Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'handcuff'

English Word: handcuff

Key Russian Translations:

• наручники /nɐˈrut͡ɕnʲikʲi/ - [Formal, Plural; Used in law enforcement or security contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and not commonly used in everyday conversation, but appears in media, legal, or crime-related discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1; Involves understanding Russian noun inflections and vocabulary related to security, which may require familiarity with basic grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

наручники: /nɐˈrut͡ɕnʲikʲi/

Note on наручники: The stress falls on the third syllable ("rut"), and the "ч" sound is a palatalized affricate, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A device used to restrain a person's wrists, typically in law enforcement or security situations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• наручники - Typically used in formal, professional contexts such as policing, arrests, or discussions about restraints; implies a plural form as handcuffs are usually paired.

Usage Examples:

• Полицейский надел наручники на подозреваемого во время задержания.

  The police officer put handcuffs on the suspect during the arrest.

• В фильме показаны сцены, где герой сбегает из наручников с помощью хитрого трюка.

  In the movie, scenes show the hero escaping from handcuffs using a clever trick.

• Наручники часто используются в тюрьмах для транспортировки опасных заключенных.

  Handcuffs are often used in prisons to transport dangerous inmates.

• Во время протестов протестующие были одеты в наручники полицией для предотвращения беспорядков.

  During the protests, the demonstrators were put in handcuffs by the police to prevent riots.

• Современные наручники сделаны из прочного металла и оснащены механизмами для быстрого снятия.

  Modern handcuffs are made of durable metal and equipped with mechanisms for quick removal.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Наручники" is a plural noun in Russian (from the root "наручник," meaning a single cuff, though it's rarely used in singular). It belongs to the first declension group for masculine nouns and follows standard plural patterns. There are no irregular forms, but it inflects based on case, number, and gender rules.

Note: In practice, the plural form is almost always used for "handcuffs," as they come in pairs. The word does not change for gender since it's inanimate.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: кандалы (kandaly - chains, often used for leg restraints, with a more historical connotation); оковы (okovy - shackles, implying heavier restraints).
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific object; however, in broader contexts, words like свобода (svoboda - freedom) could contrast conceptually.

Related Phrases:

• надеть наручники - To put on handcuffs; used in contexts of arrest or restraint (e.g., implies applying the device quickly in emergencies).
• снять наручники - To remove handcuffs; common in scenarios involving release or escape attempts.
• заковать в наручники - To chain or lock in handcuffs; a more dramatic phrase, often used in literary or historical descriptions to emphasize restriction.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English "handcuff" as a physical object, but in Russian, it's almost always plural ("наручники") due to the paired nature of the item. Use it in formal or professional contexts, such as legal, police, or cinematic discussions. Be mindful of case inflections when constructing sentences; for example, in genitive case, it becomes "наручников" to indicate possession. If multiple translations exist, choose "наручники" for modern contexts, while "кандалы" might suit historical or metaphorical uses. English learners should note that Russian often pairs this word with verbs like "надеть" for application, emphasizing action in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular form "наручник" incorrectly, assuming it works like English "a handcuff." Correct: In Russian, "наручники" is preferred in plural; for example, instead of saying "Я видел наручник" (incorrect for a pair), say "Я видел наручники." Explanation: Russian nouns like this default to plural for paired objects, which can confuse English speakers used to singular forms.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by softening the "ч" sound too much or placing stress incorrectly. Correct: Pronounce as /nɐˈrut͡ɕnʲikʲi/ with clear stress on the third syllable. Explanation: This leads to misunderstandings in spoken Russian, especially in urgent contexts like police radio communications.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and media, "наручники" often appears in contexts related to law enforcement, crime dramas, or historical events like the Soviet era, where restraints symbolized oppression. This word can carry connotations of authority and resistance, as seen in literature and films about political prisoners, reflecting Russia's complex history with state control.

Related Concepts:

• тюрьма (prison)
• закон (law)
• полиция (police)
• оковы (shackles)