shaft
gb/ʃˈæft/ us/ʃˈæft/
B1
English
~ 8600
nyél, szár, akna, fénysugár, odaszúrás, csípős megjegyzés, kitolás, kiszúrás, átver, kitol, lehúz, megdug, megbasz, fasz, pénisz szára
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
the shaft of [a tool/club/arrow]
He replaced the broken shaft of his hammer with a new wooden one.
A kalapács törött nyelét új fanyélre cserélte.
The arrow’s shaft snapped when it hit the wall.
A nyílvessző szára kettétört, amikor a falnak csapódott.
She gripped the shaft of the golf club and took a practice swing.
The steel shaft connects the motor to the wheels.
The broom’s shaft was too long to fit in the closet.
Learner examples
He cleaned the long shaft of the shovel.
Megtisztította a lapát hosszú nyelét.
The boy held the shaft of the fishing rod tightly.
A fiú szorosan fogta a horgászbot szárát.
The arrow has a sharp tip and a long shaft.
This golf club has a very light shaft.
The metal shaft under the car turns the wheels.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "shaft" with "staff". "Shaft" is usually the long part of an object (like a tool or arrow), while "staff" is a stick used for walking or as a symbol of office, or a group of employees.
Meaning
long narrow handle or rod
Collocations
golf club shaft
|wooden shaft
|steel shaft
|axe shaft
|arrow shaft
|drive shaft
Synonyms
handle (Focuses on the part held by the hand, not always long and narrow.)
|
rod (Any straight bar or stick; less tied to being the main part of a specific tool.)
Antonyms
head (Refers to the working or striking end of a tool, the opposite part from the shaft.)
Themes
objects
|technology
|construction
|core_vocabulary
|work
Definition
The long, thin part of something, like the handle of a tool or the main part of a golf club or arrow.
The long, narrow, usually cylindrical part of an object, such as the handle of a tool or the main body of a club, arrow, or similar item.
NOUN
B2
2
akna
B1
Usage pattern:
a [mine/elevator/ventilation] shaft
The miners descended deep into the earth through a narrow shaft.
A bányászok egy szűk aknán ereszkedtek le mélyen a földbe.
An open elevator shaft can be extremely dangerous on a construction site.
Egy nyitott liftakna rendkívül veszélyes lehet egy építkezésen.
Fresh air was brought into the tunnel through a ventilation shaft.
They discovered the hidden room behind an old brick shaft in the basement.
Rescue teams lowered equipment down the mine shaft to reach the trapped workers.
Learner examples
The elevator moves up and down in a tall shaft.
A lift egy magas liftaknában mozog fel és le.
Workers went down the mine shaft to get coal.
A munkások lementek a bányaaknába, hogy szenet bányásszanak.
Light came into the building through an air shaft.
They looked down the deep shaft but could not see the bottom.
The old shaft was no longer safe to use.
Common mistake:
Learners may describe any tunnel as a "shaft". A shaft is usually more narrow and more vertical than a typical horizontal tunnel.
Meaning
vertical tunnel or passage
Collocations
mine shaft
|elevator shaft
|ventilation shaft
|air shaft
|lift shaft
|shaft collapse
Synonyms
tunnel (A more general term; not necessarily vertical and often larger and longer.)
|
well (Usually a vertical shaft for water; more specific purpose than "shaft".)
Antonyms
solid wall (A continuous structure with no passage through it, the opposite of an opening like a shaft.)
Themes
construction
|transport
|science
|work
|housing
Definition
A narrow, usually straight hole or tunnel that goes up or down in the ground or a building, for example for a mine or an elevator.
A narrow, usually vertical or steeply inclined passage going down into the ground or up through a building, used for things like mines, elevators, or ventilation.
NOUN
B2
3
fénysugár
B1
Usage pattern:
a shaft of [light/sunlight]
A shaft of light fell through the curtains and lit up the floor.
Egy fénysugár szűrődött be a függönyön át, és megvilágította a padlót.
Dust danced in the narrow shaft of sunlight coming through the window.
Por táncolt az ablakon beáradó keskeny fénysugárban.
The cave was almost black except for a single shaft of light from above.
She stood in a shaft of moonlight, her face just visible.
The door opened, sending a bright shaft of light into the dark hallway.
Learner examples
A shaft of light came in through the small window.
Egy fénysugár jött be a kis ablakon.
He saw tiny dust in the shaft of sunlight.
Apró porszemeket látott a napsugárban.
The room was dark, but a shaft of light showed the table.
A shaft of moonlight fell on her bed.
When he opened the door, a shaft of light entered the room.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "line of light" or "stripe of light" instead of the more natural "shaft of light" or "beam of light" in this context.
Meaning
narrow beam of light
Collocations
shaft of light
|shaft of sunlight
|shaft of moonlight
|golden shafts of sun
|a single shaft of light
Synonyms
beam (General word for a line of light; not as strongly associated with coming through a small opening.)
|
ray (Often smaller or more abstract; used more broadly for light or figurative hope.)
Antonyms
darkness (The absence of light, which a shaft of light cuts through.)
Themes
nature
|visual
|weather
|science
Definition
A thin line or beam of light, especially when it comes into a dark room through a small space.
A narrow beam or streak of light, especially one coming through a small opening into a darker place.
NOUN
C1
4
odaszúrás
B2
Usage pattern:
a shaft of [wit/sarcasm/criticism]
Her speech was full of subtle shafts aimed at her critics.
A beszéde tele volt a bírálóinak címzett finom odaszúrásokkal.
He could not resist a quick shaft of sarcasm about the new policy.
Nem tudott ellenállni egy gyors, gúnyos odaszúrásnak az új intézkedéssel kapcsolatban.
The reviewer’s shafts about the actor’s performance were unusually harsh.
Each joke carried a little shaft of criticism under the laughter.
His remark was less a compliment than a well-aimed shaft.
Learner examples
He made a small shaft at his boss during the meeting.
Az értekezleten tett egy apró odaszúrást a főnökére.
Her joke sounded funny, but it was also a shaft at her friend.
A poénja viccesnek hangzott, de egyben csípős megjegyzés is volt a barátjára.
The writer is known for sharp shafts in his articles.
That comment was a clear shaft against the new manager.
She laughed, but the shaft in his words hurt her.
Common mistake:
Learners may not recognize this sense and may think "shaft" always refers to a physical object. In this meaning, it is a metaphor for a sudden, sharp remark.
Meaning
sharp or cutting remark
Collocations
a shaft of wit
|a shaft of sarcasm
|a cruel shaft
|a bitter shaft
|a shaft directed at [someone]
Synonyms
barb (Very close in meaning, but often suggests a more obviously hurtful or pointed remark.)
|
dig (Informal; a casual, slightly hidden critical comment.)
Antonyms
compliment (A positive remark of praise, the opposite of a sharp, critical shaft.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social
Definition
A short comment that is clever but also unkind or very critical.
A brief, often witty remark that is sharply critical, sarcastic, or hurtful.
NOUN
C1
INFORMAL
5
Usage pattern:
get the shaft / give [someone] the shaft
He really got the shaft when they promoted someone with less experience.
Nagyon kitoltak vele, amikor egy nála kevésbé tapasztalt embert léptettek elő.
Fans felt they got the shaft when ticket prices doubled overnight.
A rajongók úgy érezték, jól kitoltak velük, amikor a jegyárak egyik napról a másikra megduplázódtak.
She gave him the shaft after years of loyal work, firing him without warning.
Many employees think they’re getting the shaft with the new schedule.
The small suppliers worry they will get the shaft in any merger.
Learner examples
He felt he got the shaft when he lost his job.
Úgy érezte, kitoltak vele, amikor elvesztette az állását.
The workers said they got the shaft with the new rules.
A munkások azt mondták, hogy az új szabályokkal kitoltak velük.
She gave him the shaft after he helped her for years.
Fans think they got the shaft because the prices went up.
I do not want to get the shaft in this deal.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "receive a shaft" or "have a shaft" instead of the fixed informal phrases "get the shaft" or "give someone the shaft".
Meaning
unfair or harsh treatment
Collocations
get the shaft
|give someone the shaft
|really got the shaft
|feel like you got the shaft
|a raw shaft
Synonyms
raw deal (Very close informal expression; clearly highlights being treated unfairly.)
|
injustice (More formal and general; covers legal and moral unfairness, not just personal feelings.)
Antonyms
fair deal (Informal phrase for treatment that is reasonable and just, the opposite of "the shaft".)
Themes
social
|work
|emotions
|relationships
|business
Definition
Unfair or very bad treatment, especially when someone feels cheated.
Unfair, harsh, or dishonest treatment, especially when someone feels they have been cheated or badly treated.
VERB
C1
INFORMAL
6
Usage pattern:
to shaft [someone]
He felt the company had shafted him by cutting his bonus.
Úgy érezte, a cég kitolt vele azzal, hogy megvágta a bónuszát.
They totally shafted their customers with hidden fees.
Teljesen lehúzták az ügyfeleiket a rejtett díjakkal.
She worries that her landlord will shaft her on the deposit.
If we shaft our suppliers now, they won’t trust us later.
The players claimed they were shafted in the contract negotiations.
Learner examples
He thinks the boss shafted him on his pay.
Úgy gondolja, hogy a főnöke átverte a fizetésével.
The shop shafted many people with high prices.
A bolt sok embert lehúzott a magas áraival.
She was shafted when they changed the deal.
We do not want to shaft our clients.
They got shafted by a bad lawyer.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "shaft" in very formal writing where a more neutral verb like "treat unfairly" or "cheat" is better. "Shaft" is informal and suits speech or casual writing.
Meaning
treat or cheat unfairly
Collocations
shaft someone out of [money/opportunity]
|really shaft someone
|feel shafted
|get shafted by [someone/company]
|shaft your employees
Synonyms
cheat (General; focuses more on dishonesty than on the emotional sense of being badly treated.)
|
screw over (Very similar informal phrase; slightly more vulgar and emotional.)
Antonyms
treat fairly (Describes giving someone just and reasonable treatment, the opposite of shafting them.)
Themes
social
|work
|business
|emotions
|finance
|relationships
Definition
To treat someone very unfairly, especially by cheating them or not keeping a promise.
To treat someone in an unfair, dishonest, or very unkind way, especially by cheating them or breaking an agreement.
VERB
C2
VULGAR
7
Usage pattern:
to shaft [someone]
He bragged crudely about shafting three women on holiday.
Durván azzal hencegett, hogy a nyaraláson három nőt is megdugott.
That song’s lyrics are basically just about him wanting to shaft her.
Annak a dalnak a szövege lényegében csak arról szól, hogy meg akarja dugni azt a nőt.
They joked about him trying to shaft every girl at the party.
Learner examples
In this movie, the men talk about shafting women, which is rude.
Ebben a filmben a férfiak nők megdugásáról beszélnek, ami durva.
The word "shaft" for sex is vulgar and can offend people.
A „shaft” szó szexuális értelemben vulgáris, és sértő lehet.
You should not say you want to shaft someone in polite talk.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this use is vulgar and use it in polite conversation. It should generally be avoided except when understanding jokes, movies, or rude speech.
Meaning
have sex with (vulgar)
Collocations
shaft some girl/guy
|just want to shaft her
|getting shafted by him
|talk about shafting someone
Synonyms
screw (A very common vulgar verb for having sex; similar tone, often a bit more common than "shaft".)
Antonyms
abstain (Means to not have sex or avoid sexual activity; opposite behavior to this verb.)
Themes
sex
|slang
|emotions
|relationships
|body
Definition
To have sex with someone, said in a rude or crude way.
To have sexual intercourse with someone; used crudely or aggressively, often from a male point of view.
NOUN
C2
VULGAR
8
fasz
C1
pénisz szára
B2
The book used explicit language to describe his shaft.
A könyv trágár szavakkal írta le a faszát.
Some song lyrics talk graphically about a man’s shaft.
Egyes dalszövegek kendőzetlenül beszélnek egy férfi faszáról.
That website contains drawings that clearly show the shaft of the penis.
Learner examples
You may see the word "shaft" for penis in adult books or movies.
A „shaft” szót a pénisz vulgáris megnevezéseként felnőtteknek szóló könyvekben vagy filmekben láthatod.
Talking about someone’s shaft is very rude.
Valakinek a faszáról beszélni nagyon durva.
Do not use the word "shaft" for penis in normal conversation.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this is a vulgar term and may confuse it with the neutral physical sense of "shaft" meaning a rod or handle. Context and tone are very important.
Meaning
penis (vulgar, esp. main part)
Collocations
his shaft
|the thick shaft
|stroke his shaft
|bare shaft
Synonyms
dick (Very common vulgar term for penis; more general and widely used than "shaft".)
Antonyms
vulva (External female genitalia; opposite sex organ in a basic male–female contrast.)
Themes
sex
|slang
|body
|health
Definition
A rude word for the main part of a penis.
A vulgar term for a penis, especially the long main part of it, not including the tip.
Grammar
Dictionary form
shaft
IPA
GB/ʃˈæft/
US/ʃˈæft/
Syllables & stress
shaft (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (shaft)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: shaft
- Plural: shafts
Verb
- Base: shaft
- 3rd Person Singular: shafts
- Present Participle: shafting
- Past: shafted
Word family
Forms
shafts
noun
shafting
verb
shafted
verb
Expressions
drive shaft
1/dɹˈaɪv ʃˈæft/
fixed phrase
technical
rotating rod carrying power
A long metal rod in a car or machine that turns and carries power from the engine to the wheels or other moving parts.
Examples
- The mechanic said the noise was coming from a worn drive shaft.
- A broken drive shaft can stop the car from moving.
elevator shaft
1/ˈɛləvˌeɪtɚ ʃˈæft/
fixed phrase
vertical space for an elevator
The tall, narrow space in a building where the elevator goes up and down.
Examples
- Workers were repairing cables in the elevator shaft.
- An open elevator shaft must be blocked off for safety.
get the shaft
1/ɡˈɛt ðə ʃˈæft/
idiom
informal
be treated very unfairly
To be treated in a very unfair, bad, or dishonest way, especially in work or business.
Examples
- He got the shaft when they fired him just before his bonus was due.
- Many customers felt they got the shaft after the company raised its prices without warning.
give someone the shaft
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ðə ʃˈæft/
idiom
informal
treat someone very unfairly
To treat a person in a very unfair or dishonest way, often after they trusted you.
Examples
- After all his hard work, the company gave him the shaft and hired someone else.
- She felt her friends gave her the shaft when they went on holiday without telling her.
lift shaft
1/lˈɪft ʃˈæft/
fixed phrase
vertical space for a lift
The tall, narrow space in a building where the lift (elevator) goes up and down. Used mainly in British English.
Examples
- The new building has a glass lift shaft on the outside wall.
- They checked the lift shaft for any loose cables.
mine shaft
1/mˈaɪn ʃˈæft/
fixed phrase
technical
vertical tunnel in a mine
A deep, narrow tunnel that goes down into the ground so miners can reach coal, gold, or other things underground.
Examples
- The old mine shaft was closed after the accident.
- They sent equipment down the mine shaft to help the trapped workers.
shaft of light
1/ʃˈæft əv lˈaɪt/
fixed phrase
narrow beam of light
A thin beam of light that comes into a darker place, often through a small opening.
Examples
- A shaft of light came through the clouds and lit the hill.
- Dust floated in the shaft of light from the open door.
ventilation shaft
1/vˌɛntɪlˈeɪʃən ʃˈæft/
fixed phrase
vertical passage for airflow
A long, usually vertical hole or passage that lets air go in and out of a tunnel, mine, or other closed space.
Examples
- Fresh air entered the tunnel through a narrow ventilation shaft.
- The miners escaped by climbing up the old ventilation shaft.
ventilation shaft
2/vˌɛntɪlˈeɪʃən ʃˈæft/
fixed phrase
technical
vertical passage for air flow
A narrow passage in a building, tunnel, or mine that lets fresh air in or bad air out.
Examples
- Smoke poured out of the ventilation shaft on the roof.
- The rescue team lowered cameras through a ventilation shaft.