Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'scissors'

English Word: scissors

Key Russian Translations:

• ножницы [noʒnʲi.t͡sɨ] - [Plural, as it is always used in plural form in Russian]

Frequency: Medium - Commonly used in everyday contexts such as household, crafting, or professional settings, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "дом" (house).

Difficulty: A2 - Elementary level, suitable for beginners learning basic nouns, though understanding its plural-only nature may require some intermediate grasp of Russian grammar.

Pronunciation (Russian):

ножницы: [noʒnʲi.t͡sɨ]

Note on ножницы: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'н' sound [nʲ], which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the first syllable. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'ж' [ʒ] sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The tool used for cutting materials like paper, fabric, or hair.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ножницы - Typically used in general contexts for cutting objects; common in everyday speech, informal and formal settings alike.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял ножницы, чтобы вырезать картинку из журнала.

  I took the scissors to cut out a picture from the magazine.

• В парикмахерской используют специальные ножницы для стрижки волос.

  In the hair salon, they use special scissors for cutting hair.

• Дети играют с безопасными ножницами на уроке рукоделия.

  Children play with safety scissors during the handicraft lesson.

• Не оставляй ножницы на столе; они могут поранить кого-то.

  Don't leave the scissors on the table; they might hurt someone.

• В швейном ателье всегда есть острые ножницы для ткани.

  In the sewing atelier, there are always sharp scissors for fabric.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ножницы" is a feminine plural noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It does not have a singular form and remains unchanged in most cases, which is a key characteristic of certain Russian nouns. Below is a table outlining its declension in the plural form:

Note: As an invariable plural noun, "ножницы" does not change for number, making it straightforward once understood, but always treated as plural in sentences (e.g., verb agreement is plural).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Секатор (sekator) - Used for pruning plants; more specific to gardening contexts.
  • Кусачки (kusachki) - For cutting wires or small materials; implies a smaller, precision tool.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "ножницы" is a specific tool. However, conceptually opposite tools might include клещи (kleshchi) for gripping rather than cutting.

Related Phrases:

• Пара ножниц (para nozhits) - A pair of scissors; used when specifying quantity in everyday contexts.
• Острые ножницы (ostrye nozhitsy) - Sharp scissors; common in descriptions for tools needing precision, such as in tailoring.
• Безопасные ножницы (bezopasnye nozhitsy) - Safety scissors; refers to child-friendly versions, often in educational or home settings.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "ножницы" directly corresponds to the English "scissors" as a plural noun and must always be used in plural form, even when referring to a single item. This differs from English, where "scissors" is inherently plural but can be quantified. Be mindful of verb agreement: always use plural verbs (e.g., "Ножницы лежат" instead of a singular form). In formal writing or speech, it's common in technical contexts like sewing or surgery. When choosing between synonyms, opt for "ножницы" for general cutting tools and "секатор" for specialized ones.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "ножницы" as a singular noun, e.g., saying "Эта ножница" (This scissor) instead of the correct plural form.

  Correct Usage: "Эти ножницы" (These scissors). Explanation: Russian has no singular equivalent, so always use plural agreements, which helps avoid grammatical errors in sentences.

• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using "ножниц" in the nominative case.

  Correct Usage: In nominative, it's always "ножницы." Explanation: Learners often mix cases; remember to check the sentence structure for proper case usage to maintain accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ножницы" are a staple in everyday life, often associated with crafts, sewing, and household chores. They symbolize precision and utility, appearing in folk tales or proverbs about careful handling (e.g., avoiding leaving them open to prevent bad luck, a minor superstition). This reflects the practical, hands-on aspects of Russian daily life.

Related Concepts:

• нож (noz) - Knife
• пила (pila) - Saw
• клещи (kleshchi) - Pliers