Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Abacus'

English Word: abacus

Key Russian Translations:

• счёты [ˈʃʲɵtɨ] - [Plural, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

счёты: [ˈʃʲɵtɨ]

Note on счёты: The stress falls on the first syllable. The "ё" sound is pronounced as a stressed "yo".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A counting tool used for arithmetic calculations

Translation(s) & Context:

• счёты - Refers to a traditional counting device with beads or counters, often used historically for calculations.

Usage Examples:

• В старых магазинах до сих пор можно увидеть счёты на прилавке.

  In old shops, you can still see an abacus on the counter.

• Моя бабушка учила меня считать на счётах.

  My grandmother taught me to count using an abacus.

• Счёты были популярны до появления калькуляторов.

  Abacuses were popular before the advent of calculators.

• Он быстро передвигает бусины на счётах, делая расчёты.

  He quickly moves the beads on the abacus, making calculations.

• В музее выставлены старинные деревянные счёты.

  Ancient wooden abacuses are displayed in the museum.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word счёты is a plural-only noun in Russian (no singular form exists for this meaning). It follows the standard declension pattern for plural nouns of the second declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• абак (less common, borrowed term)

Note: "абак" is rarely used in modern Russian and sounds more academic or historical.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable.

Related Phrases:

• считать на счётах - "to count using an abacus"; refers to performing calculations with the tool.
• старые счёты - "old abacus"; can also metaphorically mean "old grudges" or "past accounts to settle".

Usage Notes:

• The word "счёты" is always used in the plural form when referring to the counting tool. There is no singular form for this meaning.
• Be aware that "счёты" can also mean "accounts" or "scores" in other contexts (e.g., settling scores), so context is crucial.
• This term is somewhat dated as abacuses are no longer commonly used, but it is still understood and often associated with historical or cultural contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular form "счёт" to mean abacus. Incorrect: "У меня есть счёт для подсчётов." (This means "I have an account for calculations.")
  Correct: Use "счёты" in plural: "У меня есть счёты для подсчётов." (I have an abacus for calculations.)
• Error: Confusing "счёты" (abacus) with "счёт" (bill, account, or score). Always rely on context to ensure the correct meaning is conveyed.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the abacus ("счёты") is often associated with traditional merchants and old-school accounting practices, especially from the Soviet era or earlier. It symbolizes simplicity and manual labor in contrast to modern technology. You might see it in museums or as a nostalgic item in rural areas.

Related Concepts:

• калькулятор (calculator)
• арифметика (arithmetic)
• счёт (account, bill, score)