автомобиль — meaning in English: car

avtomobil' · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for vehicle

политик

politik

фраза

fraza

ходьбы

khod'by

Концессия

Kontsessiya

автомобиль

avtomobil'

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'автомобиль' when discussing travel plans, car purchases, or commuting experiences. For example, in a friendly conversation about weekend trips, someone might say, 'Мы поедем на автомобиле в Москву' (We're going to Moscow by car).

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'машина' (mashina), which is more informal and can also refer to machinery in general. 'Автомобиль' is more specific and technical, making it ideal for formal contexts or discussions about vehicle specifications.

Culture

'Автомобиль' comes from the Greek word 'autos,' meaning 'self,' and the Latin 'mobilis,' meaning 'movable.' This blend reflects the evolution of transportation in Russia, especially during the 20th century when the automobile became a symbol of personal freedom and modernization, significantly impacting Soviet society and culture.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'автомобиль'?

The plural form of 'автомобиль' is 'автомобили.' This is useful when talking about multiple cars, for example, 'У нас есть три автомобиля' (We have three cars).

Q.How do you say 'I drive a car' in Russian?

You would say 'Я вожу автомобиль' or informally 'Я вожу машину.' Both are correct, but 'машина' is more casual.

Q.Is 'автомобиль' used in formal writing?

Yes, 'автомобиль' is appropriate for formal writing, such as reports or academic papers, whereas 'машина' is better suited for everyday conversation.

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