Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sixpence'

English Word: sixpence

Key Russian Translations:

• шестопенсовик [ʂɨstɐˈpʲɛnsəvʲɪk] - [Historical term, used in formal or literary contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is archaic and rarely used in modern Russian, primarily in historical discussions.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves historical vocabulary and requires knowledge of British currency systems.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шестопенсовик: [ʂɨstɐˈpʲɛnsəvʲɪk]

Note on шестопенсовик: The initial "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds similar to the "sh" in "she" but more guttural. Regional variations may soften the pronunciation in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A sixpence coin (historical British currency equivalent to six pence)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шестопенсовик - Used in historical, literary, or numismatic contexts to refer to the British sixpence coin, often in formal writing or discussions about British history.

Usage Examples:

• В старые времена шестипенсовик был распространённой монетой в Британии.

  In old times, the sixpence was a common coin in Britain.

• Этот антикварный шестипенсовик стоит целое состояние на аукционе.

  This antique sixpence is worth a fortune at the auction.

• В детской считалке упоминается шестипенсовик как символ удачи.

  In the nursery rhyme, the sixpence is mentioned as a symbol of luck.

• Историки часто изучают, как шестипенсовик влиял на повседневную жизнь в викторианской эпохе.

  Historians often study how the sixpence influenced everyday life in the Victorian era.

• В музее выставлен редкий шестипенсовик с портретом короля.

  In the museum, a rare sixpence with the king's portrait is on display.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"шестопенсовик" is a masculine noun in Russian, and it follows standard first-declension patterns for inanimate nouns. It is not commonly inflected in modern usage due to its archaic nature, but when it is, it changes based on case and number as shown below:

Note: This noun does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once the basic patterns are memorized.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: шесть пенни (shest' penni) - A more literal translation, often used interchangeably in historical texts; it emphasizes the numerical value rather than the specific coin.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific historical term without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Британская монета шестипенсовик - (British sixpence coin) - A phrase used in numismatic discussions to specify the historical currency.
• Старая английская валюта - (Old English currency) - Refers to broader contexts where sixpence might be mentioned, such as in economic history.
• Песня о шестипенсовике - (Song of Sixpence) - Alludes to the nursery rhyme, highlighting cultural references.

Usage Notes:

This term directly corresponds to the English "sixpence," which was a pre-decimalization British coin worth six pence. In Russian, it's best used in formal, historical, or academic contexts due to its archaic nature. Avoid using it in everyday conversation, as modern Russians might not recognize it immediately. When choosing between translations like "шестопенсовик" and "шесть пенни," opt for the former in literary or precise historical writing for a more specific connotation. Grammatically, ensure it agrees with the sentence's case, as it's a masculine noun.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "шестопенсовый" (an adjective form) instead of the noun "шестопенсовик" when referring to the coin itself. Correct: "шестопенсовик" for the noun; Explanation: "шестопенсовый" means "sixpenny" as an adjective, e.g., "шестопенсовая монета" (sixpenny coin), which is more accurate in descriptive contexts.

• Error: Confusing it with modern Russian currency terms like "рубль." Correct: Remember that "шестопенсовик" is specifically British and historical; Explanation: Learners often mix it with contemporary coins, leading to inaccurate historical references.

Cultural Notes:

In British culture, the sixpence is famously referenced in the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence," symbolizing good luck or everyday life in historical times. In Russian contexts, it's often discussed in translations of British literature or history books, evoking nostalgia for pre-decimal British currency systems, which were phased out in 1971.

Related Concepts:

• пенни (penny)
• фунт стерлингов (pound sterling)
• шиллинг (shilling)