Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Clock'

English Word: clock

Key Russian Translations:

• часы [tɕɪˈsɨ] - [Neutral, Used for both wall clocks and general timepieces]
• будильник [bʊˈdʲilʲnʲɪk] - [Neutral, Specifically for alarm clocks]

Frequency: High (commonly used in daily conversations)

Difficulty: A1 for "часы" (Beginner); A2 for "будильник" (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

часы: [tɕɪˈsɨ]

Note on часы: The stress falls on the second syllable. The initial "ч" is a soft affricate sound, similar to "ch" in "church."

будильник: [bʊˈdʲilʲnʲɪk]

Note on будильник: Stress on the second syllable. The "ль" combination requires a soft "l" sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Timepiece (e.g., wall clock, table clock)

Translation(s) & Context:

• часы - Used for most types of clocks, excluding alarm clocks or wristwatches (which often use "наручные часы").

Usage Examples:

• На стене висят старинные часы.

  An antique clock hangs on the wall.

• Эти часы идут точно.

  This clock keeps accurate time.

• Часы пробили полночь.

  The clock struck midnight.

2. Alarm Clock (device to wake someone up)

Translation(s) & Context:

• будильник - Refers specifically to an alarm clock or a device with an alarm function.

Usage Examples:

• Будильник зазвонил в шесть утра.

  The alarm clock rang at six in the morning.

• Я забыл поставить будильник.

  I forgot to set the alarm clock.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

часы (Plural-Only Noun): This word is used only in the plural form in Russian, even when referring to a single clock. It follows the regular plural declension for neuter nouns.

будильник (Masculine Noun): Regular masculine noun declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for часы:

• хронометр (more technical, rare in everyday speech)

Note: "хронометр" is used in specific contexts like navigation or science, not for everyday clocks.

Synonyms for будильник:

• сигнал (less common, refers to the alarm sound)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for "clock" or "alarm clock."

Related Phrases:

• настенные часы - Wall clock
• наручные часы - Wristwatch
• завести будильник - To set the alarm clock
• часы идут - The clock is running (working)

Usage Notes:

• "часы" is a plural-only noun in Russian, even when referring to a single clock. This can be confusing for English speakers who expect a singular form.
• Use "часы" for general clocks and timepieces, but switch to "будильник" when specifically referring to an alarm clock.
• In Russian, "часы" can also mean "watch" (as in wristwatch), but context or adjectives like "наручные" (wrist) help clarify the meaning.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using singular form for "часы" (e.g., *час instead of часы). Explanation: "час" means "hour," not "clock." Always use "часы" for clocks, even for one item.
• Error: Using "будильник" for a wall clock (e.g., *будильник на стене). Explanation: "будильник" refers only to alarm clocks. Use "часы" for wall or table clocks.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, clocks are often associated with punctuality, and giving a clock as a gift can be considered bad luck in some contexts, as it symbolizes the "ticking away" of time or life. Be cautious when gifting clocks or discussing them in symbolic contexts.

Related Concepts:

• время (time)
• час (hour)
• минута (minute)