Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'condor'

English Word: condor

Key Russian Translations:

• кондор [kɐnˈdor] - [Formal, often used in scientific or zoological contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in specialized texts like biology or wildlife discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level on CEFR scale; learners need familiarity with loanwords and basic noun inflections, but it's straightforward for those with intermediate vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кондор: [kɐnˈdor]

Note on кондор: The stress falls on the second syllable ('dor'), which is typical for many Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the soft 'o' sound, represented as [ɐ], which can be challenging for English speakers accustomed to a clearer 'o'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The large vulture bird native to the Americas

Translation(s) & Context:

• кондор - Used in formal, scientific, or educational contexts when referring to the bird species, such as in wildlife documentaries or biology texts.

Usage Examples:

• В Андах обитает кондор, один из крупнейших птиц в мире.

  In the Andes, the condor lives, one of the largest birds in the world.

• Кондор символизирует свободу в некоторых культурах Южной Америки.

  The condor symbolizes freedom in some South American cultures.

• В зоопарке мы увидели кондора в его естественной среде обитания.

  At the zoo, we saw the condor in its natural habitat.

• Исследования показывают, что кондор может пролететь огромные расстояния без еды.

  Studies show that the condor can fly enormous distances without food.

• Кондор часто изображается в мифологии как божество ветра.

  The condor is often depicted in mythology as a deity of the wind.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кондор" is a masculine noun (masc. singular) borrowed from English/Spanish, and it follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for words ending in a consonant. It is not irregular but may vary based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have verbal forms, as it is a noun. Its plural form is used when referring to multiple individuals, such as in a flock.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • гриф (griff) - Often used interchangeably in poetic or general contexts for large scavenging birds, but less specific.
  • орел (eagle) - Implies a majestic bird, with subtle differences in connotation (e.g., кондор is more associated with vultures).
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific animal term. However, in broader contexts, words like "хищник" (predator) might contrast with non-predatory birds, but no exact antonym exists.

Related Phrases:

• Андский кондор - Refers to the Andean condor specifically; used in geographical or cultural discussions. (Translation: Andean condor; common in wildlife contexts.)
• Королевский кондор - A less common phrase for the California condor; implies royalty or majesty in descriptions. (Translation: Royal condor; used in formal or symbolic language.)
• Кондор в полёте - Describes the condor in flight; often in aviation or metaphorical expressions. (Translation: Condor in flight; highlights grace and endurance.)

Usage Notes:

As a loanword from English/Spanish, "кондор" directly corresponds to the English "condor" and is used in Russian primarily in scientific, educational, or cultural contexts. It is a formal term, so avoid it in casual conversations; opt for more general words like "птица" (bird) in everyday speech. When using it, pay attention to case inflections to match the sentence structure, as Russian requires agreement. For multiple translations, choose "кондор" for precision, but "гриф" if a broader scavenging bird is intended. This word does not have slang variants, making it reliable for formal writing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел кондор" instead of "Я видел кондора" (accusative case). Correct: "Я видел кондора." Explanation: In Russian, direct objects require the accusative case, so always inflect based on the sentence role.

• Error: Confusing it with "кондор" as a proper name (e.g., in aviation, like the Tupolev Tu-95 bomber, nicknamed "Bear" in English). Correct: In wildlife contexts, use it as a noun without capitalization. Explanation: Context matters; specify if referring to the bird versus other uses to avoid ambiguity.

• Error: Overusing in informal settings, e.g., saying "Этот кондор крутой" (This condor is cool) when a simpler word is better. Correct: Use in formal or educational contexts only. Explanation: English learners might treat it like everyday vocabulary, but in Russian, it sounds out of place in casual talk.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "кондор" often appears in literature and media as a symbol of freedom and wilderness, influenced by South American indigenous myths. For instance, in works by Russian authors exploring exotic themes, it represents untamed nature. This reflects broader Russian fascination with foreign wildlife, stemming from 19th-century explorations, helping users appreciate its symbolic depth beyond mere biology.

Related Concepts:

• орел (eagle)
• гриф (vulture)
• сокол (falcon)