Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bluebird'

English Word: bluebird

Key Russian Translations:

• голубая птица /ɡɐ.luˈbaj ˈptʲi.t͡sə/ - [Common usage, can be formal or informal, often in literary or poetic contexts]
• синяя птичка /ˈsʲinə.jə ˈptʲit͡ɕ.kə/ - [Informal, diminutive form, used in casual or child-directed speech]

Frequency: Medium (The term is not everyday vocabulary but appears in literature, nature discussions, and idiomatic expressions.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic) for "голубая птица" as a straightforward noun phrase; B1 (Intermediate) for understanding cultural nuances in symbolic usage.

Pronunciation (Russian):

голубая птица: /ɡɐ.luˈbaj ˈptʲi.t͡sə/

синяя птичка: /ˈsʲinə.jə ˈptʲit͡ɕ.kə/

Note on голубая птица: The stress falls on the second syllable of "голубая" (/luˈbaj/), and the "й" sound is a soft palatal approximant. Be mindful of vowel reductions in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: A small blue-colored bird.

Translation(s) & Context:

• голубая птица - Used in natural descriptions or ornithology, often in formal writing or educational contexts.
• синяя птичка - Informal variant, common in everyday conversations about pets or wildlife for children.

Usage Examples:

• В саду поёт голубая птица, наполняя воздух мелодичными звуками.

  In the garden, the bluebird is singing, filling the air with melodious sounds.

• Мой дедушка видел синюю птичку в лесу и сфотографировал её.

  My grandfather saw a bluebird in the forest and photographed it.

• Голубая птица считается символом весны в русской фольклорной поэзии.

  The bluebird is considered a symbol of spring in Russian folk poetry.

• Дети радуются, когда видят синюю птичку в парке.

  Children rejoice when they see a bluebird in the park.

• В зоопарке есть экспонат с голубой птицей из американских лесов.

  In the zoo, there's an exhibit with a bluebird from American forests.

Metaphorical Meaning: Symbol of happiness, good luck, or unattainable ideals (as in literature).

Translation(s) & Context:

• голубая птица - Often used in poetic or philosophical contexts to represent elusive happiness, as in Maeterlinck's play.
• синяя птичка - Less common metaphorically, but can imply a whimsical or childlike pursuit of joy.

Usage Examples:

• Голубая птица счастья ускользает от нас, но мы продолжаем поиски.

  The bluebird of happiness eludes us, but we keep searching.

• В русской литературе голубая птица олицетворяет мечту, которую трудно достичь.

  In Russian literature, the bluebird symbolizes a dream that is hard to achieve.

• Синяя птичка в сказках часто приводит героев к приключениям.

  The bluebird in fairy tales often leads heroes to adventures.

• Поэты описывают голубую птицу как вестницу надежды в трудные времена.

  Poets describe the bluebird as a harbinger of hope in difficult times.

• Для многих голубая птица остаётся недостижимой, как в классических притчах.

  For many, the bluebird remains unattainable, as in classic parables.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Голубая птица" is a noun phrase where "птица" (bird) is a feminine noun that inflects by case, number, and gender. "Голубая" is an adjective that agrees with "птица" in gender, number, and case. It follows regular patterns for first-declension nouns and adjectives.

For "синяя птичка" (diminutive form), it is also feminine and inflects similarly but with diminutive suffixes that may vary slightly in informal speech. No irregular changes.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • синяя птица (similar but less common, with a slight shade of informality)
  • лазурная птаха (poetic synonym, used in literary contexts for emphasis on color)
• Antonyms:
  • чёрная ворона (black crow, symbolizing misfortune or bad omens)

Related Phrases:

• Голубая птица счастья - The bluebird of happiness; a phrase used to describe elusive joy or fulfillment.
• Летать как голубая птица - To fly like a bluebird; metaphorically means to live freely or pursue dreams.
• Синяя птичка в клетке - A bluebird in a cage; implies being trapped or restricted in life.

Usage Notes:

"Bluebird" translates most accurately to "голубая птица" in literal contexts, but in metaphorical uses, it carries a cultural weight from Western literature, which aligns with Russian poetic traditions. Use "голубая птица" in formal or literary settings, and opt for "синяя птичка" in casual, child-friendly conversations. Be aware of adjective agreement in Russian sentences, as the adjective must match the noun's gender, number, and case. When choosing between translations, consider the context: "голубая" emphasizes a deeper blue shade, while "синяя" is more general.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "голубой птица" without proper adjective agreement (e.g., forgetting the feminine ending).

  Correct: "Голубая птица" (feminine form). Explanation: In Russian, adjectives must agree with the noun; "птица" is feminine, so "голубая" is required, not "голубой".

• Error: Translating metaphorically as "синяя птичка" in serious literature.

  Correct: Use "голубая птица" for symbolic contexts. Explanation: "Синяя птичка" sounds too diminutive and playful, which can undermine the gravity of the metaphor.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "голубая птица" draws from Symbolist literature and folklore, inspired by works like Maurice Maeterlinck's "The Blue Bird," which was popular in Russia. It often symbolizes the quest for happiness or spiritual fulfillment, reflecting themes of idealism and the ephemeral nature of joy, which resonates with Russian romanticism.

Related Concepts:

• птица счастья
• символ надежды
• небесная птица