Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'button'

English Word: button

Key Russian Translations:

• кнопка [ˈknopkə] - [Informal, General Use]
• пуговица [pʊˈɡovʲɪtsə] - [Formal, Refers to clothing buttons]

Frequency: High (both translations are commonly used depending on context)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кнопка: [ˈknopkə]

Note on кнопка: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'о' sounds like a short 'o'.

пуговица: [pʊˈɡovʲɪtsə]

Note on пуговица: Stress on the second syllable. The 'и' is pronounced as a soft 'i'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Button (as in a control or switch, e.g., on a device)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кнопка - Used for buttons on devices, remotes, or keyboards.

Usage Examples:

• Нажми на кнопку, чтобы включить телевизор.

  Press the button to turn on the TV.

• Эта кнопка не работает.

  This button doesn’t work.

• На клавиатуре есть красная кнопка.

  There’s a red button on the keyboard.

2. Button (as in a fastener on clothing)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пуговица - Refers specifically to buttons on shirts, coats, etc.

Usage Examples:

• На рубашке оторвалась пуговица.

  A button came off the shirt.

• Застегни пуговицы на пальто.

  Fasten the buttons on your coat.

• Эта пуговица слишком большая для петли.

  This button is too big for the buttonhole.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кнопка (feminine noun):

пуговица (feminine noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for кнопка:

• клавиша (used for keys/buttons on instruments or keyboards)

Synonyms for пуговица:

• пуговка (diminutive, informal)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either translation.

Related Phrases:

• нажать на кнопку - "to press the button" (used for devices or triggers)
• оторвать пуговицу - "to tear off a button" (clothing context)
• застегнуть на все пуговицы - "to button up completely" (often used metaphorically for being overly formal)

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "кнопка" and "пуговица" depends strictly on context. Use "кнопка" for functional buttons (e.g., on a remote or phone) and "пуговица" for clothing fasteners.
• "кнопка" can sometimes be used metaphorically, e.g., referring to a trigger or starting point.
• Be mindful of grammatical gender: both are feminine nouns, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кнопка" for clothing buttons. Incorrect: На рубашке есть кнопка. Correct: На рубашке есть пуговица.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation. For "кнопка," stress is on the first syllable, not the second.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, buttons on clothing ("пуговица") can sometimes carry symbolic meaning, such as in superstitions (e.g., a loose button might signify upcoming change). Additionally, the phrase "застегнуться на все пуговицы" (to button up completely) can imply being overly reserved or formal.

Related Concepts:

• клавиатура (keyboard)
• одежда (clothing)
• устройство (device)