Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cow'

English Word: cow

Key Russian Translations:

• корова [kɐˈrovə] - [Neutral, Common]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in everyday contexts related to animals and agriculture, but not as frequent as basic everyday words like "дом" (house).)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; suitable for early learners as it is a basic noun with straightforward grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

корова: [kɐˈrovə]

Note on корова: The stress is on the second syllable ("ro"). Pronunciation may vary slightly by dialect, but [kɐˈrovə] is standard in modern Russian. Pay attention to the rolled 'r' sound.

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Meanings and Usage:

The animal (bovine)

Translation(s) & Context:

• корова - Used to refer to a female cow in general contexts, such as farming, biology, or everyday conversation. It is neutral and applies to adult female cattle.

Usage Examples:

• У фермы есть несколько коров, которые дают свежее молоко.

  The farm has several cows that provide fresh milk.

• Дети наблюдали, как корова пасётся на лугу.

  The children watched as the cow grazed in the meadow.

• В русской деревне корова часто является важным источником еды и дохода.

  In a Russian village, a cow is often an important source of food and income.

• Фермер кормит свою корову сеном зимой.

  The farmer feeds his cow hay in the winter.

• Корова в зоопарке привлекала внимание посетителей.

  The cow in the zoo attracted the attention of visitors.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "корова" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It undergoes regular inflection for case and number. Below is a table showing its declension in singular and plural forms:

Note: The plural forms follow standard patterns, but be aware of the genitive plural "коров," which is irregular in some contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тёлка (young cow or heifer) - Used for younger female cattle; less formal and more specific.
  • бурёнка (colloquial for dairy cow) - Often used in rural or affectionate contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • бык (bull) - Refers to the male counterpart.
  • телёнок (calf) - A young cow or bull, contrasting in age.

Related Phrases:

• Молочная корова - A dairy cow; refers to a cow bred for milk production.
• Корова на пастбище - Cow in the pasture; common in descriptions of rural life.
• Домашняя корова - Domestic cow; emphasizes cows kept for household use.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "корова" directly corresponds to the English "cow" in its primary meaning as a female bovine animal. It is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, such as scientific discussions or casual conversation. However, in Russian, gender-specific terms like "бык" for male are important to distinguish. When using "корова" in sentences, ensure proper declension based on case (e.g., accusative for direct objects). If the context involves young animals, consider synonyms like "тёлка" for precision.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "корова" with "бык" (bull). Incorrect: "Это бык" when meaning "This is a cow." Correct: "Это корова." Explanation: "Бык" is male, so use "корова" for females to avoid gender mismatches.

• Misdeclining the noun, e.g., using nominative "корова" in genitive contexts. Incorrect: "Я видел корова" (should be accusative "корову"). Correct: "Я видел корову." Explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the cow symbolizes rural life, agriculture, and sustenance, often featured in folklore and literature. For instance, in traditional Russian fairy tales, cows like the one in "The Little Humpbacked Horse" represent helpful or magical elements, reflecting the historical importance of cattle in Russian villages for milk, meat, and labor.

Related Concepts:

• лошадь (horse)
• овца (sheep)
• свинья (pig)