Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'clockmaker'

English Word: clockmaker

Key Russian Translations:

• часовщик [ˈtʃasɐfʃʲɪk] - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in professional or historical contexts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; learners need to understand basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to professions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

часовщик: [ˈtʃasɐfʃʲɪk]

Note on часовщик: The stress is on the first syllable, and the "щ" sound is a soft, palatalized "sh" which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear "ch" as in "church" followed by a soft "sh."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who makes or repairs clocks and watches.

Translation(s) & Context:

• часовщик - Used in formal, professional, or technical contexts, such as in horology or repair services.

Usage Examples:

• Я отнес часы к часовщику для ремонта.

  I took the clock to the clockmaker for repair.

• В старом городе работал талантливый часовщик, который создавал уникальные часы.

  In the old town, there was a talented clockmaker who created unique clocks.

• Мой дед был часовщиком и знал все секреты механических механизмов.

  My grandfather was a clockmaker and knew all the secrets of mechanical mechanisms.

• Современный часовщик использует цифровые инструменты для точной настройки часов.

  A modern clockmaker uses digital tools for precise clock adjustments.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Часовщик" is a masculine animate noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: The noun is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: мастер по часам (master of clocks; used interchangeably in professional contexts, emphasizing expertise)
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific profession without a direct opposite.

Related Phrases:

• профессиональный часовщик - Professional clockmaker; refers to someone with specialized skills in the field.
• ремонт часов у часовщика - Clock repair at the clockmaker; a common phrase for services.
• старинный часовщик - Antique clockmaker; used in historical or collectible contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Часовщик" directly corresponds to the English "clockmaker" and is the most precise translation for someone involved in crafting or repairing timepieces. It is typically used in formal or technical settings, such as in museums, repair shops, or historical discussions. Be mindful of Russian noun declensions when using it in sentences; for example, it changes based on case (e.g., "к часовщику" in dative for "to the clockmaker"). If the context involves modern watches, this term still applies, but you might pair it with adjectives like "электронный" for electronic devices. Among multiple translations, "часовщик" is preferred over less common alternatives due to its specificity and widespread recognition.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing "часовщик" with "часовой" (which means "watchman" or "hourly"). Incorrect: "Я пошёл к часовому за ремонтом часов." (I went to the watchman for clock repair.) Correct: "Я пошёл к часовщику за ремонтом часов." (I went to the clockmaker for clock repair.) Explanation: "Часовой" relates to security or time measurement in a different context, so learners must pay attention to the root word to avoid mix-ups.

• Common Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly. Incorrect: "Я видел часовщик в магазине." (I saw clockmaker in the store; missing accusative case.) Correct: "Я видел часовщика в магазине." Explanation: In Russian, nouns must agree with the sentence structure, so always adjust for case to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the role of a "часовщик" often evokes images of intricate craftsmanship from the imperial era, such as the famous clockmakers in St. Petersburg who created elaborate timepieces for the tsars. This profession symbolizes precision and tradition, reflecting Russia's historical appreciation for mechanical arts, though it has become less common with digital technology.

Related Concepts:

• ювелир (jeweler)
• механик (mechanic)
• ремесленник (craftsman)