Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'secateurs'

English Word: secateurs

Key Russian Translations:

• секаторы [sʲɪˈka.tə.rɨ] - [Plural, Common in gardening contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Frequently used in horticulture and everyday gardening discussions, but not in general casual conversation)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; suitable for beginners learning basic vocabulary related to tools and outdoor activities)

Pronunciation (Russian):

секаторы: [sʲɪˈka.tə.rɨ]

Note on секаторы: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ka"). Be mindful of the soft 's' sound ([sʲ]), which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A handheld pruning tool used for cutting branches and stems in gardening.

Translation(s) & Context:

• секаторы - Used in formal and informal contexts for describing gardening tools; commonly in plural form to refer to a pair or set of shears.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял секаторы и обрезал сухие ветки на яблоне. (Ya vzial sekatory i obrezal sukhiie vetki na yablone.)

  I took the secateurs and pruned the dry branches on the apple tree. (This example shows the tool in a practical gardening scenario.)

• Садовник всегда носит секаторы в своем рюкзаке для быстрой обрезки. (Sadovnik vsegda nosit sekatory v svoyem ruyzake dlya bystroi obrezki.)

  The gardener always carries secateurs in his backpack for quick pruning. (Illustrates everyday use in professional settings.)

• Эти секаторы идеальны для точной работы с розами и другими цветами. (Eti sekatory ideal'ny dlya tochnoi raboty s rozami i drugimi cvetyami.)

  These secateurs are ideal for precise work with roses and other flowers. (Demonstrates application in delicate horticultural tasks.)

• Весной мы используем секаторы, чтобы сформировать кусты в саду. (Vesnoi my ispol'zuem sekatory, chtoby sformirovat' kushty v sadu.)

  In spring, we use secateurs to shape the bushes in the garden. (Shows seasonal and routine usage.)

• Если секаторы тупые, они не подойдут для сложных обрезок. (Esli sekatory tupye, oni ne podoydut dlya slozhnykh obrezok.)

  If the secateurs are dull, they won't be suitable for complex pruning. (Highlights maintenance and tool quality in context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Секаторы" is a plural neuter noun in Russian, derived from the word for "scissors" or "shears." It follows the standard declension pattern for plural nouns of the second declension. As a tool name, it is typically used in plural form and does not have a common singular counterpart in everyday language. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: Since "секаторы" is almost always plural, singular forms are rare and not standard. If needed, "секатор" could be used as a singular, but it's uncommon.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • садовые ножницы (sadovye nozhitsy) - More general term for garden scissors; often interchangeable but implies a broader range of cutting tools.
  • обрезные ножницы (obreznye nozhitsy) - Specifically for pruning; used in more technical contexts.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a tool noun without clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• остро заточенные секаторы (ostro zatocennye sekatory) - Sharply honed secateurs; refers to well-maintained tools for precise cutting.
• секаторы для роз (sekatory dlya roz) - Secateurs for roses; a phrase indicating specialized tools for delicate plants.
• использовать секаторы осторожно (ispol'zovat' sekatory ostorozhno) - To use secateurs carefully; emphasizes safety in gardening.

Usage Notes:

• Always use "секаторы" in plural form, as it mirrors the English "secateurs," which is inherently plural. In Russian, this reflects the tool's design as a pair.
• The word is most common in contexts related to gardening, agriculture, or DIY projects; avoid using it in abstract or non-physical discussions.
• When choosing between translations like "секаторы" and "садовые ножницы," opt for "секаторы" if the context specifically involves pruning live plants, as it is more precise.
• Grammatically, ensure proper case agreement; for example, in instrumental case, use "секаторами" when indicating the means of action (e.g., "Я обрезал ветки секаторами").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular form "секатор" incorrectly, as if it were a standard noun. Correct: Stick to plural "секаторы" in most cases. For example, an incorrect sentence might be: "Я купил секатор" (meaning "I bought a secateur"), which sounds unnatural. Instead, say: "Я купил секаторы" to imply a set or pair.

• Error: Mispronouncing the soft 's' sound, leading to [s] instead of [sʲ]. Correct: Practice the palatalized version to avoid sounding like a different word. Explanation: This can confuse native speakers, as it might resemble unrelated terms.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, gardening and dacha (country cottage) life are deeply ingrained, especially in rural areas. Tools like "секаторы" symbolize self-sufficiency and the tradition of maintaining personal plots, often passed down through generations. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on nature and seasonal activities, making such vocabulary practical for understanding everyday Russian life.

Related Concepts:

• лопата (lopata) - Shovel
• вилы (vily) - Pitchfork
• садовый инструмент (sadovyi instrument) - Garden tool