Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pin'

English Word: pin

Key Russian Translations:

• булавка [buˈɫafkə] - [Informal, Everyday object]
• пин [pin] - [Formal, Technical, Used in computing contexts like PIN codes]
• шпилька [ˈʂpʲilʲkə] - [Informal, Often for hair pins or small fasteners]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language for physical objects; High in technical contexts like banking)

Difficulty: A2 for 'булавка' (Beginner, basic vocabulary); B1 for 'пин' (Intermediate, due to its specialized use)

Pronunciation (Russian):

булавка: [buˈɫafkə]

Note on булавка: The stress falls on the second syllable; be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

пин: [pin]

Note on пин: Pronounced similarly to the English word; no major variations, but ensure a clear Russian accentuation.

шпилька: [ˈʂpʲilʲkə]

Note on шпилька: The initial 'ш' is a voiceless postalveolar fricative; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A small pointed piece of metal used for fastening or holding things together (e.g., a safety pin)

Translation(s) & Context:

• булавка - Used in everyday, informal contexts for clothing or crafts.
• шпилька - Applied in specific scenarios like hair accessories or small fasteners.

Usage Examples:

• Я использовала булавку, чтобы прикрепить записку к куртке.

  I used a pin to attach the note to the jacket.

• Эта булавка очень полезна для ремонта одежды на ходу.

  This pin is very useful for quick clothing repairs.

• Шпилька в моей сумке спасла ситуацию, когда пуговица оторвалась.

  The pin in my bag saved the situation when the button came off.

• Дети часто играют с булавками, но нужно быть осторожными.

  Children often play with pins, but you need to be careful.

Meaning 2: A personal identification number (e.g., for bank cards or security)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пин - Used in formal, technical, or digital contexts, such as banking or online security.

Usage Examples:

• Введи свой пин-код, чтобы получить доступ к счету.

  Enter your PIN to access your account.

• Никому не сообщай свой пин, даже близким друзьям.

  Don't share your PIN with anyone, even close friends.

• Если забыл пин, можно сбросить его через приложение.

  If you forget your PIN, you can reset it through the app.

• Банк требует четырехзначный пин для подтверждения транзакций.

  The bank requires a four-digit PIN to confirm transactions.

• Пин-код на карте должен быть уникальным и сложным.

  The PIN on the card should be unique and complex.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'булавка' (feminine noun, first declension):

For 'пин' (indeclinable noun, often treated as a foreign word):

This word does not change forms in Russian; it remains 'пин' in all cases, which is common for loanwords.

For 'шпилька' (feminine noun, similar to 'булавка'):

It follows standard first declension patterns; refer to the table above for examples, as it inflects similarly.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шпилька (similar to булавка, but often for smaller or decorative pins; more common in fashion contexts)
  • заколка (specifically for hair pins)
• Antonyms: N/A (This word doesn't have direct antonyms, as it's a physical object.)

Related Phrases:

• Булавка для бумаг - A paper pin or staple; used for securing documents.
• Пин-код карты - Card PIN code; essential in financial security contexts.
• Шпилька в прическе - Hair pin in a hairstyle; common in beauty and fashion discussions.

Usage Notes:

The English word 'pin' translates variably in Russian based on context: 'булавка' is ideal for everyday physical objects, while 'пин' is reserved for technical terms like PIN codes. Be mindful of formality—'пин' is more formal and appears in official or digital settings. In spoken Russian, 'булавка' might be used metaphorically for something that 'holds things together,' but avoid direct translations without context. When choosing between translations, consider the audience: use 'шпилька' for fashion-related topics to sound more natural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'булавка' with 'пин' in non-technical contexts, e.g., saying 'пин' for a safety pin. Correct usage: Use 'булавка' for physical pins. Example of error: "Я потерял пин" (meaning a safety pin). Correct: "Я потерял булавку". Explanation: 'Пин' specifically refers to codes, leading to misunderstandings in casual conversation.

• Error: Incorrectly declining 'пин' as if it were a regular Russian noun, e.g., saying 'пина' in genitive. Correct: It remains undeclined as 'пин'. Explanation: As a loanword, it doesn't follow Russian inflection rules, so always use it in its base form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'булавка' (pin) is often associated with practical, everyday ingenuity, such as in folk tales or proverbs where it symbolizes quick fixes. For instance, it's reminiscent of traditional sewing and crafting, which are deeply rooted in Russian domestic life. 'Пин-код', on the other hand, reflects modern technological influences, highlighting Russia's integration into global digital systems, but with a cautionary undertone about privacy and security in a historically security-conscious society.

Related Concepts:

• игла (needle)
• гвоздь (nail)
• код (code)