Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bat'

English Word: bat

Key Russian Translations:

• летучая мышь [lʲɪtʊˈtɕajə mɨʂ] - [Animal, Noun, Feminine]
• бита [ˈbʲitə] - [Sports Equipment, Noun, Feminine]

Frequency: Medium (both translations are commonly used in their respective contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "летучая мышь"); A1 (Beginner for "бита")

Pronunciation (Russian):

летучая мышь: [lʲɪtʊˈtɕajə mɨʂ]

Note on летучая мышь: Stress falls on the second syllable of "летучая" and the first syllable of "мышь". The "щ" sound is a soft, hissing sound unique to Russian.

бита: [ˈbʲitə]

Note on бита: Stress is on the first syllable. The "и" is pronounced as a short "ee" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Bat as an Animal (Flying Mammal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• летучая мышь - Used to refer to the animal, often in natural or scientific contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В пещере живут летучие мыши.

  Bats live in the cave.

• Летучая мышь охотится ночью.

  A bat hunts at night.

• Летучие мыши используют эхолокацию.

  Bats use echolocation.

2. Bat as Sports Equipment (Baseball Bat)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бита - Refers to a bat used in sports like baseball or similar games.

Usage Examples:

• Он взял биту и вышел на поле.

  He took the bat and went onto the field.

• Эта бита сделана из дерева.

  This bat is made of wood.

• Дай мне биту, я хочу попробовать.

  Give me the bat, I want to try.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

летучая мышь (Feminine Noun, Compound Word):

бита (Feminine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

For летучая мышь (Animal):

• Synonym: нетопырь (less common, regional)
• Antonym: N/A (no direct antonym)

Note: "нетопырь" is less frequently used and may sound outdated or regional.

For бита (Sports Equipment):

• Synonym: дубинка (informal, broader meaning as "club")
• Antonym: N/A (no direct antonym)

Related Phrases:

• летучая мышь в ночи - "bat in the night" (used metaphorically for something elusive or mysterious)
• бита для бейсбола - "baseball bat" (specific context for the sport)

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "летучая мышь" and "бита" depends entirely on context. "летучая мышь" is exclusively for the animal, while "бита" refers to the sports equipment.
• "летучая мышь" is a compound noun, and both parts decline in case and number, which can be challenging for learners.
• "бита" is a straightforward feminine noun following regular declension patterns.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "бита" to refer to the animal.
  Incorrect: Я видел биту в лесу. (I saw a bat in the forest.)
  Correct: Я видел летучую мышь в лесу.
  Explanation: "бита" only means the sports equipment, not the animal.
• Error: Incorrect declension of "летучая мышь".
  Incorrect: Я видел летучую мышью. (Accusative case error)
  Correct: Я видел летучую мышь.
  Explanation: Both parts of the compound noun must agree in case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "летучая мышь" (bat as an animal) is often associated with mystery or darkness, much like in Western cultures. However, it does not carry strong negative connotations unless used in specific folklore contexts. "бита" is mostly associated with baseball, a sport less popular in Russia compared to the US, so it may not be as widely recognized outside sports contexts.

Related Concepts:

• крыло (wing)
• ночь (night)
• бейсбол (baseball)