Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cheetah'

English Word: cheetah

Key Russian Translations:

• гепард (/ɡʲɪˈpard/) - [Standard, Formal/Informal, Singular; Used in general contexts for wildlife and zoology]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in educational, scientific, or wildlife-related discussions.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should recognize basic animal vocabulary, but mastering pronunciation and inflections may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гепард: /ɡʲɪˈpard/

Note on гепард: The initial 'г' is a palatalized consonant (/ɡʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers as it sounds softer than the standard English 'g'. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fast African big cat known for its speed

Translation(s) & Context:

• гепард - Used in contexts discussing wildlife, zoology, or documentaries; appropriate for both formal educational settings and informal conversations about animals.

Usage Examples:

• Гепард может развивать скорость до 100 км/ч за несколько секунд.

  The cheetah can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h in just a few seconds.

• В зоопарке мы увидели гепарда, который охотился на добычу.

  In the zoo, we saw a cheetah hunting its prey.

• Гепарды обитают в африканских саваннах и считаются уязвимыми видами.

  Cheetahs inhabit African savannas and are considered vulnerable species.

• Мой сын любит читать книги о гепардах и других диких кошках.

  My son loves reading books about cheetahs and other wild cats.

• Гепард в дикой природе использует свою скорость для выживания.

  The cheetah in the wild uses its speed for survival.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гепард" is a masculine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is used for multiple cheetahs, and inflections are regular for most cases, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пятнистый леопард (spotted leopard) - Often used interchangeably in informal contexts, but less precise as it implies a different species.
  • быстроногий хищник (fast-legged predator) - A descriptive phrase, not a direct synonym, used in poetic or narrative contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "гепард" is a specific animal term. However, in broader contexts, antonyms might include slower animals like "черепаха" (turtle).

Related Phrases:

• Гепард в саванне (Cheetah in the savanna) - Refers to the natural habitat; used in wildlife discussions.
• Охота гепарда (Cheetah hunt) - Describes hunting behavior; common in documentaries or educational content.
• Гепард под угрозой вымирания (Cheetah under threat of extinction) - Highlights conservation issues; used in environmental contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Гепард" directly corresponds to the English "cheetah" as a specific animal name, making it a straightforward translation. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both spoken and written Russian. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as it is masculine (e.g., "Этот гепард быстрый" - This cheetah is fast). When choosing between translations, stick with "гепард" for precision in scientific or zoological contexts, avoiding synonyms that might confuse the exact species. In everyday usage, it's often paired with adjectives or in phrases related to speed and wildlife.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /ɡeˈpɑrd/ (like the English word). Correct: /ɡʲɪˈpard/ with palatalization. Explanation: English speakers may overlook the soft 'г', leading to a harder sound; practice with native audio to correct this.

• Error: Using the wrong gender in sentences, e.g., "Эта гепард" (feminine article). Correct: "Этот гепард" (masculine). Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and "гепард" is masculine, so adjectives and articles must agree.

• Error: Confusing with "леопард" (leopard) in context. Correct: Specify "гепард" for cheetah. Explanation: These are distinct animals, and mixing them up can lead to inaccuracies in descriptions or translations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "гепард" is not deeply embedded in folklore or idioms, as cheetahs are not native to Russia. However, it often appears in children's literature, wildlife documentaries, and environmental education, symbolizing speed and agility. This reflects Russia's interest in global wildlife conservation, especially through programs like those by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) translated into Russian.

Related Concepts:

• леопард (leopard)
• тигр (tiger)
• саванна (savanna)
• охотник (hunter)