Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'padlock'

English Word: padlock

Key Russian Translations:

• навесной замок /nɐˈvʲesnəj zɐˈmok/ - [Formal, Common noun for a portable lock]
• висячий замок /ˈvʲisətɕɪj zɐˈmok/ - [Informal, Used in everyday contexts, often interchangeable with the first]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in contexts like security or daily life, but not as common in general conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic vocabulary related to objects, with straightforward grammar; learners at this level should grasp it with practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

навесной замок: /nɐˈvʲesnəj zɐˈmok/

Note on навесной замок: The stress falls on the second syllable of "навесной" (/ˈvʲesnəj/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'в' sound. Practice the rolling 'r' in "замок" for accuracy.

висячий замок: /ˈvʲisətɕɪj zɐˈmok/

Note on висячий замок: The 'щ' in "висячий" is a soft, hissing sound (/ɕ/), similar to 'sh' but more palatalized; it's a common challenge for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A portable lock with a U-shaped bar that can be passed through a link and secured.

Translation(s) & Context:

• навесной замок - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing locks for doors, gates, or luggage.
• висячий замок - Applied in informal settings, like everyday conversations about home security or tools.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил новый навесной замок для гаража, чтобы защитить инструменты.

  I bought a new padlock for the garage to protect the tools. (This example shows the word in a practical, security-related context.)

• Не забудь взять висячий замок, когда поедешь в поход; он спасёт твой рюкзак.

  Don't forget to take a padlock when you go hiking; it will save your backpack. (Illustrates informal usage in outdoor or travel scenarios.)

• Этот навесной замок очень надёжный; он выдержит любые погодные условия.

  This padlock is very reliable; it can withstand any weather conditions. (Demonstrates descriptive use in product reviews or evaluations.)

• В старом фильме вор взломал висячий замок на двери склада.

  In the old movie, the thief broke the padlock on the warehouse door. (Shows the word in narrative or storytelling contexts.)

• Для школьного шкафчика нужен простой висячий замок, чтобы ученики могли его легко использовать.

  For a school locker, you need a simple padlock so that students can use it easily. (Highlights everyday educational or institutional settings.)

Secondary Meaning: Figuratively, something that secures or restricts access (less common in English, but possible in metaphorical use).

Translation(s) & Context:

• навесной замок - In metaphorical contexts, e.g., in literature to describe emotional barriers.

Usage Examples:

• Её сердце было как навесной замок, закрытый от всех.

  Her heart was like a padlock, closed off from everyone. (This example extends the word metaphorically in emotional contexts.)

• Законы общества действуют как висячий замок на свободе.

  Society's laws act like a padlock on freedom. (Shows idiomatic or abstract usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "навесной замок" and "висячий замок" are noun phrases. "Навесной" and "висячий" are adjectives that agree with the noun "замок" (lock), which is a masculine noun in Russian. Russian nouns and adjectives follow declension patterns based on case, number, and gender.

"Замок" is a masculine noun of the second declension, which has regular inflections. Below is a table for the inflections of "замок" in its singular and plural forms:

For the full phrase, adjectives like "навесной" inflect accordingly: e.g., Nominative Singular: навесной замок; Genitive Singular: навесного замка.

These inflections are regular, making them straightforward for learners, but pay attention to adjective agreement.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • замок (general lock) - Often used interchangeably but less specific.
  • запор (fastener) - More general, with a slight mechanical connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • ключ (key) - Represents the tool that opens the lock, creating opposition.
  • открытый (open) - As an adjective, implying the opposite state.

Related Phrases:

• Навесной замок на дверь - A padlock on the door (Common in security contexts, referring to basic home protection).
• Висячий замок для велосипеда - A padlock for a bicycle (Used in urban or recreational settings for anti-theft measures).
• Замок с комбинацией - Combination padlock (Implies a modern, keyless variant, often in travel scenarios).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "навесной замок" is the most precise translation for "padlock" in formal or technical English, while "висячий замок" is more colloquial and suitable for everyday speech. Choose based on context: use "навесной" for written or professional descriptions, and "висячий" in casual conversations. Grammatically, always ensure adjectives agree with the noun in case, number, and gender. English speakers might confuse it with "замок" alone, which can mean any lock, so specify for accuracy. This word doesn't have strong idiomatic uses but can appear in metaphorical expressions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "замок" without qualifiers, leading to ambiguity (e.g., saying "замок" when "padlock" is meant, which could be confused with a built-in lock).

  Correct: Specify as "навесной замок" for clarity. Example of error: "Я потерял замок" (imprecise); Correct: "Я потерял навесной замок" (I lost the padlock). Explanation: Russian requires more precision in everyday objects to avoid misunderstanding.

• Error: Incorrect adjective agreement, e.g., saying "навесной замокa" in genitive case instead of "навесного замка".

  Correct: Always decline the adjective properly. Example of error: "Без навесной замокa" (wrong); Correct: "Без навесного замка" (Without the padlock). Explanation: This is a common grammar slip for English learners due to Russian's complex declension system.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, padlocks like "навесной замок" are often associated with themes of security and tradition, such as locking love padlocks on bridges in romantic spots (e.g., in Moscow). This practice, borrowed from Western customs, symbolizes enduring relationships but can also reflect a cultural emphasis on protection and permanence in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• ключ (key)
• замок на коде (combination lock)
• охранная система (security system)