Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'crab'

English Word: crab

Key Russian Translations:

• краб [krab] - [Neutral, General Use]
• ракообразное [rakaˈobraznaje] - [Formal, Scientific Context]

Frequency: Medium (often used in culinary and marine contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for 'краб'; B2 for 'ракообразное' due to formal usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

краб: [krab]

Note on краб: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'р' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

ракообразное: [rakaˈobraznaje]

Note on ракообразное: Stress falls on the third syllable ('об'), and the word is longer, requiring attention to vowel reduction in unstressed syllables.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal Meaning (Marine Animal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• краб - Used to refer to the crustacean in everyday language, especially in relation to food or marine life.
• ракообразное - Used in scientific or formal contexts to describe crabs as a type of crustacean.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил краба на рынке.

  I bought a crab at the market.

• Крабы обитают в море.

  Crabs live in the sea.

• Ракообразные включают крабов и омаров.

  Crustaceans include crabs and lobsters.

• На ужин подали салат с крабом.

  Dinner included a salad with crab.

• Изучение ракообразных важно для биологии.

  Studying crustaceans is important for biology.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

краб (noun, masculine): Follows the standard masculine noun declension in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

ракообразное (noun, neuter): Follows the neuter noun declension. Used more as a general term in scientific contexts, often in plural form 'ракообразные'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for краб:

• нет точных синонимов в бытовом языке (no direct synonyms in everyday language, as 'краб' is specific)

Synonyms for ракообразное:

• панцирное (in specific scientific contexts)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as 'crab' is a specific noun without a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• крабовые палочки - Crab sticks (a popular food item, often made from processed fish, not real crab).
• ловить крабов - To catch crabs (used in the context of fishing or marine activities).
• ракообразные организмы - Crustacean organisms (used in academic or scientific discussions).

Usage Notes:

• 'Краб' is the go-to term for most contexts involving crabs, especially in everyday speech or when discussing food.
• 'Ракообразное' is rarely used in casual conversation and is reserved for scientific or formal discussions. It is broader and includes other crustaceans as well.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two terms, as using 'ракообразное' in a casual setting may sound overly academic or out of place.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'ракообразное' when referring to crab as food. Incorrect: "Я ем ракообразное." (I am eating a crustacean.) Correct: "Я ем краба." (I am eating crab.) Explanation: 'Ракообразное' sounds unnatural and overly formal in this context.
• Error: Incorrect declension of 'краб'. Example: Saying 'крабам' instead of 'крабов' in genitive plural. Correct: "У меня нет крабов." (I don’t have any crabs.) Explanation: Pay attention to the correct endings in declension, as errors can confuse listeners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian cuisine, 'краб' is often associated with luxury or special occasions, as real crab meat can be expensive. 'Крабовые палочки' (crab sticks), however, are a common and affordable substitute in salads and snacks, especially during holidays like New Year.

Related Concepts:

• омар (lobster)
• креветка (shrimp)
• морепродукты (seafood)