термо́метр
termómetrmasculine
The English word 'thermometer' translates to Russian as термо́метр (termómetr) or гра́дусник.
Meaning: apparatus used to measure temperature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| термо́метр | termómetr | masculine |
| гра́дусник | grádusnik | masculine |
Both words refer to an apparatus used to measure temperature. While термо́метр is the standard scientific term, гра́дусник is the word most frequently used in everyday conversation when talking about checking a fever.
What does it mean word for word?
The word гра́дусник is derived from гра́дус (degree), literally meaning 'degree-measurer'.
Which one should you use?
термо́метр is the standard term for the instrument, whereas гра́дусник is a common, more colloquial way to refer to a thermometer, especially a medical one.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both термо́метр and гра́дусник are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
termómetr
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word гра́дус is used to describe the alcohol content of a beverage. Telling someone a drink has 'many degrees' means it is very strong.
- The word гра́дус is used metaphorically to describe the intensity or 'heat' of a political situation or a heated argument.
- Because of the prevalence of mercury devices in the Soviet era, the word гра́дусник is culturally tied to the specific physical ritual of shaking the instrument before use.
Examples in context
- Врач использовал термометр, чтобы измерить мою температуру.The doctor used a thermometer to measure my temperature.
- Я замеряю температуру с помощью градусника.I measure the temperature using a thermometer.
- Где мой электронный термо́метр?Gde moy elektronnyy termometr?Where is my electronic thermometer?
- Этот термо́метр показывает высокую температуру.Etot termometr pokazyvayet vysokuyu temperaturu.This thermometer shows a high temperature.
- Нам нужен новый термо́метр для аквариума.Nam nuzhen novyy termometr dlya akvariuma.We need a new thermometer for the aquarium.
Example conversation
Maria is checking Alexander's temperature because he feels sick.
- Мария MariaАлександр, подожди, я возьму термо́метр.Aleksandr, podozhdi, ya voz'mu termometr.Alexander, wait, I will get the thermometer.
- Александр AleksandrУ меня действительно высокая температура?U menya dejstvitel'no vysokaya temperatura?Do I really have a high temperature?
- Мария MariaДавай проверим это сейчас.Davaj proverim eto sejchas.Let's check it right now.
- Александр AleksandrХорошо, Мария, я жду.Khorosho, Mariya, ya zhdu.Okay, Maria, I'm waiting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thermometer” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
