Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'knife'

English Word: knife

Key Russian Translations:

• нож /noʒ/ - [Common, Everyday use]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in daily Russian conversations and appears frequently in literature and media.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward grammar, making it accessible for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нож: /noʒ/ (The "ж" sound is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the "s" in "measure" in English.)

Note on нож: Be careful with the soft "ж" sound, which can be tricky for English speakers; it's softer than a standard "z". Pronounce it with the tongue near the roof of the mouth.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A cutting tool with a blade, used for slicing or preparing food, or in other practical applications.

Translation(s) & Context:

• нож - Used in everyday contexts for household items, cooking, or tools; informal to formal settings depending on the situation.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял нож и нарезал овощи для салата.

  I took a knife and cut the vegetables for the salad. (This example shows the noun in a simple, everyday cooking context.)

• В кухне всегда должен быть острый нож.

  In the kitchen, there should always be a sharp knife. (Illustrates the noun in a general statement about tools.)

• Он использовал нож для ремонта велосипеда.

  He used a knife to repair the bicycle. (Demonstrates the word in a non-culinary, practical scenario.)

• Мама купила новый нож в магазине бытовой техники.

  Mom bought a new knife at the household appliance store. (Shows the noun in a shopping or possessive context.)

• Дети не должны играть с ножом, это опасно.

  Children should not play with a knife; it's dangerous. (Highlights the word in a warning or safety-related sentence.)

Meaning: A metaphorical or specialized tool, e.g., in surgery or weaponry (though less common for the basic "knife").

Translation(s) & Context:

• нож - In specialized contexts like "скальпель" for surgical knife, but "нож" can be used metaphorically; formal in professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Врачи используют хирургический нож для операций.

  Doctors use a surgical knife for operations. (This shows "нож" in a medical context, though "скальпель" is more precise.)

• Этот нож стал символом выживания в дикой природе.

  This knife became a symbol of survival in the wilderness. (Illustrates metaphorical usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Нож" is a masculine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its forms:

Note: The plural forms are irregular in some cases, like the genitive plural "ножей", which requires attention for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кинжал (a type of knife, like a dagger; more formal or literary)
  • лезвие (blade; used for the cutting part specifically)
• Antonyms:
  • вилка (fork; as an opposite eating utensil)

Related Phrases:

• Острый нож - Sharp knife (Common phrase for describing a well-maintained tool in cooking or daily use.)
• Карманный нож - Pocket knife (Refers to a portable version, often used in outdoor activities.)
• Нож для хлеба - Bread knife (A specialized kitchen tool for slicing bread.)

Usage Notes:

"Нож" directly corresponds to the English "knife" in most contexts, but remember that Russian nouns have genders and cases. It's masculine, so adjectives and verbs must agree (e.g., "острый нож" for "sharp knife"). Use it in informal and formal settings alike, but be cautious in idiomatic expressions. When choosing between translations like "нож" and "кинжал", opt for "нож" for everyday items and "кинжал" for weapons. In sentences, always consider the required case based on prepositions or verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я имею нож" instead of "Я имею нож" (correct), but forgetting to change to genitive in phrases like "без ножа" (without a knife). Correct: "без ножа" – Explanation: English speakers often overlook case changes, which can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using "кинжал" when "нож" is meant for a kitchen knife. Correct: Use "нож" for general tools – Explanation: This can lead to misunderstandings in context; always match the specific type of knife.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, knives are practical tools but also carry symbolic meanings, such as in folklore where they represent protection or danger. For instance, in traditional Russian households, a sharp knife is essential in the kitchen, reflecting the importance of self-sufficiency and home-cooked meals in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• вилка (fork)
• ложка (spoon)
• скальпель (scalpel)