Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Canine'

English Word: canine

Key Russian Translations:

• собака [sɐˈbakə] - [Informal, General]
• пёс [pʲos] - [Informal, Often affectionate or colloquial]
• собачий [sɐˈbat͡ɕɪj] - [Adjective, Refers to canine characteristics]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner-Intermediate; varies by word form and context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

собака: [sɐˈbakə]

Note on собака: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'o' is pronounced as a reduced 'a' sound in unstressed positions.

пёс: [pʲos]

Note on пёс: The 'ё' is always stressed and pronounced distinctly as 'yo'.

собачий: [sɐˈbat͡ɕɪj]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A dog (animal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• собака - General term for a dog, used in most contexts.
• пёс - Often used affectionately or colloquially, especially for male dogs.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть собака, её зовут Рекс.

  I have a dog, her name is Rex.

• Этот пёс очень дружелюбный.

  This dog is very friendly.

• Собака лает на прохожих.

  The dog barks at passersby.

2. Relating to dogs (adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• собачий - Used to describe something related to dogs or dog-like traits.

Usage Examples:

• У него собачий нюх на опасность.

  He has a canine sense of smell for danger.

• Это собачья жизнь!

  This is a dog's life! (idiomatic expression for hardship)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

собака (noun, feminine): Declines according to the second declension pattern.

пёс (noun, masculine): Follows the first declension pattern, with similar case endings for masculine nouns.

собачий (adjective): Declines based on gender, number, and case, e.g., собачий (masc.), собачья (fem.), собачье (neut.), собачьи (pl.).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for собака/пёс:

• псина (colloquial, often derogatory)
• собачка (diminutive, affectionate)

Note: 'собачка' is often used for small or beloved dogs, while 'псина' can imply disdain.

Antonyms: None directly applicable (context-dependent).

Related Phrases:

• собачий холод - "dog-cold" (extremely cold weather)
• собака на сене - "dog in the manger" (someone who hoards something they don't use)
• жить как собака с кошкой - "to live like a cat and dog" (to constantly argue)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between собака and пёс: 'Собака' is the neutral, standard term for any dog, while 'пёс' often implies a male dog and carries a more informal or affectionate tone.
• Adjective usage: 'Собачий' can be used literally (e.g., canine teeth) or idiomatically (e.g., a hard life).
• Grammar note: Pay attention to noun cases when using 'собака' or 'пёс' in sentences, as Russian relies heavily on declensions for meaning.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'пёс' in formal contexts. Incorrect: В зоопарке я видел большого пёса. Correct: В зоопарке я видел большую собаку. Explanation: 'Пёс' is too colloquial for formal or neutral descriptions.
• Error: Incorrect case usage. Incorrect: Я купил еду для собака. Correct: Я купил еду для собаки. Explanation: The genitive case 'собаки' is required after 'для' (for).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, dogs are often seen as loyal companions, and terms like 'собака' or 'пёс' can appear in folklore and idioms. The phrase 'собачий холод' reflects the harsh Russian winters, associating dogs with extreme conditions.

Related Concepts:

• волк (wolf)
• лиса (fox)
• щенок (puppy)