Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cudgel'

English Word: cudgel

Key Russian Translations:

• дубина [dʊˈbʲinə] - [Informal, Common for physical object or metaphor]
• палица [pɐˈlʲit͡sə] - [Formal, Historical or Literary]

Frequency: Medium (more common in historical or literary contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "дубина"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "палица" due to its formal and historical usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

дубина: [dʊˈbʲinə]

Note on дубина: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'у' is pronounced as a short 'oo' sound.

палица: [pɐˈlʲit͡sə]

Note on палица: Stress on the second syllable; the 'ц' sounds like 'ts'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A heavy stick or club used as a weapon

Translation(s) & Context:

• дубина - Often used for a crude, heavy stick or club, can be metaphorical for a clumsy or stupid person.
• палица - Refers to a historical or ceremonial club, often seen in literature or folklore.

Usage Examples:

• Он схватил дубину и побежал защищать деревню.

  He grabbed a cudgel and ran to defend the village.

• Этот парень — настоящая дубина, ничего не понимает.

  This guy is a real cudgel, he doesn’t understand anything. (Metaphorical use)

• В старых сказках богатыри часто сражались с палицей в руках.

  In old tales, heroes often fought with a cudgel in their hands.

• Дубина была тяжёлой, но он поднял её без труда.

  The cudgel was heavy, but he lifted it with ease.

• Палица царя была украшена золотом и драгоценными камнями.

  The king’s cudgel was adorned with gold and precious stones.

2. To beat or strike with a heavy object (verb form)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бить дубиной - Literal or metaphorical beating with a cudgel.

Usage Examples:

• Его чуть не побили дубиной за дерзость.

  He was almost beaten with a cudgel for his insolence.

• Они били его дубиной, пока он не сдался.

  They beat him with a cudgel until he gave up.

• Не бей меня дубиной критики, я стараюсь!

  Don’t beat me with the cudgel of criticism, I’m trying! (Metaphorical)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дубина (noun, feminine):

палица (noun, feminine): Follows similar declension patterns as "дубина".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дубина:

• палка (stick, less heavy)
• колотушка (mallet, often smaller)

Note: "палка" is more general and less heavy; "колотушка" often implies a tool rather than a weapon.

Antonyms for дубина:

• меч (sword, a more refined weapon)

Related Phrases:

• махать дубиной - "to swing a cudgel" (literal or metaphorical for clumsy action)
• дубина стоеросовая - "a cudgel made of oak" (idiomatic for a very stupid person)

Usage Notes:

• "дубина" is more common in everyday speech and can carry a derogatory metaphorical meaning, implying someone is dull or stupid.
• "палица" is archaic and mostly used in historical or literary contexts, often associated with folklore or ancient warriors.
• When choosing between the two, consider the tone and context: use "дубина" for informal or modern settings, and "палица" for formal or historical discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дубина" in formal or historical writing where "палица" is more appropriate.
  Incorrect: В былинах богатырь сражался с дубиной.
  Correct: В былинах богатырь сражался с палицей.
  Explanation: "дубина" sounds too colloquial for epic tales; "палица" fits the tone better.
• Error: Misusing "дубина" metaphorically without understanding its negative connotation.
  Incorrect: Ты моя дубина, я тебя люблю. (Intending affection)
  Correct: Avoid this usage as it implies stupidity, not endearment.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian folklore, the "палица" is often associated with bogatyrs (legendary Slavic warriors) and symbolizes brute strength and heroism. Meanwhile, "дубина" can reflect a more rustic or crude image, often tied to rural life or clumsiness in modern usage.

Related Concepts:

• меч (sword)
• топор (axe)
• оружие (weapon)