Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spanner'

English Word: spanner

Key Russian Translations:

• ключ [klʲutʃ] - [Common tool, Informal]
• гаечный ключ [ɡaˈjɛtʃnɨj klʲutʃ] - [Specific type, Formal, Used in technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly encountered in mechanical or DIY contexts but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and tools vocabulary. For 'гаечный ключ', it may be B2 due to compound word familiarity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ключ: [klʲutʃ]

гаечный ключ: [ɡaˈjɛtʃnɨj klʲutʃ]

Note on ключ: The 'лʲ' sound is a palatalized 'l', which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds softer than the English 'l'. Pronounce it as in "lute" but with more tongue contact.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A hand tool used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, or pipes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ключ - Used in general mechanical or everyday repair contexts, often informally.
• гаечный ключ - Applied in more precise or professional settings, such as automotive repair, to specify a wrench-like tool.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял ключ из ящика инструментов, чтобы затянуть гайку на велосипеде.

  I took the spanner from the toolbox to tighten the nut on the bicycle.

• В мастерской он всегда использует гаечный ключ для ремонта машин.

  In the workshop, he always uses the spanner for repairing cars.

• Не забудь взять ключ с собой, если пойдешь чинить забор.

  Don't forget to take the spanner with you if you're going to fix the fence.

• Этот гаечный ключ идеально подходит для работы с трубами в ванной комнате.

  This spanner is perfect for working with pipes in the bathroom.

• В экстренной ситуации ключ может спасти, если нужно быстро открутить болт.

  In an emergency, a spanner can save the day if you need to quickly unscrew a bolt.

Meaning 2: In some regional or archaic English contexts, 'spanner' might metaphorically refer to something that interferes, but this is rare in Russian translation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ключ - Not commonly used; metaphorical senses are rare and context-dependent.

Usage Examples:

• Этот инструмент, как ключ, может всё испортить, если неправильно использовать.

  This tool, like a spanner in the works, can ruin everything if used incorrectly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'ключ' and 'гаечный ключ' are nouns. 'Ключ' is a masculine noun with standard Russian declensions. It follows the first declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. 'Гаечный ключ' is a compound noun and inflects based on its components, but as a whole, it behaves like a masculine noun.

For 'гаечный ключ', it inflects as: Nominative singular - гаечный ключ; Genitive singular - гаечного ключа; etc. This follows the same pattern as 'ключ'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • разводной ключ (adjustable wrench; more specific for variable sizes)
  • инструмент (general tool; broader term)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a tool noun. However, conceptually, something like "лом" (breaker) could imply destruction rather than tightening.

Related Phrases:

• Гаечный ключ для труб (Spanner for pipes; used in plumbing contexts.)
• Использовать ключ (To use the spanner; a common action phrase in repairs.)
• Ключ в наборе инструментов (Spanner in a tool set; refers to inclusion in kits.)

Usage Notes:

• In Russian, 'ключ' can also mean 'key' as in a door key, so always provide context to avoid confusion with the English 'spanner'. For example, use 'гаечный ключ' in technical discussions for precision.
• The word is neutral in terms of formality but is more common in informal or practical settings; in formal writing, opt for more descriptive terms.
• When choosing between translations, use 'ключ' for everyday use and 'гаечный ключ' for specific mechanical contexts to match the English 'spanner' accurately.
• Grammatically, ensure correct case agreement; for instance, in instrumental case: "Я работал ключом" (I worked with the spanner).

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'ключ' with its other meanings, like a door key, and using it incorrectly in sentences.
  Correct: Use 'гаечный ключ' for tools to avoid ambiguity. Example of error: "Я открыл дверь ключом" (meaning door key, not spanner). Correct usage: "Я затянул болт ключом."
• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the wrong case in sentences.
  Example of error: "Я взял ключы" (wrong plural form). Correct: "Я взял ключи." Explanation: Russian nouns must follow declension rules strictly.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, tools like the spanner are emblematic of the DIY ethos, especially in rural or Soviet-era contexts where self-repair was common due to limited access to professional services. However, 'ключ' itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations beyond its practical use.

Related Concepts:

• болт (bolt)
• гайка (nut)
• инструмент (tool)