Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'stickpin'

English Word: stickpin

Key Russian Translations:

• булавка [buˈɫafkə] - [Informal, Everyday]
• заколка [zɐˈkoɫkə] - [Informal, May imply a hair accessory but can extend to decorative pins]

Frequency: Low (Not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation, more specific to fashion or antique contexts)

Difficulty: A1 for 'булавка' (Beginner level, as it's a basic noun); A2 for 'заколка' (Slightly more context-dependent)

Pronunciation (Russian):

булавка: [buˈɫafkə]

Note on булавка: The stress is on the second syllable; the 'л' is pronounced softly, which can be tricky for English speakers used to harder 'l' sounds.

заколка: [zɐˈkoɫkə]

Note on заколка: Stress on the second syllable; the 'з' is voiced, and the word may vary slightly in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A decorative pin used to fasten clothing, such as a tie or scarf.

Translation(s) & Context:

• булавка - Used in informal contexts for everyday or fashion-related items.
• заколка - Used when the pin has a more accessory-like quality, such as in jewelry or personal adornment.

Usage Examples:

• Я ношу булавку на галстуке для особых случаев.

  I wear a stickpin on my tie for special occasions.

• Эта старинная булавка принадлежит моей бабушке.

  This antique stickpin belongs to my grandmother.

• Заколка с драгоценными камнями добавляет элегантности костюму.

  The stickpin with precious stones adds elegance to the outfit.

• В музее выставлена коллекция булавок из XIX века.

  The museum displays a collection of stickpins from the 19th century.

Meaning 2: Metaphorical or extended use, e.g., as a small fastening device in crafts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• булавка - In crafting or DIY contexts, emphasizing utility.

Usage Examples:

• Используйте булавку, чтобы зафиксировать ткань во время шитья.

  Use a stickpin to hold the fabric in place while sewing.

• Булавка в ремесле часто заменяет более сложные крепления.

  A stickpin in crafts often substitutes for more complex fasteners.

• Дети любят играть с маленькими булавками в handmade проектах.

  Children enjoy playing with small stickpins in handmade projects.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'булавка' and 'заколка' are feminine nouns in Russian, following the standard first declension pattern for nouns ending in -а. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for 'булавка' as an example:

For 'заколка', the inflections are similar: Nominative singular - заколка, Plural - заколки, etc. These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for beginners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пин (pin) - More general term, often used for any type of pin.
  • брошь (brooch) - When referring to a more elaborate, jeweled stickpin; differs by implying greater ornamentation.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a physical object without clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Декоративная булавка - A decorative stickpin; used in fashion contexts to describe enhanced versions.
• Булавка для галстука - Stickpin for a tie; common in formal wear descriptions.
• Старинная заколка - Antique stickpin; refers to historical or collectible items with cultural value.

Usage Notes:

'Булавка' is the most direct translation for 'stickpin' in everyday Russian, especially for clothing accessories, while 'заколка' might be chosen if the item has a hair or jewelry connotation. English speakers should note that Russian nouns are gendered and inflected, so always adjust for case (e.g., use instrumental case with prepositions like 'с' - with). In formal writing, prefer 'булавка' for precision. Be cautious with regional variations; in some dialects, these words might overlap with similar items like pins or clips.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'булавка' interchangeably with 'игла' (needle), which is incorrect as 'игла' refers to a sewing needle, not a decorative pin. Correct: Stick to 'булавка' for stickpins to avoid confusion. Example of error: "Я потерял иглу на галстуке" (Wrong: I lost the needle on my tie). Correct: "Я потерял булавку на галстуке" (I lost the stickpin on my tie). Explanation: 'Игла' implies a sharp tool, not an ornament.
• Mistake: Forgetting to inflect the noun in sentences, e.g., saying "Купить булавка" instead of "Купить булавку" (accusative case). Correct: Always match the case, as in "Я купил булавку" (I bought a stickpin). Explanation: Russian requires grammatical agreement, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, stickpins like 'булавка' have historical significance in traditional attire, often seen in folk costumes or as symbols of status in 19th-century fashion. They may carry sentimental value in family heirlooms, reflecting themes of heritage and craftsmanship, which is less emphasized in modern English-speaking contexts.

Related Concepts:

• брошь (brooch)
• пинцет (tweezers, for related fastening tools)
• украшение (ornament)