Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hand'

English Word: hand

Key Russian Translations:

• рука [ˈrukə] - [Formal/Informal, Singular; Used for the anatomical part of the body]

Frequency: High (This word is very commonly used in everyday Russian conversation and writing.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; Suitable for new learners as it follows basic Russian noun patterns.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рука: [ˈrukə]

Note on рука: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'у' sound is pronounced like 'oo' in 'book', and the final 'a' is a soft, unstressed vowel. Be cautious with the rolling 'r' if you're not familiar with Russian phonetics.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The part of the body at the end of the arm

Translation(s) & Context:

• рука - Used in general contexts for the human or animal hand, such as in descriptions of anatomy or daily activities.

Usage Examples:

• Я мою руки перед едой. (Ya moyu ruki pered edoy.)

  I wash my hands before eating. (This example shows the word in a daily hygiene context, with 'руки' in the plural accusative form.)

• Его рука была в повязке. (Yego ruka byla v povyazke.)

  His hand was in a bandage. (Demonstrates use in a medical or injury-related scenario, with 'рука' in the nominative singular.)

• Дети держат друг друга за руки. (Deti derzhat drug druga za ruki.)

  Children hold each other's hands. (Illustrates a social or emotional context, using 'руки' in the accusative plural.)

• Она подняла руку, чтобы привлечь внимание. (Ona podnyala ruku, chtoby privlech' vnimaniye.)

  She raised her hand to get attention. (Shows the word in a gesture or signaling context, with 'руку' in the accusative singular.)

• В его руке был ключ. (V yego ruke byl klyuch.)

  In his hand was a key. (This example highlights possession or holding, using 'руке' in the prepositional singular case.)

A unit of measurement (e.g., in some contexts like horse height)

Translation(s) & Context:

• рука - Less common, but used metaphorically in historical or equestrian contexts; often replaced by more specific terms like 'четверть' in modern usage.

Usage Examples:

• Лошадь ростом в четыре руки. (Loshad' rostom v chetyre ruki.)

  The horse is four hands high. (This rare usage shows 'руки' in a measurement context, derived from English equestrian terms.)

• Измерение в руках устарело. (Izmereniye v rukakh ustarelo.)

  Measurement in hands is outdated. (Demonstrates the word in a historical or comparative context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'рука' is a feminine noun of the first declension (second class in some classifications). It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: ладонь (ladon') - Specifically for the palm; кисть (kist') - More technical, for the hand as a whole in medical contexts.
• Antonyms: нога (noga) - Foot; (Note: While not a direct antonym, it contrasts as another limb.)

Explanation: 'Ладонь' is a synonym but focuses on the palm, which might be preferred in detailed descriptions, whereas 'нога' serves as a basic oppositional term for body parts.

Related Phrases:

• Подавай руку (Podavay ruku) - Shake hands; A common greeting in formal settings.
• Руки вверх (Ruki vverkh) - Hands up; Used in commands, like in law enforcement or games.
• Взять за руку (Vzyat' za ruku) - To take by the hand; Implies guidance or affection.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'рука' directly corresponds to the English 'hand' in most contexts, but be aware of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., 'моя рука' for 'my hand'). It's versatile across formal and informal settings, but in idiomatic expressions, it may carry cultural nuances. When choosing between translations, use 'рука' for general purposes and 'кисть' for medical or artistic contexts. Grammatically, always decline it based on case to ensure sentence accuracy.

• Scene-specific: In phone etiquette, Russians might say 'Алло' instead of something involving 'hand', as there's no direct equivalent.
• Tip: Pair it with prepositions like 'в руке' for 'in the hand' to maintain natural flow.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'рука' with 'ладонь', using 'рука' when 'ладонь' is more precise for the palm. For example:

• Incorrect: Я держу книгу в ладони. (Wrong usage if intending 'palm', but this is actually correct; error might be: *Я держу книгу в руке, implying the whole hand when palm is meant.)
• Correct: Я держу книгу в ладони. (Use 'ладонь' for palm to avoid ambiguity.)
• Explanation: The mistake arises from direct translation; always consider the exact part of the hand being described to select the right word.

Another common error is forgetting declension, e.g., saying *'Я имею рука' instead of 'Я имею руку' in accusative case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, shaking hands ('подавай руку') is a standard formal greeting, especially among men, but it's less common in casual settings compared to hugs or kisses on the cheek. The phrase 'рука об руку' (hand in hand) symbolizes unity or partnership, often seen in literature or folk tales, reflecting themes of solidarity in Russian history.

Related Concepts:

• плечо (plecho) - Shoulder
• палец (palets) - Finger
• тело (telo) - Body