Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fetter'

English Word: fetter

Key Russian Translations:

• оковы [ɐˈko.vɨ] - [Formal, Plural; Used in literary or historical contexts to denote restraints]
• путы [ˈpu.tɨ] - [Formal or Figurative; Used in metaphorical senses, such as restrictions on freedom]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary, historical, or philosophical texts, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and metaphorical usage; for 'оковы', it's straightforward, but 'путы' may vary slightly in context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

оковы: [ɐˈko.vɨ]

путы: [ˈpu.tɨ]

Note on оковы: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'o' sound can vary slightly in fast speech; be mindful of the plural form in pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: A chain or manacle used to restrain, typically for the feet.

Translation(s) & Context:

• оковы - Used in formal or historical contexts, such as describing imprisonment or restraints in literature.
• путы - Less common for literal chains, but can apply in contexts involving binding or restrictions.

Usage Examples:

• В тюрьме заключённые носили тяжёлые оковы на ногах.

  In prison, the prisoners wore heavy fetters on their feet.

• Солдаты освободили пленных, сняв с них оковы.

  The soldiers freed the captives by removing their fetters.

• Эти путы были сделаны из прочного металла, чтобы удерживать узников.

  These fetters were made of sturdy metal to hold the prisoners.

Figurative Meaning: Something that restricts or hinders freedom, such as social constraints or limitations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• оковы - Often used metaphorically in philosophical or poetic contexts to represent oppression.
• путы - Common for abstract restrictions, such as in discussions of liberty or personal growth.

Usage Examples:

• Традиции иногда действуют как оковы, ограничивающие индивидуальную свободу.

  Traditions sometimes act as fetters, limiting individual freedom.

• Он сбросил с себя путы старых предрассудков и начал новую жизнь.

  He cast off the fetters of old prejudices and started a new life.

• В её речи оковы социального неравенства были ключевой темой.

  In her speech, the fetters of social inequality were a key theme.

• Путы бюрократии мешают развитию бизнеса в стране.

  The fetters of bureaucracy hinder business development in the country.

• Оковы страха не позволяют ей принять важное решение.

  The fetters of fear prevent her from making an important decision.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'оковы' and 'путы' are plural nouns in Russian, typically used in their plural forms. 'Оковы' is a feminine plural noun and follows standard first-declension patterns for plural forms. 'Путы' is also plural and can be irregular in some contexts.

Note: These words are rarely used in singular forms; 'окова' (singular) exists but is uncommon and follows similar declension rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • цепи (chains; more literal and physical)
  • узлы (knots; implies binding, with a connotation of complexity)
  • ограничения (restrictions; for figurative use, emphasizing barriers)
• Antonyms:
  • свобода (freedom; directly opposes the idea of restraint)
  • освобождение (liberation; implies release from fetters)

Related Phrases:

• Сбросить оковы - To throw off the shackles; Used in contexts of rebellion or personal emancipation.
• В путы неволи - In the fetters of captivity; A poetic phrase for being trapped or enslaved.
• Разорвать путы - To break the fetters; Implies overcoming restrictions, often in metaphorical senses.

Usage Notes:

When translating 'fetter' to Russian, choose 'оковы' for literal, physical restraints (e.g., in historical or prison contexts) and 'путы' for more abstract or figurative meanings. Both words are formal and appear in written Russian more than spoken; avoid them in casual conversation. Grammatically, they are plural nouns, so ensure subject-verb agreement reflects plurality. For English learners, note that Russian often pairs these words with verbs like 'сбросить' (to cast off) to emphasize liberation.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'оковы' with 'оковы' in singular form: Learners might incorrectly use 'окова' (singular), which is rare and can sound unnatural. Correct usage: Always opt for plural in standard contexts. Example of error: "Он носил окова" (wrong) vs. "Он носил оковы" (correct), as it implies multiple restraints.
• Misapplying in figurative contexts: Beginners may overuse 'оковы' literally when 'путы' is more appropriate for abstract ideas. Error: "Страх — это оковы" (acceptable but less idiomatic) vs. "Страх — это путы" (more natural for metaphors).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'оковы' often evoke historical references to serfdom and imprisonment under tsarist rule or Soviet-era restrictions, as seen in literature by authors like Tolstoy. They symbolize the struggle for freedom, making them powerful in discussions of human rights and personal liberation.

Related Concepts:

• тюрьма (prison)
• рабство (slavery)
• освобождение (liberation)