Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flint'

English Word: flint

Key Russian Translations:

• кремень [krʲɪˈmʲenʲ] - [Formal, Singular, Used in geological or historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized fields like geology, history, or tool-making.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate learners may encounter this in thematic vocabulary related to science or history, requiring basic understanding of Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кремень: [krʲɪˈmʲenʲ]

Note on кремень: The pronunciation features palatalized consonants (e.g., 'krʲ' and 'mʲ'), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable. Practice with native speakers to master the soft 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A hard, fine-grained rock that produces sparks when struck (e.g., used in tools or fire-starting).

Translation(s) & Context:

• кремень - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing geological materials or historical artifacts.

Usage Examples:

• В древние времена люди использовали кремень для изготовления орудий труда.

  In ancient times, people used flint for making tools.

• Этот кремень идеален для разведения костра в полевых условиях.

  This flint is ideal for starting a fire in field conditions.

• Геологи нашли образец кремня в горной породе.

  Geologists found a sample of flint in the rock formation.

• Кремень часто встречается в археологических раскопках как ценный материал.

  Flint is often found in archaeological digs as a valuable material.

• Современные зажигалки иногда используют искусственный кремень для искры.

  Modern lighters sometimes use artificial flint to create a spark.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кремень" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its declension, with no irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic noun patterns are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • огниво (ognivo) - Often used interchangeably in the context of fire-starting tools.
  • кремнистый камень (kremnisty kamen') - A more descriptive term for flint-like rocks, with a slight emphasis on composition.
• Antonyms:
  • мягкий камень (myagky kamen') - Refers to soft stones, contrasting with flint's hardness.

Related Phrases:

• кремень для огня (kremen' dlya ognya) - Flint for fire; a common phrase in survival or outdoor contexts, referring to tools used for ignition.
• искра от кремня (iskra ot kremnya) - Spark from flint; used metaphorically in literature to describe sudden inspiration or conflict.
• добыча кремня (dobyicha kremnya) - Flint mining; relates to historical or industrial extraction processes.

Usage Notes:

Flint translates most accurately to "кремень" in Russian, which is primarily a geological term. It is formal and not used in casual speech, so opt for this in academic, scientific, or historical discussions. Be mindful of declensions based on sentence structure—e.g., use the genitive case after prepositions like "из" (from). When multiple translations exist, choose "кремень" for precision in natural contexts, but "огниво" if emphasizing fire-starting tools. English learners should note that Russian nouns require gender agreement in adjectives and verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кремень" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я нашел кремень" when it should be "Я нашел кремня" in genitive contexts (e.g., after "нашел"). Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "Я нашел кусок кремня" (I found a piece of flint). This mistake arises from overlooking Russian case systems.

• Error: Confusing "кремень" with "кремний" (kreminiy, meaning silicon). Correct: "Кремень" refers specifically to the rock, not the chemical element. Example of error: "Кремень в компьютере" (wrong); instead, use "Кремний в компьютере" for silicon in electronics.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, flint (кремень) holds historical significance as a material used by ancient tribes for tools and weapons, symbolizing resourcefulness and survival. It appears in folklore and literature, such as in stories about early human ingenuity, and is linked to themes of endurance in harsh environments, reflecting Russia's vast, rugged landscapes.

Related Concepts:

• огниво
• кремнистый
• археология