Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Caterpillar'

English Word: Caterpillar

Key Russian Translations:

• гусеница [ˈɡusʲɪnʲɪtsə] - [General, Singular]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гусеница: [ˈɡusʲɪnʲɪtsə]

Note on гусеница: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "г" is pronounced as a voiced velar stop, and "ц" is a ts sound, which might be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Insect Larva (Literal Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гусеница - Refers to the larval stage of a butterfly or moth, used in biological and everyday contexts.

Usage Examples:

• На листе сидела маленькая зелёная гусеница.

  A small green caterpillar was sitting on the leaf.

• Гусеница ест листья, чтобы вырасти в бабочку.

  The caterpillar eats leaves to grow into a butterfly.

• Дети нашли гусеницу в саду и были в восторге.

  The children found a caterpillar in the garden and were thrilled.

2. Tank Tread or Mechanical Reference (Figurative Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гусеница - Refers to the tread of a tank or tractor, used in technical or military contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Танк передвигается на гусеницах, а не на колёсах.

  The tank moves on treads, not on wheels.

• Гусеница трактора сломалась во время работы.

  The tractor's tread broke during operation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word гусеница is a feminine noun in Russian and follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• личинка (larva - more scientific or general term for insect larvae)

Note: "личинка" is broader and can apply to larvae of other insects, while "гусеница" specifically refers to caterpillars of butterflies and moths.

Antonyms:

• бабочка (butterfly - the adult stage of a caterpillar)

Related Phrases:

• зелёная гусеница - "green caterpillar" (common descriptive phrase)
• гусеница танка - "tank tread" (technical usage)
• как гусеница на листе - "like a caterpillar on a leaf" (used metaphorically to describe something small or unnoticed)

Usage Notes:

• The word "гусеница" is used both literally (for the insect larva) and figuratively (for tank treads). Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.
• In everyday speech, "гусеница" is more common than "личинка" when specifically referring to caterpillars.
• The plural form "гусеницы" is used when referring to multiple caterpillars or treads.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "гусеница" with "личинка" in contexts where specificity matters. For example, saying "личинка бабочки" is technically correct but less natural than "гусеница".
  Correct Usage: Use "гусеница" for caterpillars of butterflies/moths. Example: "Это гусеница, которая станет бабочкой." (This is a caterpillar that will become a butterfly.)
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the second syllable).
  Correct Usage: Stress is on the first syllable: [ˈɡusʲɪnʲɪtsə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian folklore and children’s literature, caterpillars (гусеницы) often symbolize transformation and growth, much like in Western cultures, due to their metamorphosis into butterflies. They are sometimes featured in stories as humble or unassuming creatures with hidden potential.

Related Concepts:

• бабочка (butterfly)
• кокон (cocoon)
• метаморфоза (metamorphosis)