Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shears'

English Word: shears

Key Russian Translations:

• ножницы (/ˈnoʐnʲɪt͡sɨ/) - [Plural, Common for cutting tools like scissors]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in everyday contexts related to tools and household items, but not as frequent as basic verbs or nouns in general conversation).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; as a basic plural noun, it's straightforward for new learners of Russian, requiring only basic vocabulary recognition and no complex grammar initially).

Pronunciation (Russian):

ножницы: /ˈnoʐnʲɪt͡sɨ/

Note on ножницы: The pronunciation features a soft 'н' sound (/nʲ/) and a palatalized 'ц' (/t͡s/), which can be tricky for English speakers. Stress is on the first syllable. Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A cutting tool used for trimming or shearing materials like hair, fabric, or plants.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ножницы - Used in everyday contexts for general cutting tools; informal to formal settings, such as in homes, salons, or gardens. It's a plural noun that doesn't have a singular form in Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Я использую ножницы для стрижки волос в салоне.

  I use shears for cutting hair in the salon.

• Эти ножницы очень острые, подходят для сада.

  These shears are very sharp and suitable for the garden.

• Не забудьте взять ножницы из ящика, чтобы вырезать ткань.

  Don't forget to take the shears from the drawer to cut the fabric.

• Дети не должны играть с ножницами без присмотра.

  Children should not play with shears without supervision.

• В мастерской лежат большие ножницы для металла.

  In the workshop, there are large shears for metal.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ножницы" is a feminine plural-only noun in Russian, meaning it does not change for singular forms. It follows the standard declension patterns for plural nouns ending in -ицы. Below is a table outlining its inflections across cases:

Note: As a pluralia tantum (always plural) word, it remains unchanged in number and does not inflect for gender in the same way as regular nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • секатор (sye-kator) - Specifically for pruning shears in gardening; implies a larger, more specialized tool.
  • кусачки (kusachki) - For smaller cutting tools, like wire cutters; used in technical contexts.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "shears" is a tool without a clear opposite. However, related concepts might include non-cutting tools like "молоток" (hammer) for building.

Related Phrases:

• Остро отточенные ножницы - Sharply sharpened shears; used for tools that need precision cutting.
• Ножницы для ткани - Shears for fabric; common in sewing contexts.
• Большие садовые ножницы - Large garden shears; refers to tools for outdoor use.
• Не роняй ножницы! - Don't drop the shears!; A cautionary phrase in everyday safety.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "ножницы" directly corresponds to "shears" as a plural noun and is always used in the plural form, even when referring to a single pair. English speakers should note that there's no singular equivalent, so avoid trying to use it as "ножница" (which is incorrect). It's versatile across formal and informal settings but is most common in practical, everyday language. When choosing between translations like "секатор," opt for it if the context is specifically gardening; otherwise, "ножницы" is the safest general term.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "ножницы" as a singular noun, e.g., saying "эта ножница" instead of "эти ножницы."

  Correct Usage: Use "ножницы" with plural agreements, e.g., "Эти ножницы острые" (These shears are sharp). Explanation: Russian grammar requires plural forms for such nouns, and using singular can confuse native speakers or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by stressing the wrong syllable, e.g., saying /noʐˈnʲɪt͡sɨ/ instead of /ˈnoʐnʲɪt͡sɨ/.

  Correct Usage: Always stress the first syllable. Explanation: Incorrect stress can alter perceived meaning or make the word harder to understand in fast speech.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ножницы" as shears or scissors often appear in everyday proverbs or superstitions, such as the belief that open scissors bring bad luck, similar to Western folklore. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on household tools in traditional Russian life, where manual skills like sewing or gardening are valued, especially in rural areas.

Related Concepts:

• инструменты (tools in general)
• секатор (pruning shears)
• нож (knife)