Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'forceps'

English Word: forceps

Key Russian Translations:

• щипцы [ˈʂɨptsɨ] - [Formal, Plural, Used in medical or technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in medical and technical fields, but less so in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, according to CEFR; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and basic Russian noun inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

щипцы: [ˈʂɨptsɨ]

Note on щипцы: The 'щ' sound is a voiceless alveolo-palatal fricative, often challenging for English speakers as it's more palatalized than the English 'sh' in "ship." Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Surgical instrument used for grasping and holding objects, especially in medical procedures.

Translation(s) & Context:

• щипцы - Typically used in formal medical or surgical contexts to refer to tools for holding tissues or objects securely.

Usage Examples:

• Врач использовал щипцы, чтобы аккуратно извлечь инородный предмет из раны.

  The doctor used forceps to carefully remove the foreign object from the wound.

• В лаборатории щипцы применяются для манипуляций с мелкими образцами.

  In the laboratory, forceps are used for manipulating small samples.

• Хирург держал щипцы наготове во время сложной операции.

  The surgeon kept the forceps ready during the complex surgery.

• Медицинские щипцы должны быть стерильными, чтобы избежать инфекций.

  Medical forceps must be sterile to prevent infections.

• В экстренных случаях щипцы помогают быстро зажать кровоточащий сосуд.

  In emergencies, forceps help quickly clamp a bleeding vessel.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"щипцы" is a plural noun in Russian, typically used in its plural form and does not have a singular counterpart in common usage. It belongs to the third declension and follows standard plural noun inflections for instruments or tools.

Note: As a plural-only noun, it always takes plural agreement in verbs and adjectives (e.g., "щипцы лежат" – the forceps lie). There are no irregular inflections for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: пинцет (pintset) - Similar to tweezers, often used interchangeably in non-surgical contexts; клещи (kleshchi) - For larger gripping tools.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "щипцы" is a specific tool; however, in broader contexts, разжиматель (razzhimatel) could imply an opposite function like a release tool.

Related Phrases:

• хирургические щипцы - Surgical forceps (A common phrase referring to specialized medical tools, used in operating rooms for precise procedures).
• лабораторные щипцы - Laboratory forceps (Refers to tools used in scientific settings for handling delicate items, emphasizing safety and precision).
• держать щипцами - To hold with forceps (A phrase indicating the action of gripping something securely, often in technical or emergency situations).

Usage Notes:

"щипцы" is always plural in Russian, so it must be paired with plural verbs and adjectives (e.g., "щипцы используются" instead of a singular form). When translating "forceps," choose "щипцы" for general medical contexts, but specify with adjectives like "хирургические" for surgical precision. It's formal and technical, so avoid in casual conversation. English learners should note that Russian tools often imply collective use, reflecting a cultural emphasis on group functionality in descriptions.

• In medical texts, "щипцы" directly corresponds to "forceps," but in everyday Russian, it might be confused with similar tools—use context to clarify.
• Grammar tip: Always decline it according to the case required in the sentence, as shown in the inflections table above.

Common Errors:

English speakers often mistake "щипцы" for "скальпель" (scalpel), leading to incorrect tool descriptions. For example:

• Incorrect: Врач использовал скальпель, чтобы зажать рану. (This implies using a cutting tool instead of a gripping one.)
• Correct: Врач использовал щипцы, чтобы зажать рану. (Properly uses "щипцы" for gripping.)
• Explanation: The error stems from similar medical contexts; always check the function—cutting vs. holding—to select the right word.

Another common mistake is treating "щипцы" as singular, e.g., saying "щипец лежит" instead of "щипцы лежат," which disrupts subject-verb agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and medical practice, "щипцы" symbolizes precision and reliability in healthcare, much like in English-speaking countries. Historically, these tools have been essential in Russian surgery since the 19th century, influenced by Western medical advancements, and are often featured in literature or films depicting wartime medicine, emphasizing resilience and technical skill.

Related Concepts:

• скальпель
• пинцет
• клещи