Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Calf'

English Word: calf

Key Russian Translations:

• телёнок [tʲɪˈlʲonək] - [Informal, Singular]
• телята [tʲɪˈlʲatə] - [Plural]
• икра [ɪˈkra] - [Referring to the calf of the leg]

Frequency: Medium (used commonly in rural or agricultural contexts for "телёнок"; less frequent for "икра" in specific anatomical contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "телёнок" and "телята"; B1 (Intermediate) for "икра" due to contextual specificity

Pronunciation (Russian):

телёнок: [tʲɪˈlʲonək]

Note on телёнок: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ё" is always stressed and pronounced as "yo."

телята: [tʲɪˈlʲatə]

Note on телята: Stress on the second syllable. This is the plural form of "телёнок."

икра: [ɪˈkra]

Note on икра: Stress on the first syllable. Be cautious not to confuse with "икра" meaning "caviar."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Young Cow or Bull (Animal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• телёнок - Used for a single young calf, often in informal or everyday speech.
• телята - Plural form, used when referring to multiple calves.

Usage Examples:

• На ферме родился маленький телёнок.

  A small calf was born on the farm.

• Телята играют на лугу.

  The calves are playing in the meadow.

• Фермер кормит телёнка из бутылки.

  The farmer is feeding the calf from a bottle.

2. Calf of the Leg (Anatomy)

Translation(s) & Context:

• икра - Refers specifically to the muscular part of the lower leg.

Usage Examples:

• После бега у меня болят икры.

  My calves hurt after running.

• Он потянул икру во время тренировки.

  He strained his calf during training.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

телёнок (Noun, Masculine, Animate):

икра (Noun, Feminine, Inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for телёнок (young cow/bull):

• бычок (specifically a young bull)

Note: "бычок" is often used for a young male calf, while "телёнок" can refer to both genders.

Antonyms for телёнок:

• корова (adult cow)
• бык (adult bull)

Synonyms for икра (calf of leg):

• No direct synonyms; context-specific usage.

Related Phrases:

• золотой телёнок - "Golden Calf" (biblical reference or metaphor for idolatry/wealth).
• икроножная мышца - "Calf muscle" (anatomical term).

Usage Notes:

• The word "телёнок" is the most common translation for "calf" when referring to a young cow or bull. Use "телята" for plural references.
• "икра" is strictly used for the anatomical term (calf of the leg). Be cautious, as "икра" also means "caviar" in other contexts, which can lead to confusion without proper context.
• In agricultural or rural settings, "телёнок" carries a neutral or affectionate tone, while in urban settings, it might be less commonly used unless discussing farming.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "икра" (calf of leg) with "икра" (caviar).
  Incorrect: У меня болит икра после ужина. (My calf hurts after dinner - implying caviar).
  Correct: У меня болят икры после бега. (My calves hurt after running).
• Error: Using singular "телёнок" when referring to multiple calves.
  Incorrect: На поле много телёнок.
  Correct: На поле много телят.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "золотой телёнок" (Golden Calf) is a well-known reference from the Bible, symbolizing idolatry or material obsession. It is also the title of a famous satirical novel by Ilf and Petrov, often referenced in discussions of Soviet-era literature.

Related Concepts:

• корова (cow)
• бык (bull)
• ферма (farm)
• нога (leg)