Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'caribou'

English Word: caribou

Key Russian Translations:

• карибу /kəˈriːbu/ - [Formal, as a borrowed term from English]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in scientific, zoological, or North American contexts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level per CEFR; learners need familiarity with borrowed words and basic noun inflections, but it's straightforward for those with animal vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

карибу: /kəˈriːbu/ (The stress is on the second syllable, similar to the English pronunciation, but with a softer Russian 'р' sound.)

Note on карибу: Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, but the IPA provided is standard. Pay attention to the vowel sounds, which can be more rounded in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The North American reindeer (a species of deer native to Arctic regions).

Translation(s) & Context:

• карибу - Used in formal, scientific, or educational contexts when referring specifically to the North American caribou; often in wildlife discussions or geography.

Usage Examples:

• В Арктике карибу мигрируют на большие расстояния в поисках пищи.

  In the Arctic, caribou migrate over long distances in search of food.

• Охота на карибу традиционно важна для коренных народов Канады.

  Hunting caribou is traditionally important for the indigenous peoples of Canada.

• В зоопарке есть экспозиция, посвященная карибу и другим северным животным.

  In the zoo, there is an exhibit dedicated to caribou and other northern animals.

• Изменение климата угрожает популяции карибу в северных регионах.

  Climate change threatens the caribou population in northern regions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Карибу" is a neuter noun borrowed from English, and it follows the second declension pattern in Russian, which is typical for many foreign words ending in a consonant. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its status as a loanword, meaning it doesn't change form in different cases. However, if used in plural or with adjectives, basic agreement rules apply.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, it retains its base form across cases, which simplifies usage but requires learners to remember proper prepositional phrases for context.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: северный олень (severnyy olen') - Often used interchangeably in general descriptions, but more common in everyday Russian; олень (olen') - A broader term for deer, with subtle differences in specificity.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "caribou" is a specific animal term without a clear opposite in Russian wildlife vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• стадо карибу - A herd of caribou (Used in contexts discussing migration or wildlife groups; implies a collective noun in natural settings).
• охота на карибу - Hunting caribou (Common in discussions of traditional practices or conservation; highlights cultural or survival aspects).
• миграция карибу - Caribou migration (Refers to seasonal movements; often in environmental or geographical topics).

Usage Notes:

"Карибу" directly corresponds to the English "caribou" as a borrowed term, primarily used in formal or specialized contexts rather than casual conversation. It's important to note its limitations: in everyday Russian, speakers might prefer "северный олень" for broader discussions. When using "карибу", ensure it's in a context involving North American wildlife to avoid confusion. Grammatically, as an indeclinable noun, it doesn't change form, which makes it easier for English learners but requires attention to case agreement in sentences. For multiple translations, choose "карибу" for precision in scientific texts and "северный олень" for general descriptions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "карибу" with "олень" and using it interchangeably without context. Incorrect: "Я видел оленя в Канаде" (when specifically meaning caribou). Correct: "Я видел карибу в Канаде" for accuracy. Explanation: "Олень" is a general term for deer, which could mislead in regional contexts; always specify for precision.
• Error: Failing to use it as an indeclinable noun, e.g., incorrectly declining it as "карибуа" in genitive. Incorrect: "У меня нет карибуа". Correct: "У меня нет карибу". Explanation: As a loanword, it doesn't inflect, so learners should treat it like other indeclinable nouns to maintain grammatical integrity.

Cultural Notes:

"Карибу" is often associated with the indigenous cultures of North America, such as the Inuit and First Nations peoples, where caribou hunting plays a role in traditions, sustenance, and storytelling. In Russian contexts, it may evoke discussions of environmental conservation or Arctic exploration, reflecting Russia's own northern indigenous groups like the Nenets, who have similar relationships with reindeer.

Related Concepts:

• северный олень
• миграция
• арктическая фауна