Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'keyhole'

English Word: keyhole

Key Russian Translations:

• замочная скважина [zɐˈmɔtʲnəjə skvɐˈʐɨnə] - [Formal, Common noun]

Frequency: Low (This term is not frequently used in everyday conversation but appears in contexts like locksmithing or descriptions of objects.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun structures, though the specific vocabulary may require additional practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

замочная скважина: [zɐˈmɔtʲnəjə skvɐˈʐɨnə]

Note on замочная скважина: The stress falls on the third syllable of "скважина" (skvɐˈʐɨnə), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the rolled 'r' sound in Russian. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small hole in a lock where a key is inserted.

Translation(s) & Context:

• замочная скважина - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing household items or security systems.

Usage Examples:

• Я не могу открыть дверь, потому что ключ не подходит в замочную скважину.

  I can't open the door because the key doesn't fit into the keyhole.

• В старых замках замочная скважина часто бывает ржавой и требует смазки.

  In old locks, the keyhole is often rusty and needs lubrication.

• Детектив осмотрел замочную скважину на предмет следов взлома.

  The detective examined the keyhole for signs of a break-in.

• Современные смартфоны используют цифровые замки вместо традиционной замочной скважины.

  Modern smartphones use digital locks instead of a traditional keyhole.

• Если вы потеряли ключ, проверьте, не забита ли замочная скважина мусором.

  If you've lost your key, check if the keyhole is clogged with debris.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Замочная скважина" is a feminine noun in Russian, following the standard first declension pattern for nouns ending in -а. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: As a compound noun, it does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ключевой отверстие (klyuchevoy otverstiye) - Less formal, used interchangeably in everyday speech.
  • замковое отверстие (zamkovoye otverstiye) - Emphasizes the lock aspect, often in technical contexts; subtle difference in connotation toward mechanical devices.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "keyhole" is a specific physical feature. However, related concepts might include "замок без скважины" (lock without a keyhole), implying digital alternatives.

Related Phrases:

• Взлом замочной скважины (vzlom zamocnoy skvazhiny) - Breaking into a keyhole; used in contexts of burglary or security.
• Очистить замочную скважину (ochistit' zamocnuyu skvazhinu) - To clean the keyhole; common in maintenance scenarios.
• Ключ в замочной скважине (klyuch v zamocnoy skvazhine) - Key in the keyhole; refers to a situation where a key is inserted.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "замочная скважина" directly corresponds to the English "keyhole" and is used in similar contexts, such as describing locks or doors. It is a formal term, so prefer it in written or technical language over more colloquial alternatives like "ключевой отверстие." Be mindful of Russian noun gender (feminine) and declension when constructing sentences. When choosing between translations, use "замочная скважина" for precision in everyday or professional settings, as it emphasizes the lock's mechanism.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я увидел замочная скважина" instead of "Я увидел замочную скважину" (Accusative case required after verbs like "увидеть").

  Correct: "Я увидел замочную скважину." Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case; here, the accusative form is needed for direct objects.

• Error: Confusing with "скважина" alone, which means "borehole" in geological contexts, leading to misuse like "нефтяная скважина" for oil drilling.

  Correct: Specify "замочная скважина" to avoid ambiguity. Explanation: Always add the modifier "замочная" to ensure the meaning relates to locks, not unrelated fields.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, references to "замочная скважина" often appear in literature and films involving mystery or espionage, such as in detective stories by authors like Arthur Conan Doyle (translated into Russian). It symbolizes vulnerability in security, reflecting historical contexts where manual locks were prevalent in Russian architecture, especially in older buildings in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Related Concepts:

• замок (zamok) - Lock
• ключ (klyuch) - Key
• дверной механизм (dvernoi mekhanizm) - Door mechanism