Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'revolver'

English Word: revolver

Key Russian Translations:

• револьвер [rʲɪˈvolʲvʲɪr] - [Formal, Technical; Used in contexts related to firearms and military discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specialized contexts like law enforcement, history, or fiction, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; As a borrowed word, it's straightforward for learners familiar with basic noun forms, but requires knowledge of Russian pronunciation and nominal inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

револьвер: [rʲɪˈvolʲvʲɪr]

Note on револьвер: The stress falls on the second syllable ("vol"), which is common in Russian borrowed words. Be mindful of the palatalized 'r' sound at the beginning, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A type of handgun with a revolving cylinder that holds multiple bullets.

Translation(s) & Context:

• револьвер - Used in formal, technical, or historical contexts, such as describing weapons in literature, military reports, or legal discussions. It is a direct borrowing and retains a neutral tone.

Usage Examples:

• В музее выставлен старинный револьвер, использовавшийся в XIX веке.

  In the museum, there is an old revolver that was used in the 19th century.

• Агент всегда носит револьвер под пиджаком для защиты.

  The agent always carries a revolver under his jacket for protection.

• В фильме главный герой разрядил револьвер во время погони.

  In the movie, the main character fired the revolver during the chase.

• Револьвер – это не только оружие, но и символ эпохи Дикого Запада.

  A revolver is not just a weapon but also a symbol of the Wild West era.

• Механизм револьвера позволяет быстро перезаряжать патроны в бою.

  The mechanism of a revolver allows for quick reloading of cartridges in combat.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Револьвер" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, and it follows the standard third-declension pattern for inanimate nouns. It has regular inflections based on cases and numbers, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not change in gender or have verbal forms, as it is a noun. Always ensure the correct case based on sentence structure.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пистолет (pistol) - More general term; used for any handheld firearm, but less specific to revolving mechanisms.
  • револьверный пистолет (revolver pistol) - Emphasizes the type, often in technical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • ружьё (rifle) - A longer-barreled firearm, contrasting with handguns in size and usage.

Related Phrases:

• Заряженный револьвер (Zaryazhennyy revolver) - A loaded revolver; Used in contexts of readiness or danger, e.g., in action movies or security scenarios.
• Дуэльный револьвер (Duel'nyy revolver) - A dueling revolver; Refers to historical weapons used in formal duels, often with cultural connotations in Russian literature.
• Револьвер с барабаном (Revolver s barabanom) - Revolver with a cylinder; Highlights the mechanical feature, common in educational or technical explanations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "револьвер" directly corresponds to the English "revolver" as a specific type of firearm, making it a straightforward borrowing. However, it's more formal and less common in casual speech; prefer it in written contexts like articles or historical texts. When using in sentences, ensure proper case agreement (e.g., genitive for possession: "револьвера"). If multiple translations exist, choose "револьвер" for precision over general terms like "пистолет." Be aware of cultural sensitivity, as firearms discussions may carry legal implications in Russia.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "револьвер" interchangeably with "пистолет" without context. Incorrect: "Я купил пистолет" when specifically meaning a revolver. Correct: "Я купил револьвер" for accuracy. Explanation: "Пистолет" is broader and can confuse learners, leading to imprecision in technical or historical discussions.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "С револьвер" (missing instrumental ending). Correct: "С револьвером" (with instrumental case). Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on grammatical role, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "револьвер" often evokes images from literature and history, such as in the works of authors like Dostoevsky or in references to the Russian Revolution, where revolvers symbolized rebellion and personal defense. It carries a romanticized connotation in films and stories about the Wild West or Soviet-era espionage, reflecting Russia's fascination with Western influences while maintaining its own historical narrative.

Related Concepts:

• пуля (bullet)
• оружие (weapon)
• патрон (cartridge)