курсив
kursiv
The English word "cursive" is translated into Russian as курсив (kursiv).
курсив refers to the style of joined-up handwriting. In the context of typography and printing, it is also the standard term used to mean "italics".
Meaning: joined-up handwriting (noun)
Which one should you use?
To express the opposite of writing in cursive, such as writing in block or print letters, you should use the phrase печатными буквами.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to describe the manner or method of writing, for example, to say "to write in cursive", you use the instrumental case form курсивом.
How do you pronounce it?
kursiv
Did you know?
- Russian курсив is famously difficult for beginners because certain letters, like т and м, look almost identical to other letters when written in connected script.
- The word курсив comes from the Latin cursus, meaning 'a running' or 'a course', reflecting the way the pen runs across the page without lifting.
- In Russian schools, students are taught a very specific, standardized style of курсив that looks significantly different from the casual handwriting used by adults.
Examples in context
- Я предпочитаю писать курсивом.I prefer to write in cursive.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for writing using the form курсив.Tatoeba #422448 by Hellerick, translation #398547 by whipback
- По-арабски пишут исключительно курсивом.Arabic writing is exclusively cursive.This sentence is useful for noting that Arabic script is written exclusively using the form курсив.Tatoeba #13743269 by marafon, translation #13743275 by rul
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia is looking at Sergey's handwritten notes.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСергей, почему ты пишешь так быстро?Sergey, pochemu ty pishesh' tak bystro?Sergey, why are you writing so fast?
- Сергей SergeyМне удобнее использовать курсив.Mne udobnee ispol'zovat' kursiv.It is more convenient for me to use cursive.
- Анастасия AnastasiaНо я не могу это прочитать.No ya ne mogu eto prochitat'.But I cannot read this.
- Сергей SergeyИзвини, я перепишу всё понятно.Izvini, ya perepishu vsyo ponyatno.Sorry, I will rewrite everything clearly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries курсив, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
