Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bison'

English Word: bison

Key Russian Translations:

• бизон [ˈbizən] - [Formal, used in scientific, educational, and general contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in wildlife, educational, or travel-related discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) (As a loanword from English, it requires familiarity with Russian phonetics and noun declensions, but it's straightforward for learners with basic vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бизон: [ˈbizən]

Note on бизон: The stress falls on the first syllable. Pronounce the "и" as a short "i" sound, similar to the "i" in "bit." Be cautious with the final "н," which is a soft nasal sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The large mammal known as the American bison or European bison.

Translation(s) & Context:

• бизон - Used in contexts related to wildlife, zoology, or North American culture, such as describing animals in documentaries or national parks.

Usage Examples:

• В зоопарке есть бизон, который пришел из Северной Америки.

  In the zoo, there is a bison that came from North America.

• Бизон является символом дикой природы в США.

  The bison is a symbol of wild nature in the USA.

• Мы видели стадо бизонов во время сафари в национальном парке.

  We saw a herd of bison during a safari in the national park.

• Бизон, как вид, почти исчез в XIX веке из-за охоты.

  The bison, as a species, almost disappeared in the 19th century due to hunting.

• В музее выставлен чучело бизона для образовательных целей.

  In the museum, a stuffed bison is displayed for educational purposes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Бизон" is a masculine noun (мужской род) of the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most Russian nouns but may vary slightly as a loanword. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is used for groups or species, and inflections are regular, making it relatively easy for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: американский буйвол (American buffalo) - Often used interchangeably in informal contexts, but "буйвол" can refer more broadly to buffalo species.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific animal term without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Американский бизон - Refers specifically to the American bison, often in historical or cultural discussions.
• Европейский бизон - The European bison, highlighting regional variations of the species.
• Стадо бизонов - A herd of bison, used in descriptions of wildlife groups.

Usage Notes:

"Бизон" directly corresponds to the English "bison" as a borrowed term, making it a straightforward translation for animal-related topics. It is typically used in formal or educational settings rather than casual conversation. When discussing wildlife, ensure the context specifies "American bison" if needed, as "бизон" can encompass both American and European varieties. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to avoid errors in sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "бизон" interchangeably with "бык" (bull), assuming they mean the same thing. Correct: "Бык" refers to a domestic bull, while "бизон" is a wild species. Example of error: "Я видел быка в парке" (meaning a bison, but incorrectly worded). Correct usage: "Я видел бизона в парке." Explanation: This confusion arises from superficial similarities in appearance, but precise vocabulary is key in Russian to distinguish animal types.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences, e.g., saying "Я иду к бизон" instead of "Я иду к бизону." Correct: Always adjust for the dative case as shown. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree with case, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "бизон" is often associated with American wildlife and indigenous history, symbolizing the vast prairies of North America. It appears in literature and media discussing Native American heritage or environmental conservation, reflecting themes of resilience and the impact of human expansion on natural habitats.

Related Concepts:

• волк (wolf)
• лось (elk)
• медведь (bear)