Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fingertip'

English Word: fingertip

Key Russian Translations:

• кончик пальца [ˈkonʲtʲɪk ˈpalʲt͡sə] - [Informal; Used in everyday descriptions of body parts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly used in contexts like anatomy, everyday language, or descriptions, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary; Suitable for beginners as it involves basic noun phrases, though understanding inflections may require some foundational grammar knowledge.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кончик пальца: [ˈkonʲtʲɪk ˈpalʲt͡sə]

Note on кончик пальца: The stress is on the first syllable of each word. The "щ" in "кончик" is a soft, palatalized sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like "sh" but softer. Pronounce it with a quick, light emphasis on the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The tip or end of a finger

Translation(s) & Context:

• кончик пальца - Used in casual or descriptive contexts, such as discussing injuries, touch, or anatomy. This is the most direct and common translation in everyday Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Я поранил кончик пальца, когда резал овощи. (I injured the tip of my finger while cutting vegetables.)

  English Translation: I injured the fingertip while cutting vegetables. (This example shows the phrase in a simple, everyday injury context.)

• Дети часто трогают всё кончиками пальцев. (Children often touch everything with their fingertips.)

  English Translation: Children often touch everything with their fingertips. (This demonstrates the phrase in a behavioral or observational setting.)

• Врачи осматривают кончики пальцев для диагностики. (Doctors examine the fingertips for diagnostics.)

  English Translation: Doctors examine the fingertips for diagnostics. (This example illustrates usage in a medical or professional context.)

• Она нарисовала узор на кончиках пальцев. (She drew a pattern on the fingertips.)

  English Translation: She drew a pattern on the fingertips. (This shows the phrase in a creative or artistic scenario.)

• Кончик пальца скользнул по экрану смартфона. (The fingertip slid across the smartphone screen.)

  English Translation: The fingertip slid across the smartphone screen. (This example highlights modern, technology-related usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кончик пальца" is a noun phrase consisting of "кончик" (a masculine noun) and "пальца" (the genitive singular form of "палец", a masculine noun). Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and gender. Here's a breakdown:

Note: "Палец" follows the standard second-declension pattern for masculine nouns, while "кончик" is also regular. In phrases like this, the genitive case is used to show possession (e.g., "tip of the finger"). The phrase remains relatively stable but changes based on sentence context.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • конец пальца (end of the finger; more literal and interchangeable in formal contexts)
  • пальцевый кончик (finger tip; slightly more emphatic, used in technical descriptions)
• Antonyms:
  • основа пальца (base of the finger; refers to the opposite end)

Note: "Конец пальца" is a near-synonym but can imply a broader "end" rather than just the tip, so choose based on precision in context.

Related Phrases:

• На кончиках пальцев (On the fingertips) - Refers to something done delicately or with precision, e.g., in dance or typing.
• Коснуться кончиком пальца (To touch with the fingertip) - Implies a light, gentle touch, often in sensory or artistic contexts.
• Обжечь кончик пальца (To burn the fingertip) - Used in descriptions of minor accidents.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "кончик пальца" directly corresponds to "fingertip" in English and is versatile for both literal and metaphorical uses, such as in idiomatic expressions about sensitivity or precision. It is neutral in formality but avoid it in highly formal medical texts where "дистальный фалангеальный сегмент" might be preferred. When translating, ensure the genitive case is correctly applied to show possession. If multiple body parts are involved, use plural forms for accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кончик пальцев" incorrectly in singular contexts (e.g., saying "кончик пальцев" when referring to one finger). Correct: "кончик пальца" for singular. Explanation: Russian requires agreement in number; this mistake often stems from English influence where plurals are less rigid.

• Error: Mispronouncing as "конек пальца" (a common slip). Correct: "кончик пальца". Explanation: The "щ" sound is unique and not intuitive for English speakers; practice with audio to avoid confusion in spoken language.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, references to "кончик пальца" can appear in folklore or proverbs emphasizing delicacy, such as in stories where heroes use their fingertips to sense danger. This reflects a broader cultural appreciation for tactile senses in traditional arts like icon painting, where fine motor skills are valued.

Related Concepts:

• палец (finger)
• рука (hand)
• сенсорный (sensory)