Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Badge'

English Word: Badge

Key Russian Translations:

• значок [ˈznatɕək] - [Informal, General Use]
• знак [znak] - [Formal, Often Used in Official Contexts]
• эмблема [ɛmˈblʲemə] - [Formal, Often Refers to Symbolic or Organizational Badges]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "значок"; B1 (Intermediate) for "знак" and "эмблема"

Pronunciation (Russian):

значок: [ˈznatɕək]

Note on значок: The stress is on the first syllable, and the "ч" sound is soft, similar to "ch" in "church".

знак: [znak]

Note on знак: The "а" is pronounced as a clear, open vowel, and the word has a sharp, concise ending.

эмблема: [ɛmˈblʲemə]

Note on эмблема: Stress on the second syllable, with a soft "л" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Small Object Worn to Show Membership or Achievement (e.g., Scout Badge)

Translation(s) & Context:

• значок - Commonly used for pins or badges worn casually or for personal achievements (e.g., school or club badges).

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть значок за победу в конкурсе.

  I have a badge for winning the competition.

• Она приколола значок на куртку.

  She pinned the badge on her jacket.

• Дети собирают значки с изображением животных.

  The children collect badges with animal pictures.

2. An Official Symbol or Insignia (e.g., Police Badge)

Translation(s) & Context:

• знак - Used in formal or official contexts, often for badges representing authority or certification.
• эмблема - Refers to a symbolic or representative badge, often for organizations or brands.

Usage Examples:

• Полицейский показал свой знак отличия.

  The policeman showed his badge of distinction.

• На машине была эмблема известной компании.

  There was a badge of a well-known company on the car.

• Этот знак подтверждает его полномочия.

  This badge confirms his authority.

• Эмблема на форме указывает на принадлежность к клубу.

  The badge on the uniform indicates membership in the club.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

значок (Masculine Noun):

знак (Masculine Noun): Follows similar declension rules as "значок".

эмблема (Feminine Noun): Follows standard feminine noun declension patterns in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for значок:

• булавка (pin, often used interchangeably in casual contexts)
• иконка (small icon, in digital or informal contexts)

Synonyms for знак:

• символ (symbol, broader meaning)
• отличие (distinction, in official contexts)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "badge" lacks a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• значок отличия - Badge of honor or distinction.
• знак качества - Quality badge/mark (often used for products).
• эмблема команды - Team badge/emblem.

Usage Notes:

• "значок" is the most versatile and commonly used term for personal or decorative badges, suitable for informal contexts.
• "знак" is more formal and often implies authority or official recognition, such as badges for police or certifications.
• "эмблема" is typically used for logos or symbolic representations, often associated with organizations or brands.
• Be cautious when choosing between these terms, as using "значок" in a formal context (e.g., for a police badge) may sound inappropriate or diminutive.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "значок" for an official badge (e.g., "police badge").
  Incorrect: Полицейский значок.
  Correct: Полицейский знак.
  Explanation: "значок" is too informal for official contexts; "знак" conveys the necessary authority.
• Error: Misusing "эмблема" for a personal badge.
  Incorrect: У меня есть эмблема за конкурс.
  Correct: У меня есть значок за конкурс.
  Explanation: "эмблема" refers to organizational or symbolic badges, not personal achievements.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, badges (especially "значки") were extremely popular during the Soviet era as symbols of achievement, membership, or propaganda. Collecting badges was a common hobby, and they often carried significant sentimental or historical value. Today, "значки" are still used in schools and clubs, while "знак" and "эмблема" are more tied to professional or corporate contexts.

Related Concepts:

• медаль (medal)
• орден (order/award)
• символика (symbolism)