Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'thumbtack'

English Word: thumbtack

Key Russian Translations:

• булавка /bʊˈlavkə/ - [Informal, Everyday use for pinning objects]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in specific contexts like office supplies or DIY.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and declensions, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

булавка: /bʊˈlavkə/

Note on булавка: The stress is on the second syllable (/la/). Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, with a softer 'л' in some areas.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A small pin with a flat head used to attach items to a surface.

Translation(s) & Context:

• булавка - Commonly used in informal or practical contexts, such as in offices or homes for pinning notes or decorations.

Usage Examples:

• Я приколол записку булавкой к доске объявлений.

  I pinned the note to the bulletin board with a thumbtack.

• В офисе всегда есть коробка с булавками для документов.

  In the office, there's always a box of thumbtacks for documents.

• Не забудь взять булавку, чтобы закрепить карту на стене.

  Don't forget to take a thumbtack to secure the map on the wall.

• Дети использовали булавки для создания поделок из бумаги.

  The children used thumbtacks to create paper crafts.

• Эта булавка сломалась, когда я пытался прикрепить тяжелый плакат.

  This thumbtack broke when I tried to attach a heavy poster.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"булавка" is a feminine noun (1st declension) in Russian, which means it follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. It is inflected based on case and number. Below is a declension table for singular and plural forms:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • гвоздик (gvazdik) - Similar to a small nail, often used interchangeably in informal contexts.
  • кнопка (knopka) - More general term, but can imply a push-pin in some regions; slight difference as it might refer to buttons.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as "булавка" is a specific object without direct antonyms. However, related opposites might include "скотч" (skotch, tape) for adhesion methods.

Related Phrases:

• Приколоть булавкой (Prikolot' bulavkoy) - To pin with a thumbtack; used for attaching items temporarily.
• Коробка булавок (Korobka bulavok) - Box of thumbtacks; refers to a container of such pins in office settings.
• Закрепить булавкой (Zakrepit' bulavkoy) - To secure with a thumbtack; common in DIY or crafting contexts.

Usage Notes:

Thumbtack corresponds most directly to "булавка" in Russian, which is a feminine noun and should be used with appropriate gender agreement in sentences (e.g., with adjectives or verbs). It is typically informal and practical, often in everyday or professional environments. Be cautious with synonyms like "гвоздик," which might imply something sharper or more permanent. In formal writing, you might opt for descriptive phrases if "булавка" feels too casual. Learners should pay attention to declensions to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Using the wrong gender: English speakers might treat "булавка" as neuter, but it's feminine. Incorrect: "Это булавка хороший." (Wrong gender agreement) Correct: "Это булавка хорошая." (Proper feminine adjective agreement).

• Misdeclining in cases: Forgetting to change the ending in genitive, e.g., saying "Я взял булавка" instead of "Я взял булавку." This errors stems from not applying Russian case rules.

• Confusing with synonyms: Mistaking "булавка" for "кнопка," which could lead to ambiguity. Incorrect usage: Using "кнопка" for a thumbtack in a context where it means a button. Correct: Specify "канцелярская кнопка" if needed for clarity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "булавка" is a common household and office item, often associated with practicality in Soviet-era settings where resources were limited. It symbolizes quick fixes or improvisation, as seen in literature and films depicting everyday life, but it doesn't carry deep symbolic connotations like some other words.

Related Concepts:

• скрепка (skrepka) - Staple
• липкий лент (lipkiy lent) - Adhesive tape
• доска объявлений (doska ob'yavleniy) - Bulletin board