Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'notch'

English Word: notch

Key Russian Translations:

• выемка [vʲɪˈjemkə] - [Noun, Formal]
• паз [pas] - [Noun, Technical]
• зарубка [zɐˈrubkə] - [Noun, Informal, Used in contexts like marking or scoring]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and everyday contexts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and basic technical terms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

выемка: [vʲɪˈjemkə]

Note on выемка: The stress falls on the second syllable; the palatalized 'й' sound can be challenging for beginners.

паз: [pas]

Note on паз: This is a straightforward word with stress on the first syllable; no major irregularities.

зарубка: [zɐˈrubkə]

Note on зарубка: Stress on the second syllable; the 'з' is pronounced as a voiced 'z' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A V-shaped cut or indentation (e.g., in wood, metal, or as a mark).

Translation(s) & Context:

• выемка - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as engineering or anatomy, to describe a precise cut.
• паз - Common in mechanical or carpentry settings, implying a groove or slot.
• зарубка - Informal, often for notches as marks or scores, like in tallying.

Usage Examples:

• Он сделал выемку в доске для лучшей фиксации.

  He made a notch in the board for better fixation.

• В механизме есть паз, который позволяет детали скользить.

  In the mechanism, there is a notch that allows the part to slide.

• Дети сделали зарубку на дереве, чтобы отметить высоту роста.

  The children made a notch on the tree to mark the height of growth.

• Мастер аккуратно вырезал выемку в металле для точной сборки.

  The craftsman carefully cut a notch in the metal for precise assembly.

2. A point or level on a scale (figurative, e.g., "a notch above").

Translation(s) & Context:

• зарубка - Used metaphorically in informal speech to indicate a step up or down in quality.
• выемка - Less common in figurative senses, but possible in specialized contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот ресторан на зарубку выше, чем обычные закусочные.

  This restaurant is a notch above regular diners.

• Её навыки поднялись на новую зарубку после тренировки.

  Her skills went up a notch after the training.

• В этой версии игры добавили выемку в сложности для продвинутых игроков.

  In this game version, they added a notch in difficulty for advanced players.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most translations like "выемка" and "зарубка" are feminine nouns in the first declension, while "паз" is a masculine noun. They follow standard Russian inflection patterns with variations by case and number.

Note: These words do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: зарубка (similar to a mark), углубление (for a deeper indentation), надрез (for a cut)
• Antonyms: выпуклость (protuberance or bulge; implies the opposite of an indentation)

Related Phrases:

• Сделать выемку - To make a notch; used in crafting or repair contexts.
• Паз и гребень - Notch and ridge; a common phrase in joinery for interlocking parts.
• Зарубка на память - A notch for memory; an idiomatic expression meaning a mark to remember something.

Usage Notes:

"Notch" corresponds most directly to "выемка" in formal settings, but choose "паз" for technical applications like machinery. Be aware of the noun's gender and declension to ensure grammatical accuracy in sentences. In figurative uses, "зарубка" is more colloquial and fits everyday conversation, while avoiding it in professional writing. Multiple translations allow flexibility based on context, so assess the specific scenario for the best fit.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "выемка" interchangeably with "паз" without considering context. Correct: "Выемка" is for general cuts, while "паз" is for slots. Example of error: "Я сделал паз в бумаге" (incorrect for a simple cut). Correct: "Я сделал выемку в бумаге."

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly, e.g., saying "в выемка" instead of "в выемке." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; always check the preposition's required case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "зарубка" can evoke historical practices like making notches on sticks for counting or record-keeping, reminiscent of ancient tally systems. This reflects a practical, resource-limited past, adding a layer of cultural depth to its usage in modern contexts.

Related Concepts:

• Углубление
• Надрез
• Выпуклость