Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'typewriter'

English Word: typewriter

Key Russian Translations:

• пишущая машинка [ˈpʲiʂuʂʲɪjə mɐˈʂɨnkə] - [Formal, Historical; used in contexts referring to mechanical devices]

Frequency: Low (The term is rarely used in modern Russian due to the obsolescence of typewriters, mostly appearing in historical or nostalgic contexts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners need familiarity with noun declensions and compound words, but the vocabulary is straightforward for those at this CEFR level.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пишущая машинка: [ˈpʲiʂuʂʲɪjə mɐˈʂɨnkə]

Note on пишущая машинка: The stress falls on the first syllable of "пишущая" ([ˈpʲiʂuʂʲɪjə]), and the "щ" sound is a soft, palatalized fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear separation between the two words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A mechanical device used for typing characters onto paper.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пишущая машинка - Used in formal, historical, or literary contexts to describe an old-fashioned typing machine; common in discussions of pre-digital technology or in museums.

Usage Examples:

• В музее есть старая пишущая машинка, на которой писали известные писатели.

  In the museum, there is an old typewriter that famous writers used.

• Мой дедушка научил меня работать на пишущей машинке в детстве.

  My grandfather taught me how to use a typewriter when I was a child.

• Пишущая машинка – это символ эпохи до компьютеров, но сейчас её редко встретишь.

  A typewriter is a symbol of the pre-computer era, but it's rarely seen nowadays.

• Для реставрации антикварной пишущей машинки потребуются специальные инструменты.

  Restoring an antique typewriter will require special tools.

• В фильме героиня использует пишущую машинку, чтобы написать роман.

  In the movie, the heroine uses a typewriter to write a novel.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пишущая машинка" is a noun phrase where "пишущая" is an adjective (feminine singular form of "пишущий," meaning "writing") and "машинка" is a feminine noun (diminutive of "машина"). It follows standard Russian inflection rules for adjectives and nouns.

For "машинка" (feminine noun, 1st declension):

Note: The adjective "пишущая" agrees with "машинка" in gender, number, and case, making it a regular inflection. This phrase does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пишущая машина (more formal, less diminutive; used in technical contexts)
  • машинка для письма (emphasizes the writing function; slightly more descriptive)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific object. However, conceptually, opposites might include "компьютер" (computer) in modern contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Ремонтировать пишущую машинку - To repair a typewriter (used in contexts of maintenance or restoration).
• Печатать на пишущей машинке - To type on a typewriter (refers to the act of using it for writing).
• Антикварная пишущая машинка - Antique typewriter (common in discussions of collectibles).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "пишущая машинка" directly corresponds to the English "typewriter" but carries a nostalgic or historical connotation, as typewriters are largely outdated. Use it in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation, where digital alternatives like "компьютер" or "клавиатура" are preferred. Be mindful of gender agreement: as a feminine noun, it must agree with adjectives and verbs accordingly. When choosing between translations, opt for "пишущая машинка" for mechanical devices and "пишущая машина" for more general or technical references.

• Grammar note: Always decline the noun based on its case in the sentence to maintain grammatical accuracy.
• Context tip: In modern Russian, this word is often used metaphorically in literature or media to evoke the past.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word in plural form incorrectly, e.g., saying "пишущие машины" when referring to a single item.
  Correct: "Пишущая машинка" for singular; explanation: Russian nouns must match number with context, so verify the sentence structure to avoid mismatches.
• Error: Mispronouncing the "щ" sound as "sh" (like in English), e.g., saying [ˈpʲiʃuʂʲɪjə] instead of [ˈpʲiʂuʂʲɪjə].
  Correct: Practice the soft "щ" as in "fish" but more palatalized; this is a common issue for English speakers due to phonetic differences.
• Error: Confusing it with "пишущий принтер" (which means "printing printer"), implying a digital device.
  Correct: Stick to "пишущая машинка" for historical accuracy; explanation: This prevents mixing eras and ensures precise communication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the typewriter holds symbolic value as a relic of the Soviet era, often featured in literature and films to represent bureaucracy, intellectual work, or nostalgia. For instance, it's commonly associated with writers like Leo Tolstoy or in Soviet-era offices, evoking a sense of pre-digital simplicity and resilience.

Related Concepts:

• компьютер (computer)
• клавиатура (keyboard)
• принтер (printer)