Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dagger'

English Word: dagger

Key Russian Translations:

• кинжал [kʲɪnˈʐal] - [Formal, General Use]
• нож [noʂ] - [Informal, Broader Term for Knife, Occasionally Used for Dagger]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like history, literature, or weaponry)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "кинжал"; A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "нож"

Pronunciation (Russian):

кинжал: [kʲɪnˈʐal]

Note on кинжал: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "ж" sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, which might be challenging for English speakers.

нож: [noʂ]

Note on нож: The stress is on the single syllable. The "ш" sound is a voiceless retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A short, pointed weapon (primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кинжал - Used specifically for a dagger, often with historical or cultural connotations (e.g., in literature or describing traditional weapons).

Usage Examples:

• Он носил старинный кинжал на поясе.

  He wore an ancient dagger on his belt.

• Кинжал был украшен драгоценными камнями.

  The dagger was adorned with precious stones.

• В музее выставлен кавказский кинжал.

  A Caucasian dagger is on display in the museum.

2. A general term for a knife (secondary, less precise meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• нож - A broader term for "knife," sometimes used for "dagger" in informal or metaphorical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот нож выглядит как кинжал.

  This knife looks like a dagger.

• Его слова были как нож в сердце.

  His words were like a dagger to the heart.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кинжал (noun, masculine, animate):

нож (noun, masculine, animate): Follows a similar declension pattern to "кинжал." Refer to standard Russian grammar resources for full declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for кинжал:

• кортик (naval dagger, more specific)
• стилет (stiletto, a specific type of dagger)

Note: "кортик" is used specifically for naval or ceremonial daggers, while "стилет" refers to a narrower, thrusting dagger.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (context-dependent)

Related Phrases:

• кинжал в спину - "a dagger in the back" (metaphorical, meaning betrayal)
• острый как кинжал - "sharp as a dagger" (used for wit or criticism)
• нож в сердце - "a dagger/knife in the heart" (metaphorical, meaning deep emotional pain)

Usage Notes:

• "кинжал" is the precise term for "dagger" and should be used in formal or specific contexts, such as describing historical weapons or in literature.
• "нож" is a general term for "knife" and is less accurate for "dagger," but it can be used metaphorically or in casual speech. Be cautious not to overuse it when specificity is required.
• In Russian, "кинжал" often carries cultural connotations, especially related to the Caucasus region, where daggers are traditional symbols.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "нож" exclusively for "dagger" in formal or historical contexts.
  Incorrect: В музее был старый нож. (In the museum, there was an old knife.)
  Correct: В музее был старый кинжал. (In the museum, there was an old dagger.)
  Explanation: "нож" is too broad and lacks the specific connotation of a dagger as a weapon or cultural artifact.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the first syllable of "кинжал").
  Explanation: Stress in Russian is critical; incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or unintelligible.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "кинжал" is often associated with the traditions of the Caucasus region, particularly among peoples like the Georgians and Chechens, where it symbolizes honor and bravery. It frequently appears in literature and folklore as a powerful cultural emblem, unlike the more utilitarian "нож."

Related Concepts:

• меч (sword)
• сабля (saber)
• оружие (weapon)