Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Coin'

English Word: coin

Key Russian Translations:

• монета [mɐˈnʲetə] - [Neutral, Most Common]
• монетка [mɐˈnʲetkə] - [Informal, Diminutive]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in everyday speech)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "монета"; A2 (Elementary) for "монетка" due to diminutive nuance

Pronunciation (Russian):

монета: [mɐˈnʲetə]

Note on монета: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'е' is pronounced as a soft 'ye' sound due to palatalization of the preceding 'н'.

монетка: [mɐˈnʲetkə]

Note on монетка: Similar to "монета," with added diminutive suffix '-ка,' which softens the tone.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A piece of metal money (literal meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• монета - Used in formal and neutral contexts to refer to any coin as currency.
• монетка - Informal, often used affectionately or when referring to small change.

Usage Examples:

• У меня в кармане есть монета номиналом в один рубль.

  I have a one-ruble coin in my pocket.

• Эта монета очень старая, ей больше ста лет.

  This coin is very old; it's over a hundred years old.

• Дай мне монетку, чтобы бросить в фонтан на удачу.

  Give me a small coin to throw into the fountain for luck.

• У тебя есть монетка для тележки в супермаркете?

  Do you have a coin for the shopping cart at the supermarket?

• Собирать монеты — это моё хобби.

  Collecting coins is my hobby.

2. To invent or create (a term or phrase)

Translation(s) & Context:

• придумать - Used when "coin" means to invent a word or phrase, though not a direct translation of "coin."

Usage Examples:

• Он придумал новое слово для этого явления.

  He coined a new word for this phenomenon.

• Кто придумал этот термин?

  Who coined this term?

• Её фраза была придумана на месте.

  Her phrase was coined on the spot.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

монета (feminine noun): Declines according to the first declension pattern in Russian.

монетка (feminine noun, diminutive): Follows the same declension pattern as "монета" with the diminutive suffix '-ка'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "монета":

• денежка (informal, for small change)
• копейка (specifically for small denomination coins)

Note: "копейка" often refers specifically to a kopeck (1/100 of a ruble), while "монета" is more general.

Antonyms for "монета":

• купюра (banknote/paper money)

Related Phrases:

• бросить монету - to toss a coin (e.g., for decision-making or wishing).
• собирать монеты - to collect coins (as a hobby).
• монета достоинством - a coin of a certain value (e.g., "монета достоинством в 5 рублей" = a 5-ruble coin).

Usage Notes:

• "монета" is the standard term for "coin" and is appropriate in most contexts, including formal and written language.
• "монетка" carries a diminutive, affectionate tone and is often used in casual speech, especially when referring to small change or in endearing contexts (e.g., asking a child for a coin).
• For the figurative meaning of "to coin" (as in inventing a term), there is no direct equivalent tied to "монета"; instead, verbs like "придумать" (to invent) are used.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "монетка" in formal writing or contexts. Explanation: "монетка" is informal and should be avoided in official or serious discussions about currency; use "монета" instead. Incorrect: "На аукционе продали редкую монетку." Correct: "На аукционе продали редкую монету."
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation. Explanation: Stress in "монета" and "монетка" is on the second syllable ([mɐˈnʲetə]), not the first. Misstressing can lead to confusion or sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, coins are often associated with superstitions and traditions, such as tossing a coin into a fountain or river for good luck or to ensure a return to a place. Additionally, coin collecting (нумизматика) is a popular hobby, and historical coins are often tied to significant cultural or political events in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• рубль (ruble - the main Russian currency unit)
• копейка (kopeck - a small denomination, 1/100 of a ruble)
• нумизматика (numismatics - the study or collection of coins)