Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Crocodile'

English Word: crocodile

Key Russian Translations:

• крокодил [krəkɐˈdʲil] - [Neutral, Common]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

крокодил: [krəkɐˈdʲil]

Note on крокодил: Stress falls on the last syllable. The "о" in the first syllable is reduced to a schwa sound in unstressed position.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A large aquatic reptile

Translation(s) & Context:

• крокодил - Used to refer to the animal in both scientific and everyday contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В реке живёт большой крокодил.

  A big crocodile lives in the river.

• Крокодилы обитают в тропических регионах.

  Crocodiles inhabit tropical regions.

• Я видел крокодила в зоопарке вчера.

  I saw a crocodile at the zoo yesterday.

• Крокодилы могут быть очень опасны.

  Crocodiles can be very dangerous.

• У крокодила мощные челюсти.

  A crocodile has powerful jaws.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word крокодил is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• аллигатор (alligator, often used interchangeably in informal contexts though technically different)

Note: While "крокодил" and "аллигатор" refer to different species, they are sometimes used interchangeably by non-specialists in Russian.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable.

Related Phrases:

• крокодиловы слёзы - "crocodile tears" (insincere tears or fake sadness)
• крокодилья кожа - "crocodile skin" (often used to describe leather goods or tough skin)

Usage Notes:

• The word "крокодил" is the standard and most common term for "crocodile" in Russian and is used across all registers, from casual conversation to scientific texts.
• In informal contexts, Russians might not distinguish between crocodiles and alligators, using "крокодил" for both.
• The phrase "крокодиловы слёзы" is a common idiom meaning insincere sorrow, similar to the English "crocodile tears."

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "крокодил" by stressing the first syllable. Wrong: [ˈkrɒkədɪl]. Correct: [krəkɐˈdʲil]. Explanation: Stress in Russian is crucial, and misplacing it can make the word sound unnatural or incomprehensible.
• Error: Using incorrect case endings, e.g., saying "Я видел крокодил" instead of "Я видел крокодила" in the accusative case. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with the verb or preposition, so learning declensions is essential.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the crocodile is often associated with exoticism and danger, as crocodiles are not native to Russia. A famous children's story, "Крокодил Гена" (Gena the Crocodile) by Eduard Uspensky, features a friendly crocodile character who plays the accordion and works at a zoo, making the image of a crocodile somewhat endearing in children's literature.

Related Concepts:

• аллигатор (alligator)
• рептилия (reptile)
• зоопарк (zoo)