Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spear'

English Word: spear

Key Russian Translations:

• копье [kɐˈpʲe] - [Formal, Singular; Used in historical or military contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in literature, history, or discussions about weaponry, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; Suitable for beginners learning Russian nouns, with straightforward vocabulary but requiring basic understanding of noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

копье: [kɐˈpʲe]

Note on копье: The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'пь' combination can be tricky for English speakers, as it involves a palatalized 'p' sound, similar to the 'p' in "pew" but softer. Be careful not to aspirate the 'k' as in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A long, pointed weapon used for thrusting or throwing (Noun, referring to a historical or modern tool/weapon)

Translation(s) & Context:

• копье - Used in formal, historical, or literary contexts, such as describing ancient warfare or museum artifacts.

Usage Examples:

• В музее выставлено древнее копье викингов.

  In the museum, an ancient Viking spear is on display. (This example shows the noun in a singular, nominative context, emphasizing historical reference.)

• Воин поднял копье, готовясь к бою.

  The warrior raised the spear, preparing for battle. (Illustrates the noun in a dynamic action scene, with instrumental case implied in context.)

• Копья были основным оружием в средневековых армиях.

  Spears were the primary weapon in medieval armies. (Demonstrates plural form in a general historical discussion.)

• Он держал копье в руке, как символ власти.

  He held the spear in his hand as a symbol of power. (Shows the noun in prepositional or accusative contexts, highlighting metaphorical use.)

Meaning 2: To pierce or thrust with a pointed object (Verb, less common direct translation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• метать копье - Used in contexts involving throwing, such as sports or historical reenactments; more literal for "to spear" as an action.

Usage Examples:

• Охотник метнул копье в цель.

  The hunter threw the spear at the target. (This example uses the verb in a hunting or sports context, showing action with a direct object.)

• В древние времена воины метали копья на расстоянии.

  In ancient times, warriors threw spears from a distance. (Illustrates the verb in a historical narrative, with past tense for storytelling.)

• Он метнул копье, но промахнулся.

  He threw the spear but missed. (Shows failure in action, emphasizing verb conjugation in past tense.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translation, "копье", is a neuter noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns with some irregularities in certain cases. Below is a declension table for "копье" (singular and plural):

For verb forms like "метать" (to throw), it is a first-conjugation verb with regular inflections: e.g., Present: метать, мечу, метаешь; Past: метал. If using "метать копье" as a phrase, inflect accordingly based on context.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пика (pika) - Similar to a spear but often shorter; used in medieval contexts.
  • дротик (drotik) - A lighter throwing spear; preferred in sports or javelin-like scenarios.
• Antonyms:
  • щит (shchit) - Shield; represents defense rather than offense.

Related Phrases:

• Древнее копье (Drayeeno ye kop'ye) - Ancient spear; Refers to historical artifacts in archaeological contexts.
• Метать копье (Metat' kop'ye) - To throw a spear; Common in sports or military training scenarios.
• Копье судьбы (Kop'ye sud'by) - Spear of Destiny; A phrase from mythology, referring to a legendary weapon with cultural significance.

Usage Notes:

"Копье" directly corresponds to the English "spear" as a noun, but it's most commonly used in formal, historical, or literary English contexts rather than everyday speech. In Russian, be mindful of its declension—always adjust for case to fit the sentence structure. For example, use the genitive form "копья" when indicating possession. If translating the verb "to spear," opt for "метать" in action-oriented contexts, but combine it with "копье" for specificity. Multiple translations may vary by regional dialects, so in formal writing, "копье" is the safest choice.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse the declension of "копье," mistakenly using the nominative form in all cases. For example, incorrect: "Я видел копье" in a genitive context; Correct: "Я видел копье викингов" (using genitive for possession). This error stems from English's lack of cases, so always check the sentence role.

• Another common mistake is over-aspirating the 'к' sound in pronunciation, making it sound like "kopee" instead of the softer [kɐˈpʲe]. Practice with native audio to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "копье" often evokes images of ancient Slavic warriors or historical events like the battles in Russian folklore. For instance, it's linked to epic tales in literature such as those by Pushkin, symbolizing bravery and conflict. This word carries a romanticized connotation in modern Russia, appearing in museums and national history narratives, reflecting the country's martial heritage.

Related Concepts:

• меч (mech) - Sword
• лук (luk) - Bow
• щит (shchit) - Shield