Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lock'

English Word: lock

Key Russian Translations:

• замок [ˈzamək] - [Noun, Common, Used in everyday contexts for physical security devices like door locks]
• запирать [zəˈpʲirətʲ] - [Verb, Formal, Used to describe the action of locking something]
• блокировать [bləkʲɪˈravatʲ] - [Verb, Informal, Used in modern contexts like digital or electronic locking]

Frequency: Medium (The word 'lock' and its translations are commonly encountered in daily life, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like 'door' or 'key').

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for 'замок' and 'запирать' - Suitable for learners with a basic grasp of Russian nouns and verbs; C1 (Advanced) for nuanced uses like 'блокировать' in technical contexts.

Pronunciation (Russian):

замок: [ˈzamək] - The stress is on the first syllable; the 'о' is pronounced as a short 'o' sound.

Note on замок: Be careful with the soft 'м' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalization; it sounds like 'm' followed by a subtle 'y' glide.

запирать: [zəˈpʲirətʲ] - Stress on the second syllable; the 'пʲ' indicates a palatalized 'p', making it softer.

Note on запирать: This verb has infinitive and conjugated forms that alter pronunciation slightly based on context; practice with native speakers for fluidity.

блокировать: [bləkʲɪˈravatʲ] - Stress on the third syllable; the 'кʲ' is palatalized, similar to a softened 'k'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A device used for fastening or securing something, such as a door or gate (Noun form).

Translation(s) & Context:

• замок - Typically used in physical, everyday security contexts, like homes or vehicles; formal and neutral register.

Usage Examples:

• Я закрыл дверь на замок, чтобы никто не вошел.

  I locked the door with a lock so that no one could enter. (Shows basic security context.)

• В старом замке был потайной механизм.

  In the old lock, there was a hidden mechanism. (Illustrates metaphorical or historical use.)

• Замок на велосипеде сломан, так что его легко украсть.

  The lock on the bicycle is broken, so it's easy to steal. (Demonstrates everyday practical usage.)

• Этот замок сделан из прочного металла.

  This lock is made of sturdy metal. (Highlights descriptive context.)

Meaning 2: To fasten or secure something with a lock (Verb form).

Translation(s) & Context:

• запирать - Used in formal or literary contexts for manually locking; implies a deliberate action.
• блокировать - Informal, often for digital or temporary locking, like blocking a screen or account.

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, запирайте дверь перед уходом.

  Please lock the door before leaving. (Standard imperative in a household setting.)

• Я всегда запираю машину в ​​городе.

  I always lock my car in the city. (Routine safety measure.)

• Система автоматически блокирует доступ после трех неудачных попыток.

  The system automatically locks access after three failed attempts. (Digital context, showing tech usage.)

• Не забудьте запирать окна на ночь.

  Don't forget to lock the windows at night. (Emphasizes habitual action in a sentence.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'замок' (a masculine noun, 2nd declension):

For 'запирать' (a verb, 1st conjugation, imperfective aspect):

• Present tense: запираю (I lock), запираешь (you lock), запирает (he/she locks), etc.
• Past tense: запирал (I locked, masculine), запирала (feminine), etc.
• Future tense: буду запирать (I will lock).

'Блокировать' is also a verb with similar conjugation patterns but is less irregular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ключ (klyuch) - Often used interchangeably for keys, but can imply the tool rather than the mechanism.
  • защелка (zashchyelka) - For a specific type of lock, like a latch; more precise in hardware contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • от perkывать (otperet') - To unlock or open.
  • разблокировать (razblokirovat') - To unblock, especially in digital contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Открыть замок - To open the lock; used in scenarios involving access or security.
• Замок на коде - A code lock; common in modern security systems.
• Заблокированный доступ - Blocked access; refers to digital or physical restrictions.

Usage Notes:

The English 'lock' corresponds most directly to 'замок' as a noun, but English speakers should note that Russian verbs like 'запирать' imply a more deliberate or physical action, often in formal writing. For informal or tech contexts, 'блокировать' is preferable. Be mindful of case endings in Russian sentences; for example, use genitive after prepositions like 'на' (on). When choosing between translations, opt for 'замок' in tangible scenarios and 'блокировать' for abstract ones to match register and context accurately.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'замок' incorrectly in verb contexts, e.g., saying "Я замок дверь" instead of "Я запираю дверь".
  Correct: "Я запираю дверь" - Explanation: 'Замок' is a noun, not a verb; always pair it with the appropriate verb for actions.
• Mistake: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "Я потерял замок" but incorrectly using nominative in other positions.
  Correct: Ensure genitive like "потерял замок" is adjusted in sentences, e.g., "Я ищу замок" (still nominative, but watch for prepositional phrases).
• Mistake: Confusing 'запирать' with 'блокировать' in formal texts, leading to informality.
  Correct: Use 'запирать' for traditional locking; explain that 'блокировать' is better for tech, as in "Я блокировал файл" vs. the erroneous "Я запирал файл".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, locks and security devices like 'замок' often symbolize protection in folklore and literature, such as in fairy tales where a locked chest might hold treasures. Historically, elaborate locks were status symbols in imperial Russia, reflecting craftsmanship and security in a vast, often insecure empire.

Related Concepts:

• Дверь (door)
• Ключ (key)
• Защита (protection)