Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'crossbones'

English Word: crossbones

Key Russian Translations:

• скрещенные кости /skrʲɪˈʂɛnnɨjə ˈkosti/ - [Formal, Plural, Used in contexts like symbols or flags]

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

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level, as it involves understanding compound nouns and adjective agreements, which require basic knowledge of Russian grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скрещенные кости: /skrʲɪˈʂɛnnɨjə ˈkosti/ (The stress is on the third syllable of "скрещенные" and the second syllable of "кости". The "щ" sound is a soft, palatalized fricative.)

Note on скрещенные кости: Be cautious with the soft sign (ь) in "скрещенные", which affects pronunciation, making it softer and more fluid. Regional variations may slightly alter the vowel sounds in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Two bones crossed over each other, often as a symbol (e.g., on a pirate flag)

Translation(s) & Context:

• скрещенные кости - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as historical discussions or heraldry.

Usage Examples:

• На пиратском флаге изображены скрещенные кости и череп.

  On the pirate flag, there are crossed bones and a skull depicted.

• Скрещенные кости часто символизируют опасность в старых морских легендах.

  Crossed bones often symbolize danger in old maritime legends.

• В музее мы увидели артефакт с выгравированными скрещенными костями.

  In the museum, we saw an artifact engraved with crossed bones.

• Дети нарисовали скрещенные кости для костюма на Хэллоуин.

  The children drew crossed bones for a Halloween costume.

• Скрещенные кости на знаке предупреждают о токсичных веществах.

  Crossed bones on the sign warn about toxic substances.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Скрещенные кости" is a phrase consisting of an adjective ("скрещенные") and a plural noun ("кости"). The adjective agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case.

For the noun "кости" (bones, feminine plural):

For the adjective "скрещенные" (crossed, agreeing with "кости" in plural feminine):

• It changes based on case, e.g., Genitive: скрещенных костей; Dative: скрещенным костям.

This phrase is relatively regular, but learners should note that adjectives must always agree with their nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • перекрещенные кости (implies a more literal crossing, often used interchangeably)
  • скрестные кости (a less common variant, with a slight archaic connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • параллельные кости (parallel bones, indicating no crossing)

Related Phrases:

• Череп и скрещенные кости - "Jolly Roger" or skull and crossbones, a symbol of piracy; used in historical or adventurous contexts.
• Символ скрещенных костей - "Symbol of crossed bones"; refers to warning signs for danger or poison.
• Флаг с скрещенными костями - "Flag with crossed bones"; commonly associated with nautical themes.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English "crossbones" in symbolic or visual contexts, such as flags or warnings. In Russian, it's important to use the adjective-noun agreement correctly to maintain formality. For everyday use, opt for "скрещенные кости" in descriptive writing or speech about history. If the context involves modern safety symbols, it might be shortened in informal settings, but always ensure plural form for multiple bones. When choosing between synonyms, "перекрещенные кости" is preferred for emphasis on intersection.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the singular form "скрещенная кость" instead of plural.
  Correct: скрещенные кости (as "crossbones" implies multiple bones).
  Explanation: Russian requires plural for the concept, and incorrect number can alter the meaning.
• Mistake: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "скрещенные кость" (wrong case).
  Correct: скрещенные кости.
  Explanation: Adjectives must match the noun's case, number, and gender; this is a common pitfall for English speakers unfamiliar with declension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "скрещенные кости" is often linked to Western pirate lore through literature and media, such as in adaptations of "Treasure Island." It symbolizes danger or mortality, similar to its use in English, but in Russian contexts, it may appear in discussions of naval history or as a borrowed symbol in modern pop culture, reflecting global influences.

Related Concepts:

• череп (skull)
• пиратский флаг (pirate flag)
• токсичный символ (toxic symbol)