Lopata

A lopata (лопата) is the Russian and Ukrainian word for a shovel. It is a common tool used for digging, scooping, and moving loose materials such as soil, snow, coal, gravel, sand, or ore. Lopatas can be made from various materials, including metal (steel, aluminum), plastic, or wood. The design typically includes a broad blade attached to a handle, allowing the user to exert leverage for efficient movement of materials. Variations exist, such as snow shovels designed with wider, lighter blades, and spades, which are a type of lopata with a narrower, flatter blade used for cutting into the ground. The term is used both domestically in Russia and Ukraine, and by those familiar with their languages and cultures.