Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'guillotine'

English Word: guillotine

Key Russian Translations:

• гильотина [ɡʲɪˈlʲotʲɪnə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in historical, literary, or specialized contexts such as discussions of revolutions or executions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level on CEFR scale; learners need familiarity with borrowed words, noun declensions, and historical vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гильотина: [ɡʲɪˈlʲotʲɪnə]

Note on гильотина: The pronunciation features palatalized consonants (e.g., 'гʲ' sounds like a soft 'g' before 'и'), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress is on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A device used for beheading, typically in historical contexts

Translation(s) & Context:

• гильотина - Used in formal, historical, or literal discussions of executions or revolutionary events.

Usage Examples:

• Во время Французской революции гильотина стала символом быстрой и равной казни.

  During the French Revolution, the guillotine became a symbol of swift and equal execution.

• Музей истории показывает, как работала гильотина в 18 веке.

  The history museum demonstrates how the guillotine worked in the 18th century.

• Гильотина использовалась как инструмент для поддержания общественного порядка в те времена.

  The guillotine was used as a tool to maintain public order in those times.

• В литературе гильотина часто описывается как холодный символ революции.

  In literature, the guillotine is often described as a cold symbol of revolution.

• Современные фильмы изображают гильотину в сценах исторических драм.

  Modern films depict the guillotine in scenes of historical dramas.

2. In parliamentary procedure, a method to abruptly end debate or limit discussion

Translation(s) & Context:

• гильотина - Used metaphorically in formal or political contexts, often in government or legislative discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В Думе депутаты применили гильотину, чтобы завершить дебаты по законопроекту.

  In the Duma, deputies used the guillotine to end debates on the bill.

• Гильотина в парламенте позволяет ускорить принятие законов в критических ситуациях.

  The guillotine in parliament allows for speeding up the adoption of laws in critical situations.

• Политические партии иногда протестуют против использования гильотины в дебатах.

  Political parties sometimes protest against the use of the guillotine in debates.

• Гильотина применяется, когда время обсуждения ограничено.

  The guillotine is applied when discussion time is limited.

• В международных конференциях гильотина помогает предотвратить бесконечные споры.

  In international conferences, the guillotine helps prevent endless arguments.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гильотина" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian). It follows the first declension pattern for borrowed nouns, which means it has regular inflections based on standard Russian grammar rules. Below is a table of its nominative forms and key declensions:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: топор (topor - axe, in the context of execution), казнь (kazn' - execution, more general term). Note: "Топор" is less precise and often used for older methods, while "казнь" broadens to any form of capital punishment.
• Antonyms: помилование (pomilovanie - pardon), which refers to the opposite action in legal contexts.

Related Phrases:

• гильотина Французской революции - Refers to the guillotine used during the French Revolution, often symbolizing radical change.
• применить гильотину в дебатах - Means to apply the guillotine in debates, indicating a procedural cutoff in parliamentary settings.
• символ гильотины - Symbol of the guillotine, used metaphorically for swift justice or revolution.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "гильотина" directly corresponds to the English "guillotine" as a borrowed term, primarily used in formal or historical contexts. It is more common in written language, such as history books or political discussions, rather than everyday speech. When choosing this translation, ensure the context matches: for the execution device, it's literal; for parliamentary use, it's metaphorical. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to avoid errors. If multiple translations exist, prefer "гильотина" for precision, but use synonyms like "казнь" for broader discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to decline the noun correctly, e.g., using "гильотина" in the genitive case as "гильотина" instead of "гильотины". Correct: "Я видел гильотины в музее" (I saw the guillotines in the museum). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so learners should memorize basic declensions to prevent this.

• Error: Misusing it in informal contexts, e.g., saying "гильотина" for any cutting tool. Correct: Reserve it for specific historical or procedural meanings. Explanation: This can lead to confusion, as it might sound overly dramatic or incorrect in casual conversation.

Cultural Notes:

The term "гильотина" carries strong cultural connotations in Russian history, often linked to the French Revolution and its influence on global revolutionary movements. In Russia, it evokes images of the Reign of Terror and has been used in literature, like in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, to symbolize the brutality of state power and social upheaval. Understanding this helps English speakers grasp its emotional weight in Russian discourse.

Related Concepts:

• казнь
• революция
• топор
• помилование