Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chain'

English Word: chain

Key Russian Translations:

• цепь [t͡sɛpʲ] - [General, Neutral]
• цепочка [t͡sɛˈpot͡ʃkə] - [Often used for smaller or decorative chains, Diminutive]
• сеть [sʲetʲ] - [Figurative, e.g., chain of stores or events]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "цепь" and "цепочка"; B1 for "сеть" due to figurative usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

цепь: [t͡sɛpʲ]

Note on цепь: The sound [t͡s] is a single affricate sound, common in Russian. Stress is on the first syllable.

цепочка: [t͡sɛˈpot͡ʃkə]

Note on цепочка: Stress falls on the second syllable. The diminutive suffix "-очка" softens the tone.

сеть: [sʲetʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal Chain (Physical Object)

Translation(s) & Context:

• цепь - Used for heavy or industrial chains, like those on a bike or anchor.
• цепочка - Refers to smaller, often decorative chains, like a necklace.

Usage Examples:

• Цепь на велосипеде порвалась.

  The chain on the bicycle broke.

• Она носит золотую цепочку на шее.

  She wears a gold chain around her neck.

• Корабль удерживает тяжёлая цепь.

  The ship is held by a heavy chain.

2. Figurative Chain (Sequence or Network)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сеть - Used for a chain of stores, events, or connections.
• цепь - Occasionally used for a sequence of events or ideas.

Usage Examples:

• Это сеть супермаркетов по всей стране.

  This is a chain of supermarkets across the country.

• Цепь событий привела к кризису.

  A chain of events led to the crisis.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

цепь (feminine noun): Follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in a soft sign (ь).

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	цепь	цепи
Genitive	цепи	цепей
Dative	цепи	цепям
Accusative	цепь	цепи
Instrumental	цепью	цепями
Prepositional	цепи	цепях

цепочка (feminine noun): Follows standard second declension for feminine nouns ending in "-а".

сеть (feminine noun): Follows a similar pattern to "цепь" with soft sign declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for цепь/цепочка (literal):

• верёвка (rope, in some contexts)
• трос (cable, for heavy chains)

Note: "верёвка" implies a softer or less durable material, while "трос" is for industrial use.

Synonyms for сеть (figurative):

• система (system)
• ряд (series)

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms for literal or figurative use.

Related Phrases:

• цепь поставок - Supply chain (used in business contexts).
• пищевая цепочка - Food chain (biological term).
• сеть магазинов - Chain of stores (common commercial phrase).

Usage Notes:

• "Цепь" is the most general term for a physical chain and can also be used metaphorically for a sequence of events, though less commonly than "сеть".
• "Цепочка" carries a diminutive or affectionate tone, often implying something delicate or personal like jewelry.
• "Сеть" is primarily used for figurative chains, such as networks or systems, and should not be used for physical chains.
• Pay attention to context when choosing the appropriate translation, as misuse can lead to confusion (e.g., using "сеть" for a bike chain).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сеть" for a physical chain. Incorrect: "У велосипеда сломалась сеть." (The bicycle’s chain broke as "network").
  Correct: "У велосипеда сломалась цепь."
• Error: Using "цепочка" for heavy or industrial chains. Incorrect: "Корабль на цепочке." (The ship is on a small decorative chain).
  Correct: "Корабль на цепи."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "цепочка" often refers to jewelry, especially gold chains, which are popular as gifts or status symbols. The word may evoke a sense of personal value or tradition.

Related Concepts:

• звено (link, as in a single part of a chain)
• связь (connection, related to figurative chains)
• кольцо (ring, often linked to chains in jewelry)