Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'counterclockwise'

English Word: counterclockwise

Key Russian Translations:

• против часовой стрелки [/prəˈtʲif ˈt͡ɕasəvɨj ˈstrʲɛlʲkʲi/] - [Adverbial phrase, used in formal and technical contexts, such as mechanics or directions]

Frequency: Medium - Commonly used in technical, scientific, or directional descriptions, but less frequent in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1/B2) - Requires understanding of prepositional phrases and directional concepts; learners at this level can grasp it with practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

против часовой стрелки: /prəˈtʲif ˈt͡ɕasəvɨj ˈstrʲɛlʲkʲi/

Note on против часовой стрелки: The stress falls on the second syllable of "против" and "стрелки"; be mindful of the soft sign (ь) in "стрелки," which affects pronunciation. Variations may occur in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Direction opposite to the movement of clock hands (e.g., reverse rotation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• против часовой стрелки - Used in contexts involving rotation, such as machinery, dances, or navigation; appropriate for formal or technical descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Поверните ручку против часовой стрелки, чтобы открыть замок.

  Turn the handle counterclockwise to open the lock.

• В танце участники движутся против часовой стрелки по кругу.

  In the dance, participants move counterclockwise in a circle.

• Для настройки часов поверните стрелку против часовой стрелки.

  To set the clock, turn the hand counterclockwise.

• В лабораторном эксперименте смесь перемешивается против часовой стрелки.

  In the lab experiment, the mixture is stirred counterclockwise.

• Авиалайнер выполняет маневр против часовой стрелки для посадки.

  The aircraft performs a counterclockwise maneuver for landing.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Против часовой стрелки" is a fixed adverbial phrase rather than a single inflected word. It does not undergo regular inflection as a unit, but its components can change based on context:

• "Против" is a preposition and remains unchanged.
• "Часовой" is an adjective derived from "час" (hour) and typically remains in its base form in this phrase.
• "Стрелки" is the genitive plural form of the noun "стрелка" (hand, pointer). As a feminine noun, "стрелка" follows the first declension pattern:

Note: In the phrase "против часовой стрелки," "стрелки" is fixed in genitive plural, making the entire phrase invariant in most uses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • в противоположном направлении (in the opposite direction) - More general and less specific to clock-based directions.
  • по часовой стрелке в обратную сторону (clockwise in reverse) - Used for emphasis in technical contexts, with subtle differences in precision.
• Antonyms:
  • по часовой стрелке (clockwise) - Direct opposite, commonly used in the same contexts.

Related Phrases:

• в обратном направлении - In the reverse direction; used for broader directional changes, e.g., in navigation.
• против хода часов - Against the clock's movement; a more poetic or formal variant with similar meaning.
• круговое движение против часовой стрелки - Circular motion counterclockwise; common in traffic or physics descriptions.

Usage Notes:

This phrase directly corresponds to "counterclockwise" in English, emphasizing a direction opposite to the standard clock movement. It is most commonly used in formal or technical settings, such as engineering, instructions, or scientific descriptions. When choosing between translations like "против часовой стрелки" and synonyms, opt for this phrase in contexts involving literal rotation (e.g., screws or dials). Be aware of grammatical positioning: it typically follows the verb, as in "повернуть против часовой стрелки." For everyday speech, Russians might simplify to gestures or alternatives if precision isn't needed.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with its antonym: Learners often mix up "против часовой стрелки" with "по часовой стрелке." Incorrect: "Поверните по часовой стрелки" (meant to be counterclockwise). Correct: "Поверните против часовой стрелки." Explanation: This error stems from similar phrasing; always double-check the prefix "против" for opposition.

• Over-literal translation: Beginners might incorrectly use "контр-часовой" (a non-existent word). Correct usage: Stick to "против часовой стрелки." Explanation: Russian doesn't borrow the English prefix; use established phrases to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, directional phrases like "против часовой стрелки" are rooted in the historical design of mechanical clocks, which were introduced in Russia via Western influence. This phrase reflects a practical, everyday understanding of time and motion, often appearing in folk dances or traditional crafts where circular movements are common. It doesn't carry strong emotional connotations but reinforces the cultural emphasis on precision in mechanical and scientific contexts.

Related Concepts:

• по часовой стрелке
• круговое движение
• направление вращения