stapler
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'stapler'
English Word: stapler
Key Russian Translations:
- степлер [ˈstʲe.plʲer] - [Common noun, used in everyday contexts such as office or school settings]
Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in modern Russian, especially in professional and educational environments, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)
Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level according to CEFR; learners at this stage should be able to recognize and use it in simple sentences, though mastering inflections may require practice.)
Pronunciation (Russian):
степлер: [ˈstʲe.plʲer]
Note on степлер: The initial 'с' is soft (palatalized), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable to avoid sounding unnatural. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'л' sound slightly.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
Primary Meaning: A device used for fastening sheets of paper together with staples.
Translation(s) & Context:
- степлер - Used in general contexts for office supplies, school, or home organization. This is the standard translation and is appropriate in both formal and informal settings.
Usage Examples:
-
Я купил новый степлер для работы в офисе. (Ya kupil novyy steppler dlya raboty v ofise.)
I bought a new stapler for work in the office. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing everyday utility.)
-
Этот степлер сломался, и мне пришлось использовать клей. (Etot steppler slomalsya, i mne prihodilos ispolzovat kley.)
This stapler broke, and I had to use glue instead. (Demonstrates the word in a narrative context, highlighting potential issues with the object.)
-
В школьном ранце всегда должен быть степлер для проектов. (V shkolnom ranke vsegda dolzhen byt steppler dlya proyektov.)
In a school backpack, there should always be a stapler for projects. (Illustrates usage in an educational setting, with a possessive structure.)
-
Электрический степлер намного удобнее, чем ручной. (Elektricheskiy steppler namnogo udobneye, chem ruchy.'
An electric stapler is much more convenient than a manual one. (Shows comparison and adjective modification, common in descriptive speech.)
-
Не забудь взять степлер на собрание, чтобы скрепить документы. (Ne zabud tebe vzyat steppler na sobraniye, chtoby skrepyit dokumenty.)
Don't forget to bring the stapler to the meeting to staple the documents. (This example places the word in an imperative sentence for instructions.)
Russian Forms/Inflections:
"Степлер" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:
Case | Singular | Plural |
---|---|---|
Nominative (Именительный) | степлер | степлеры |
Genitive (Родительный) | степлера | степлеров |
Dative (Дательный) | степлеру | степлерам |
Accusative (Винительный) | степлер | степлеры |
Instrumental (Творительный) | степлером | степлерами |
Prepositional (Предложный) | степлере | степлерах |
Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners, but always ensure the correct ending based on the sentence structure.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms: скрепитель (skrepyitel) - Less common, used in technical contexts for devices that bind papers; it emphasizes the binding function rather than the specific tool.
- Antonyms: N/A (This word doesn't have direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific object rather than a concept with opposites.)
Related Phrases:
- Офисный степлер (Ofisnyy steppler) - Office stapler; refers to a standard model used in professional settings.
- Электрический степлер (Elektricheskiy steppler) - Electric stapler; highlights modern, automated versions for efficiency.
- Мини-степлер (Mini-steppler) - Mini stapler; used for portable or compact designs, often in briefcases or bags.
Usage Notes:
- The Russian word "степлер" directly corresponds to the English "stapler" and is used interchangeably in contexts involving stationery or office equipment. It is neutral in terms of formality, suitable for both casual conversations and formal writing.
- When using in sentences, remember that Russian nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case, so "степлер" must align with adjectives or verbs (e.g., "новый степлер" for "new stapler").
- For learners, choose "степлер" over less common synonyms like "скрепитель" unless specifying a technical variant, as it is the most straightforward and widely understood option.
- In spoken Russian, it's often pronounced with a slight emphasis on efficiency in office scenarios, reflecting modern work culture.
Common Errors:
- Error: Mispronouncing the word as [ˈstɛ.plər] with a hard 's' sound, similar to English. Correct: Use the soft 'с' [ˈstʲe.plʲer] to align with Russian phonetics. Example of error: Saying "стэплер" instead of "степлер". Explanation: This can make the word sound foreign; practice with native audio to master the palatalization.
- Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using "степлера" in nominative case. Correct: Only use genitive forms like "степлера" when indicating possession (e.g., "цвет степлера" for "color of the stapler"). Explanation: Russian cases are crucial for grammar; confusing them can alter the sentence meaning.
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, "степлер" is a practical tool symbolizing efficiency in bureaucratic and educational environments, often associated with the structured nature of Soviet-era offices. While not deeply symbolic, it reflects the emphasis on organization in daily life, especially in contexts like paperwork-heavy institutions.
Related Concepts:
- скрепка (skrepka) - Refers to a paper clip, a related office supply for fastening papers.
- карандаш (karandash) - Pencil, another common writing tool often used alongside staplers in educational settings.
- бумага (bumaga) - Paper, the material that staplers are designed to work with.