Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sabre'

English Word: sabre

Key Russian Translations:

• сабля /ˈsab.lə/ - [Formal, used in historical or military contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, history, and military discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to weapons or history)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сабля: /ˈsab.lə/

Note on сабля: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'л' is pronounced as a clear 'l' sound. In fast speech, the final 'я' may soften slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A type of curved sword used historically in cavalry or fencing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сабля - Used in formal, historical, or descriptive contexts, such as describing weapons in museums or literature.

Usage Examples:

• В музее выставлена старинная сабля, которая принадлежала казачьему атаману.

  In the museum, an ancient sabre is displayed that belonged to a Cossack chieftain.

• Во время фехтования саблей важно держать равновесие и правильно наносить удары.

  During sabre fencing, it's important to maintain balance and deliver strikes correctly.

• Сабля была символом власти и мужества в русской армии XIX века.

  The sabre was a symbol of authority and bravery in the Russian army of the 19th century.

• Молодой офицер гордо нес свою саблю на параде.

  The young officer proudly carried his sabre during the parade.

• В исторических фильмах сабля часто используется для сцен дуэлей.

  In historical films, the sabre is often used for duel scenes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сабля" is a feminine noun in Russian (first declension). It follows standard noun declension patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шпага (shpaga) - A straight sword, often used interchangeably in fencing contexts, but typically straighter than a sabre.
  • кладенец (kladenets) - An archaic term for a sword, with a more poetic connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • ружье (ruzh'ye) - Firearm, contrasting as a ranged weapon rather than a melee one.
  • кинжал (kinzhal) - Dagger, which is shorter and used for stabbing rather than slashing.

Related Phrases:

• Казачья сабля - A Cossack sabre; refers to the traditional weapon used by Cossack warriors, symbolizing heritage and warfare.
• Фехтование на саблях - Sabre fencing; a sport involving dueling with sabres, popular in Olympic contexts.
• Сабля офицера - Officer's sabre; denotes a ceremonial or military blade carried by ranks.

Usage Notes:

• While "sabre" directly translates to "сабля," English users should note that in Russian, this word is often associated with historical or cultural contexts, such as Russian military history or literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy). Use "сабля" in formal writing or discussions about weapons, but avoid it in casual conversation.
• Be mindful of declensions: Always adjust the word based on its grammatical role in the sentence, as Russian requires case agreement.
• When choosing between synonyms like "шпага," opt for "сабля" if the weapon is curved; otherwise, "шпага" might be more accurate for straight blades.
• In modern usage, "сабля" can carry a slightly archaic or romanticized tone, making it ideal for storytelling or historical narratives.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse the genitive case, saying "сабля музей" instead of "сабля в музее" (correct: "сабли в музее" for genitive). Error: Incorrect case leads to ungrammatical sentences; Correct: Use genitive "сабли" after prepositions like "в" (in).
• Confusing with "шпага": Learners might use "сабля" for any sword, but it's specifically for curved ones. Error: "Он держит шпага" (should be "шпагу" in accusative); Correct: Specify based on shape to avoid inaccuracy.
• Overlooking gender: Treating "сабля" as masculine, e.g., wrong adjectives like "большой сабля" (should be feminine agreement, e.g., in phrases). Error: Adjective must agree: "большая сабля"; Correct: Always use feminine forms for adjectives and verbs related to it.

Cultural Notes:

The word "сабля" evokes strong cultural associations in Russia, particularly with the Cossacks and imperial military traditions. In Russian history, the sabre symbolized bravery and status among cavalry officers, as seen in 19th-century wars and literature like "War and Peace." It's not just a weapon but a cultural icon, often romanticized in folklore and films, representing heroism and the rugged spirit of the Russian frontier.

Related Concepts:

• шпага
• кинжал
• оружие
• казачество