Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'canary'

English Word: canary

Key Russian Translations:

• канарейка [kənɐˈrʲejkə] - [Common, Singular, Informal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

канарейка: [kənɐˈrʲejkə]

Note on канарейка: Stress falls on the third syllable ('rej'). The 'р' sound is rolled, which might be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small yellow songbird (literal meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• канарейка - Refers specifically to the canary bird, often kept as a pet for its singing.

Usage Examples:

• У моей бабушки есть красивая канарейка, которая поёт каждое утро.

  My grandmother has a beautiful canary that sings every morning.

• Канарейка в клетке выглядела грустной.

  The canary in the cage looked sad.

• Мы купили канарейку на птичьем рынке.

  We bought a canary at the bird market.

• Её голос напоминает пение канарейки.

  Her voice reminds me of a canary’s song.

2. Metaphorical or idiomatic use (informant or warning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• канарейка - Rarely used metaphorically in Russian to indicate someone who "sings" or reveals secrets, though this usage is less common than in English.

Usage Examples:

• Он оказался канарейкой и рассказал всё полиции.

  He turned out to be a canary and told everything to the police.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

канарейка is a feminine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• птичка (general term for "little bird", less specific)

Note: There are no exact synonyms for "канарейка" as it specifically refers to the canary species.

Antonyms:

• None (as it is a specific noun with no direct opposite)

Related Phrases:

• петь как канарейка - "to sing like a canary" (used both literally for singing beautifully and metaphorically for revealing secrets)
• канарейка в клетке - "a canary in a cage" (literal, often used to evoke imagery of confinement)

Usage Notes:

• The primary and most common usage of "канарейка" is literal, referring to the bird. Its metaphorical use (as an informant) is understood but less frequent in Russian compared to English.
• The word is typically used in informal or neutral contexts. It does not carry formal connotations unless in a scientific discussion about birds.
• Be mindful of grammatical gender (feminine) when using adjectives or pronouns with "канарейка".

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect case usage, e.g., using nominative "канарейка" instead of accusative "канарейку" after verbs like "купить" (to buy).

  Incorrect: Я купил канарейка.

  Correct: Я купил канарейку.

  Explanation: The accusative case is required for direct objects in Russian.

• Error: Misplacing stress when pronouncing "канарейка". Stressing the first syllable (ka-NA-reyka) instead of the third (ka-na-REY-kaə).

  Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or lead to misunderstandings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, canaries are often associated with domestic life and nostalgia, as they were popular pets in Soviet-era households. The image of a canary singing in a cage might evoke a sense of coziness or simplicity for some Russians.

Related Concepts:

• попугай (parrot)
• воробей (sparrow)
• птичка (little bird, generic term)