Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chimp'

English Word: chimp

Key Russian Translations:

• шимпанзе [ʃɪmˈpanzə] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in scientific, zoological, or educational contexts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level per CEFR; learners need familiarity with loanwords and basic noun inflections, as it is a borrowed term from English.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шимпанзе: [ʃɪmˈpanzə]

Note on шимпанзе: The stress falls on the second syllable ("pan"), and the "ш" sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the "sh" in "sheep." Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, but this is the standard form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The great ape species, often a shorthand for chimpanzee in English.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шимпанзе - Used in formal, scientific, or educational contexts to refer to the animal; common in wildlife discussions or biology.

Usage Examples:

• В зоопарке живет шимпанзе, который любит играть с посетителями.

  In the zoo, there lives a chimpanzee that likes to play with visitors.

• Ученые изучают поведение шимпанзе в дикой природе.

  Scientists study the behavior of chimpanzees in the wild.

• Дети были в восторге от шимпанзе в цирке.

  The children were delighted by the chimpanzee at the circus.

• Шимпанзе — это один из ближайших родственников человека по эволюции.

  The chimpanzee is one of the closest relatives to humans in evolution.

• В фильме главную роль сыграл шимпанзе с удивительной грацией.

  In the film, the chimpanzee played the main role with amazing grace.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шимпанзе" is a masculine noun (from the second declension in Russian, borrowed from English/French). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, meaning it does not change form across cases or numbers, which is common for loanwords in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: обезьяна (ob-ez-ya-na) - More general term for "monkey," but less precise; used in informal contexts. антропоид (an-tro-poyd) - Refers to anthropoid apes, with a scientific connotation.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific animal term. However, in broader contexts, words like волк (volk, wolf) could contrast as a non-primate animal.

Related Phrases:

• дикий шимпанзе - Wild chimpanzee; used in discussions about animal conservation or natural habitats.
• шимпанзе в неволе - Chimpanzee in captivity; common in zoo or ethical debates.
• эволюция шимпанзе - Evolution of chimpanzees; often appears in scientific or educational texts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "шимпанзе" directly corresponds to the English "chimp" as a shorthand for chimpanzee, but it is more formal and less colloquial. Use it in scientific, educational, or wildlife contexts rather than everyday speech. Be aware that Russian nouns like this one are typically preceded by articles or prepositions based on case (e.g., "в зоопарке шимпанзе" for "in the zoo, the chimpanzee"). When choosing between translations, "шимпанзе" is the most accurate for "chimp," while "обезьяна" might be a loose synonym but implies a broader category. Grammatically, it remains invariable, simplifying usage for English learners.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "шимпанзе" with "обезьяна" (monkey) - Error: Saying "обезьяна" when specifically meaning chimpanzee. Correct: Use "шимпанзе" for precision. Explanation: "Обезьяна" is more general and could mislead in scientific contexts.
• Attempting to decline the word incorrectly - Error: Saying "шимпанзей" (an invented form). Correct: "Шимпанзе" remains unchanged. Explanation: As an indeclinable loanword, forcing changes violates Russian grammar rules.
• Overusing in informal settings - Error: Using "шимпанзе" in casual chat as if it were everyday slang. Correct: Reserve it for formal contexts; in informal speech, explain or use simpler terms. Explanation: This can make speech sound overly academic and unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "шимпанзе" doesn't carry unique cultural connotations but is often associated with scientific interest in evolution and animal intelligence, influenced by Western biology. It may appear in children's literature or media about wildlife, reflecting global fascination with primates as "close relatives" to humans, as popularized by figures like Jane Goodall.

Related Concepts:

• горилла (gorilla)
• орангутан (orangutan)
• обезьяна (monkey)