun without clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• использовать шпатель (ispol'zovat' shpately) - To use a trowel; Common in instructional contexts for DIY or construction.
• шпатель для штукатурки (shpately dlya shtukaturki) - Trowel for plaster; Refers to a specialized type in building work.
• мастерок в работе (masterok v rabote) - Trowel in action; Implies practical application in craftsmanship.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'шпатель' is the most precise equivalent to 'trowel' in professional contexts, while 'мастерок' is more colloquial and may not always convey the exact same tool in English. Choose based on formality: Use 'шпатель' for technical discussions and 'мастерок' for everyday talk. Be mindful of grammatical gender (masculine) and ensure correct case usage in sentences. For example, in prepositional phrases, it becomes 'с шпателем' (with the trowel).

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'шпатель' with 'лопата' (shovel): English learners might overuse 'лопата' for any digging tool. Error: "Я взял лопату для штукатурки" (I took a shovel for plaster). Correct: "Я взял шпатель для штукатурки" (I took a trowel for plaster). Explanation: 'Лопата' implies a larger shovel, not suitable for fine work.
• Neglecting case inflections: Forgetting to change to genitive, e.g., saying "без шпатель" instead of "без шпателя". Correct: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, tools like the trowel ('шпатель') are often associated with the Soviet-era emphasis on manual labor and craftsmanship. They symbolize practicality and endurance in everyday life, frequently appearing in literature and films about working-class heroes, such as in stories of builders during industrialization periods.

Related Concepts:

• инструменты (instrumenty) - Tools
• ремонт (remont) - Repair
• садоводство (sadovodstvo) - Gardening