Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'utensil'

English Word: utensil

Key Russian Translations:

• прибор [ˈprʲibɐr] - [Formal, commonly used in technical or everyday contexts]
• посуда [ˈposʊdə] - [Informal, Plural, often refers to tableware or kitchen items]
• утварь [ʊtˈvarʲ] - [Formal, somewhat archaic or literary, for traditional or historical utensils]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about household items, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "дом").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and basic vocabulary. For 'прибор', it's B1; for 'посуда', it's A2 due to its regularity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

прибор: [ˈprʲibɐr]

посуда: [ˈposʊdə]

утварь: [ʊtˈvarʲ]

Note on прибор: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'р' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. For посуда, the 'у' is pronounced like 'oo' in 'book'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A tool or container used for cooking, eating, or other practical purposes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• прибор - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing kitchen gadgets or instruments.
• посуда - Informal, often for everyday items like plates or cutlery, especially in plural form for sets.
• утварь - Formal or historical contexts, like in museums or literature about traditional tools.

Usage Examples:

• В кухне у меня есть несколько полезных приборов для готовки.

  In my kitchen, I have several useful utensils for cooking.

• Эта посуда сделана из качественного металла и служит годами.

  This tableware is made of high-quality metal and lasts for years.

• В музее выставлена старинная утварь, включая кухонные приборы.

  The museum displays ancient utensils, including kitchen tools.

• Я предпочитаю современные приборы вместо традиционной утвари.

  I prefer modern utensils over traditional ones.

• Дети помогали мыть посуду после ужина.

  The children helped wash the dishes after dinner.

Meaning 2: Any implement or device used for a specific function (broader sense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• прибор - In scientific or mechanical contexts, e.g., laboratory equipment.
• утварь - Rarely used, but in poetic or historical descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• В лаборатории используются точные приборы для измерений.

  Precise utensils are used in the laboratory for measurements.

• Эта утварь из прошлого века теперь считается антиквариатом.

  This utensil from the last century is now considered an antique.

• Механики ремонтируют приборы в гараже.

  Mechanics repair utensils in the garage.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most translations like 'прибор' and 'посуда' are nouns. 'Прибор' is a masculine noun (3rd declension), while 'посуда' is feminine and often used in plural. 'Утварь' is feminine and can be irregular in some forms.

Note: 'Посуда' is often invariant in singular but changes in plural; it follows standard feminine patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • инструмент (instrument) - More general, for tools.
  • приспособление (device) - Informal, for makeshift utensils.
• Antonyms:
  • мусор (trash) - Implies uselessness.

Related Phrases:

• Кухонный прибор - Kitchen utensil; commonly used in shopping or daily life contexts.
• Столовая посуда - Tableware; refers to dining sets and their usage in meals.
• Древняя утварь - Ancient utensils; often in historical or cultural discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Прибор' is the most direct translation for 'utensil' in modern contexts, especially for kitchen tools, but it can sound formal. Use 'посуда' for everyday items like dishes. English speakers should note that Russian nouns decline based on case, so 'прибор' changes to 'прибора' in genitive. When choosing between translations, opt for 'прибор' in technical scenarios and 'посуда' in informal ones to match the context accurately.

• Grammar tip: Always check the gender and number for proper agreement with adjectives and verbs.
• Contextual advice: In Russian, utensils are often discussed in plural forms, e.g., 'посуда' for a set, which differs from English singular usage.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse cases, e.g., saying "Я имею прибор" instead of "Я имею прибор" (correct), but forgetting to decline in sentences like "без прибора" (without the utensil). Error: "Я иду в магазин для купить прибор" (incorrect word order and case). Correct: "Я иду в магазин, чтобы купить прибор". This error stems from direct translation without considering Russian syntax.

• Error: Using 'прибор' for all contexts; e.g., "Это посуда для еды" should be "Это прибор для готовки" if specifying a cooking tool. Explanation: Differentiate based on function to avoid confusion.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'посуда' often evokes family traditions, such as samovars or inherited tableware, symbolizing hospitality. 'Утварь' might reference historical items from folklore, like those in Russian fairy tales, highlighting the cultural importance of handmade tools in rural life.

Related Concepts:

• Инструмент
• Орудие
• Кухонные принадлежности