Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'penny'

English Word: penny

Key Russian Translations:

• пенни [ˈpɛnɪ] - [Informal, as a borrowed word; used in contexts involving British or foreign currencies]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation, as it refers specifically to British currency; more frequent in financial, historical, or educational contexts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level per CEFR; learners should be familiar with basic noun declensions and loanwords, but the concept of foreign currencies may require additional cultural knowledge.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пенни: [ˈpɛnɪ]

Note on пенни: The pronunciation closely follows the English borrowing, with stress on the first syllable. Non-native speakers may struggle with the soft 'н' sound, which is similar to the English 'n' but can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A small copper coin of low value (primarily in the UK context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пенни - Used when discussing British currency or historical numismatics; common in informal or educational settings, but less so in modern Russian daily life.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть старая монета в один пенни из коллекции.

  I have an old penny coin from my collection.

• В музее показывают экспонаты, включая редкие пенни викторианской эпохи.

  The museum displays exhibits, including rare Victorian pennies.

• Он нашел пенни на улице и решил его сохранить как талисман.

  He found a penny on the street and decided to keep it as a good luck charm.

• В британском магазине цены иногда указывают в пенни для мелких покупок.

  In British stores, prices are sometimes listed in pennies for small purchases.

• Дети учат историю, начиная с простых монет, таких как пенни.

  Children learn history starting with simple coins like the penny.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"пенни" is a masculine noun (as a borrowed word from English) and follows the standard patterns of third-declension masculine nouns in Russian. It is relatively straightforward but can inflect based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: As a loanword, "пенни" often remains unchanged in most forms, especially in informal use. It does not have irregular inflections, making it easier for learners, but in plural contexts, it may not be commonly inflected due to its specific reference.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: копейка (a similar small-denomination coin in Russian currency; implies a direct equivalent in value and usage), монета (general term for coin, less specific).
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "пенни" is a specific item; however, for contrast, банкнота (banknote) could represent higher-value paper currency.

Brief note: "Копейка" is often used synonymously in everyday contexts for small coins, but it specifically refers to Russian currency, highlighting a subtle cultural difference.

Related Phrases:

• Пенни за твои мысли - A direct borrowing of the English idiom "a penny for your thoughts," used in Russian to ask someone what they're thinking; implies inviting sharing of ideas in a casual way.
• Найти пенни - To find a penny; often used metaphorically to mean discovering something of small value or as a sign of good luck, similar to English superstitions.
• Старая пенни - An old penny; refers to historical or collectible coins, with connotations of nostalgia or antiquity in discussions of British history.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English "penny" as a unit of British currency, but in Russian, it's primarily used in contexts involving foreign exchange, history, or numismatics. Note that in modern Russian, domestic equivalents like "копейка" are more common for everyday small change. When choosing between translations, use "пенни" for specific British references to maintain accuracy; avoid it in general conversations about money to prevent confusion. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun and can be preceded by numerals (e.g., один пенни), but plural forms are rare.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "пенни" with "копейка" and using it interchangeably in non-British contexts. For example, a learner might say "Я нашел копейку на улице" when referring to a penny, but incorrectly use "пенни" for Russian coins.

  Correct usage: Use "пенни" only for British currency, e.g., "Я нашел пенни в Лондоне." Explanation: This maintains cultural specificity and avoids misleading associations with Russian currency.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun properly in sentences, such as saying "Купить пенни" instead of using it in the correct case. For example, in genitive: "Цена в один пенни."

  Correct usage: Ensure proper case agreement, e.g., "Я заплатил за пенни" (though it often remains undeclined as a loanword). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree with prepositions and verbs, so learners should practice basic declensions to sound natural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "пенни" as a borrowed term often evokes images of British history or Western influences, such as in literature or tourism. For instance, it might appear in discussions of Charles Dickens' works, where pennies symbolize poverty and everyday life in Victorian England. This reflects Russia's fascination with Western culture, but it's not deeply embedded in Russian folklore, unlike native coins like the kopeck.

Related Concepts:

• копейка
• фунт (pound, as the currency penny belongs to)
• монета