Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Crutch'

English Word: Crutch

Key Russian Translations:

• Костыль [ˈkostɨlʲ] - [Singular, Common Usage]
• Костыли [kɐˈstɨlʲɪ] - [Plural]
• Опорный предмет [ɐˈpornɨj ˈprʲedmʲet] - [Formal, Broader Term for Supportive Object]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "Костыль"; B1 for "Опорный предмет")

Pronunciation (Russian):

Костыль: [ˈkostɨlʲ]

Note on Костыль: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, central "i".

Костыли: [kɐˈstɨlʲɪ]

Note on Костыли: Stress shifts slightly in plural form, with a reduced "o" sound in the first syllable.

Опорный предмет: [ɐˈpornɨj ˈprʲedmʲet]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Device to Assist Walking (Medical/Support Tool)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Костыль - Used for a single crutch, common in medical contexts.
• Костыли - Refers to a pair of crutches, most typical usage.

Usage Examples:

• После операции он ходил на костылях.

  After the surgery, he walked on crutches.

• Мне нужен один костыль, чтобы передвигаться.

  I need one crutch to move around.

• Костыли помогли ей восстановить подвижность.

  Crutches helped her regain mobility.

2. Figurative Meaning (Something Relied Upon for Support)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Опорный предмет - Used metaphorically for a concept or tool one relies on.
• Костыль - Sometimes used figuratively in informal speech for a temporary solution or workaround.

Usage Examples:

• Этот учебник стал для меня настоящим костылём на экзамене.

  This textbook was a real crutch for me during the exam.

• Его советы были опорным предметом в трудные времена.

  His advice was a crutch during tough times.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Костыль (Singular Noun, Masculine):

Опорный предмет: Compound noun phrase. "Опорный" (adjective) agrees with "предмет" (masculine noun) in case, number, and gender. Declines as per standard rules for each component.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Костыль:

• Подпорка (more general term for "support")
• Трость (cane, though slightly different)

Note: "Подпорка" can refer to any supportive structure, while "Трость" is more specific to a walking stick.

Antonyms for Костыль:

• Нет прямого антонима (No direct antonym, as it is a specific tool)

Related Phrases:

• Ходить на костылях - To walk on crutches.
• Полагаться на костыль - To rely on a crutch (figurative, informal).
• Опорный предмет в споре - A crutch in an argument (figurative use of support).

Usage Notes:

• "Костыль" is the most common and direct translation for a physical crutch. Use "Костыли" when referring to a pair, which is more typical in everyday speech.
• "Опорный предмет" is rarely used in casual conversation and appears more in formal or written contexts, often metaphorically.
• In figurative contexts, "Костыль" can imply a temporary or makeshift solution, sometimes with a negative connotation (e.g., in programming slang, a "crutch" for bad code).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Костыль" in plural form ("Костыли") when referring to a single crutch. Correct: Use "Костыль" for singular. Example of error: *Мне нужны костыли для одной ноги* (Incorrect). Correct: *Мне нужен костыль для одной ноги*.
• Error: Misusing "Опорный предмет" in casual speech. Correct: Reserve it for formal or metaphorical contexts. Example of error: *Дай мне опорный предмет, я сломал ногу* (Incorrect). Correct: *Дай мне костыль, я сломал ногу*.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, crutches ("Костыли") are often associated with recovery and resilience, as seen in literature and media depicting post-war or injury recovery. The term "Костыль" may also carry a humorous or derogatory tone in slang, especially in tech contexts where it refers to a clumsy workaround.

Related Concepts:

• Трость (Cane)
• Инвалидная коляска (Wheelchair)
• Поддержка (Support)