Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lance'

English Word: lance

Key Russian Translations:

• копье [kɐˈpʲje] - [Formal, Noun, Used in historical or military contexts]
• Ланс [lans] - [Informal, Proper noun, Used as a first name]

Frequency: Medium (Common in historical literature and discussions but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate for "копье" as it involves basic noun inflections; A2 for "Ланс" as a proper noun with no inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

копье: [kɐˈpʲje] (Stress on the second syllable; the "пʲ" represents a palatalized 'p' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers)

Ланс: [lans] (Similar to English pronunciation, with a soft 's' sound)

Note on копье: The palatalization in [kɐˈpʲje] may sound like a 'py' blend; practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A long pole with a sharp point, used as a weapon (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• копье - Used in formal, historical, or military contexts, such as describing medieval warfare or ancient artifacts.

Usage Examples:

• В средневековых битвах рыцари использовали копье для атаки врагов.

  In medieval battles, knights used the lance to attack enemies.

• Музей выставляет древнее копье, найденное в археологических раскопках.

  The museum displays an ancient lance found in archaeological excavations.

• Копье было основным оружием кавалеристов в исторических сражениях.

  The lance was the primary weapon of cavalry in historical battles.

• Во время реконструкции событий, участники держат копье, чтобы воссоздать атмосферу прошлого.

  During event reconstructions, participants hold a lance to recreate the atmosphere of the past.

• Копье в руках воина символизирует силу и отвагу в русских фольклорных сказках.

  A lance in a warrior's hands symbolizes strength and bravery in Russian folk tales.

A proper name or title (Secondary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Ланс - Used as a transliterated name in informal or personal contexts, such as in literature or everyday introductions.

Usage Examples:

• Ланс - известный герой в американских романах, но в русском переводе он остается Лансом.

  Lance is a famous hero in American novels, but in Russian translations, he remains Lance.

• Мой друг Ланс живет в Москве и часто говорит по-русски.

  My friend Lance lives in Moscow and often speaks Russian.

• В фильме главный персонаж по имени Ланс борется с трудностями.

  In the movie, the main character named Lance fights against challenges.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "копье" (a neuter noun in the second declension), it undergoes regular inflections based on case and number. "Ланс" as a proper noun typically does not inflect.

Note: The inflections follow standard Russian neuter patterns, with no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пика (pika) - Similar to a lance but often shorter; used in specific historical contexts.
  • дротик (drotik) - A lighter throwing spear, with a connotation of agility.
• Antonyms:
  • щит (shchit) - Shield, representing defense rather than offense.

Related Phrases:

• Копье Амазонки (Kopye Amazonki) - Refers to the Amazon River's source or a metaphorical strong weapon; meaning: A powerful or distant tool in exploration contexts.
• Держать копье наготове (Derzhat' kopye nagotove) - To hold a lance at the ready; meaning: To be prepared for action or defense.
• Копье судьбы (Kopye sud'by) - The Spear of Destiny; meaning: A legendary weapon with mystical powers, often in historical or mythical narratives.

Usage Notes:

• "Копье" directly corresponds to the weapon meaning of "lance" and is preferred in formal or literary Russian, while "Ланс" is used for personal names without alteration.
• Be mindful of context: In military discussions, "копье" implies historical usage; in modern settings, it might sound archaic.
• Grammar note: Always inflect "копье" according to case (e.g., genitive "копья" for possession), but avoid inflecting proper nouns like "Ланс".
• When choosing between translations, use "копье" for objects and "Ланс" for names to maintain precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "копье" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я видел копье" when it should be "Я видел копьё" in certain contexts (though modern usage is flexible).
  Correct: "Я видел копье" is acceptable, but in genitive, use "копья" as in "у меня нет копья" (I don't have a lance). Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian case systems, leading to grammatical inconsistencies.
• Error: Confusing "копье" with "пика" and using them interchangeably.
  Correct: Use "пика" for shorter spears; "копье" for longer ones. Explanation: This can alter the intended meaning in historical descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "копье" often evokes images of ancient warriors and folklore, such as in epic tales like those of Russian knights or in references to historical events like the battles of the Kievan Rus'. It symbolizes bravery and is sometimes linked to mythological figures, adding a layer of cultural depth beyond its literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• меч (mech) - Sword
• щит (shchit) - Shield
• арбалет (arbalet) - Crossbow