washroom
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'washroom'
English Word: washroom
Key Russian Translations:
- туалет [tuˈalʲɪt] - [Formal, commonly used for public restrooms]
- ванная комната [ˈvannəjə ˈkomnətə] - [Informal, typically for bathrooms in a home or hotel setting]
Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday conversations, especially in travel or domestic contexts)
Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as these are basic nouns; however, understanding inflections may require A2 for ванная комната)
Pronunciation (Russian):
туалет: [tuˈalʲɪt]
Note on туалет: The stress falls on the second syllable; the 'лʲ' sound is a soft 'l', which can be challenging for beginners.
Audio: []
ванная комната: [ˈvannəjə ˈkomnətə]
Note on ванная комната: Stress on the first syllable of each word; the 'нн' is a geminate 'n', pronounced with a slight lengthening.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
Meaning 1: A room equipped for washing oneself, often in a public or shared space (e.g., restroom or lavatory).
Translation(s) & Context:
- туалет - Used in formal or public contexts, such as asking for facilities in a restaurant or on public transport; implies a focus on sanitation.
- ванная комната - Applied in informal, domestic settings, like in homes or hotels, where bathing or washing is the primary function.
Usage Examples:
-
Где здесь туалет? Я ищу место для умывания.
Where is the washroom here? I'm looking for a place to freshen up.
-
В этом кафе есть чистый туалет для посетителей.
This cafe has a clean washroom for customers.
-
Ванная комната в нашей квартире оснащена душем и раковиной.
The washroom in our apartment is equipped with a shower and sink.
-
После прогулки по городу, я всегда ищу туалет в ближайшем магазине.
After walking around the city, I always look for a washroom in the nearest store.
-
Гостиница предлагает роскошную ванную комнату с ванной и туалетом.
The hotel offers a luxurious washroom with a bathtub and toilet.
Meaning 2: A room specifically for bathing or personal hygiene in a private residence (less common for 'washroom' in British English).
Translation(s) & Context:
- ванная комната - Preferred in home contexts; emphasizes relaxation and daily routines.
Usage Examples:
-
В ванной комнате всегда есть полотенца и мыло.
In the washroom, there are always towels and soap.
-
Мы ремонтируем ванную комнату, чтобы сделать её более современной.
We're renovating the washroom to make it more modern.
Russian Forms/Inflections:
Both key translations are nouns. 'Туалет' is a masculine noun with standard declensions, while 'Ванная комната' is a feminine noun phrase that follows regular patterns. Below is a table for their inflections:
Case | туалет (Singular) | ванная комната (Singular) |
---|---|---|
Nominative | туалет | ванная комната |
Genitive | туалета | ванной комнаты |
Dative | туалету | ванной комнате |
Accusative | туалет | ванную комнату |
Instrumental | туалетом | ванной комнатой |
Prepositional | туалете | ванной комнате |
Note: These words do not have irregular inflections; they follow standard Russian grammar rules for masculine and feminine nouns.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- уборная (ubornaya) - Similar to туалет, often used interchangeably in informal contexts; slightly more outdated.
- санузел (sanuzel) - Formal synonym, emphasizing sanitary facilities in buildings.
- Antonyms: Not typically applicable, as 'washroom' is a neutral noun. However, conceptually opposite might be 'улица' (ulitsa, street), implying outdoor spaces.
Related Phrases:
- Публичный туалет (Publichnyy tualet) - Public washroom; used for facilities in public areas like parks.
- Туалет для инвалидов (Tualet dlya invalidov) - Washroom for disabled persons; highlights accessibility features.
- Ванная с душем (Vannaya s dushem) - Washroom with a shower; common in home descriptions.
Usage Notes:
'Туалет' is the most direct translation for 'washroom' in public contexts and is widely understood, but it can sound formal. Use 'ванная комната' for private or residential settings to avoid confusion. In Russian, these words are gender-specific in grammar, so pay attention to adjective agreements (e.g., 'чистый туалет' for masculine). When choosing between translations, opt for 'туалет' in urban or travel scenarios and 'ванная комната' for domestic discussions. Avoid direct word-for-word translations; context is key in Russian.
Common Errors:
Error: Confusing 'туалет' with 'ванна' (bathtub), leading to misuse like saying 'Где ванна?' when meaning a restroom.
Correct: Use 'туалет' for restrooms. Explanation: 'Ванна' specifically means a bathtub, not a full washroom, which can mislead in public contexts.
Error: Forgetting inflections, e.g., using 'туалет' in the wrong case, like 'в туалет' instead of 'в туалете' for 'in the washroom'.
Correct: 'В туалете' (prepositional case). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the preposition's demands.
Cultural Notes:
In Russia, public 'туалетs' (washrooms) are often pay-to-use and may not be as readily available as in Western countries, reflecting a cultural emphasis on maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces. Additionally, home 'ванная комнатas' are typically private and well-equipped, symbolizing family comfort and hospitality.
Related Concepts:
- душ (dush) - Shower
- раковина (rakovina) - Sink
- сантехника (santekhnika) - Plumbing