Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'wedge'

English Word: wedge

Key Russian Translations:

• клин [klin] - [Formal, Used for tools or mechanical contexts]
• клиновидный [klʲɪvɐˈvʲidnɨj] - [Adjective form, Informal, Used to describe shapes]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and everyday contexts, but not highly frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary for tools and shapes)

Pronunciation (Russian):

клин: [klin]

клиновидный: [klʲɪvɐˈvʲidnɨj]

Note on клин: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which is palatalized in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A piece of wood, metal, or other material with a tapering end, used for splitting, holding, or fitting into a space.

Translation(s) & Context:

• клин - Used in mechanical, construction, or everyday contexts where something is wedged into place.

Usage Examples:

• Он использовал клин, чтобы закрепить дверь. (He used a wedge to secure the door.)

  Translation: He used a wedge to secure the door. (This example shows the noun in a practical, everyday scenario.)

• Клин вставили в щель, чтобы предотвратить движение. (The wedge was inserted into the gap to prevent movement.)

  Translation: The wedge was inserted into the gap to prevent movement. (Illustrates use in a mechanical context.)

• В мастерской лежали несколько клиньев разных размеров. (In the workshop, there were several wedges of different sizes.)

  Translation: In the workshop, there were several wedges of different sizes. (Demonstrates plural form and descriptive usage.)

• Клин помог разделить два куска дерева. (The wedge helped split the two pieces of wood.)

  Translation: The wedge helped split the two pieces of wood. (Shows action-oriented usage.)

Meaning 2: Something that serves to split or divide, often metaphorically (e.g., in politics or strategy).

Translation(s) & Context:

• клин - Used metaphorically in formal or strategic discussions.
• клиновидный - As an adjective, to describe divisive tactics or shapes.

Usage Examples:

• Этот закон может стать клином в обществе. (This law could become a wedge in society.)

  Translation: This law could become a wedge in society. (Example of metaphorical use in social contexts.)

• В стратегии они использовали клиновидный маневр. (In the strategy, they used a wedge maneuver.)

  Translation: In the strategy, they used a wedge maneuver. (Illustrates military or tactical application.)

• Клиновидный подход разделил оппозицию. (The wedge approach divided the opposition.)

  Translation: The wedge approach divided the opposition. (Shows adjective form in action.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For клин, which is a masculine noun (3rd declension), it follows standard Russian noun inflections:

For клиновидный, an adjective, it follows regular adjectival inflections based on gender, number, and case. It is invariable in meaning but changes form, e.g., клиновидная (feminine), клиновидное (neuter).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • зазор (zazor) - Similar to a gap or wedge in fitting contexts.
  • разделитель (razdelitel') - For metaphorical divisions.
• Antonyms:
  • соединитель (soedinitel') - Something that joins rather than splits.

Related Phrases:

• Вбить клин (Vbit' klin) - To drive a wedge; meaning to create division or insert something forcibly.
• Клиновидная форма (Klinovidnaya forma) - Wedge shape; used in descriptions of objects or strategies.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word клин directly corresponds to the English "wedge" in literal contexts but can be metaphorical, similar to English usage. It is more common in formal or technical language; for everyday speech, consider context. When choosing between translations, use клин for nouns and клиновидный for adjectives. Pay attention to case endings in sentences to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using клин without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел клин" in a context requiring genitive like "Я видел клина".
  Correct: Ensure the case matches the sentence structure, e.g., "Я видел клин в мастерской" (nominative is fine here).
  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English learners often overlook.
• Mistake: Confusing клин with клинь (a less common variant or misspelling).
  Correct: Always use клин as the standard form.
  Explanation: This can lead to pronunciation errors, affecting comprehension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "wedge" in metaphors often relates to historical military tactics, such as those used in battles like Borodino, where wedge formations were employed. This adds a layer of historical connotation, making it a vivid term in discussions of strategy or division in society.

Related Concepts:

• зазор
• разделение
• тактика