Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cuckoo'

English Word: cuckoo

Key Russian Translations:

• кукушка [kʊˈkuʂkə] - [Neutral, Common for the bird]
• дурак [dʊˈrak] - [Informal, Derogatory, Used for a foolish person]

Frequency: Medium (for "кукушка"); Low (for "дурак" in this specific meaning)

Difficulty: A2 (for "кукушка"); B1 (for "дурак" due to cultural nuance)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кукушка: [kʊˈkuʂkə]

Note on кукушка: Stress is on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

дурак: [dʊˈrak]

Note on дурак: Stress is on the second syllable. Ensure the rolled "r" sound typical in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A type of bird known for its distinctive call

Translation(s) & Context:

• кукушка - Refers specifically to the cuckoo bird, often associated with folklore and nature in Russian culture.

Usage Examples:

• Кукушка кукует в лесу каждую весну.

  The cuckoo calls in the forest every spring.

• В сказках кукушка часто предсказывает будущее.

  In fairy tales, the cuckoo often predicts the future.

• Ты слышал, как кукушка кукует? Считай, сколько раз!

  Did you hear the cuckoo call? Count how many times!

2. A foolish or crazy person (informal, often derogatory)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дурак - Used colloquially to describe someone acting foolishly, though stronger in tone than "cuckoo" in English.

Usage Examples:

• Не будь дураком, подумай перед тем, как говорить!

  Don’t be a cuckoo, think before you speak!

• Он ведёт себя как полный дурак на вечеринке.

  He’s acting like a complete cuckoo at the party.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кукушка (noun, feminine): Follows the standard Russian feminine noun declension pattern (ending in -а).

дурак (noun, masculine): Follows the standard masculine noun declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

For кукушка (bird):

• Synonyms: (none commonly used, highly specific term)
• Antonyms: (not applicable for a specific bird species)

For дурак (foolish person):

• Synonyms: идиот, глупец, болван (Note: "идиот" is stronger; "глупец" is more neutral)
• Antonyms: умник, гений

Related Phrases:

• Кукушка хвалит петуха - Literally "The cuckoo praises the rooster," meaning mutual flattery or exchanging compliments for personal gain.
• Как дурак на ярмарке - Literally "Like a fool at the fair," meaning behaving foolishly or being out of place.

Usage Notes:

• "Кукушка" is a direct and specific term for the cuckoo bird and is neutral in tone. It does not carry the informal or derogatory connotations that "cuckoo" might imply in English when referring to a person.
• "Дурак" translates the informal sense of "cuckoo" as a foolish person but is much stronger and more offensive in Russian. Use it with caution and only in informal contexts where such language is appropriate.
• When choosing between translations, context is critical: use "кукушка" for literal references to the bird and "дурак" only for the metaphorical sense of foolishness, keeping in mind its harsh tone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кукушка" to describe a person as "crazy" or "foolish." This is incorrect as it strictly refers to the bird.
  Wrong: Он кукушка, потому что говорит ерунду.
  Correct: Он дурак, потому что говорит ерунду.
  Explanation: "Кукушка" does not carry a metaphorical meaning for a person in Russian.
• Error: Overusing "дурак" without understanding its derogatory weight, especially in formal or polite settings.
  Wrong: Учитель, вы дурак? (offensive)
  Correct: Учитель, вы ошибаетесь? (polite)
  Explanation: "Дурак" can offend; use neutral alternatives when unsure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian folklore, the "кукушка" (cuckoo) is often a symbol of fate or prophecy. A common belief is that the number of times a cuckoo calls can predict how many years a person has left to live or other future events. This cultural association adds a mystical layer to the word, unlike the more casual or humorous tone "cuckoo" might have in English.

Related Concepts:

• птица (bird)
• глупость (foolishness)
• предсказание (prophecy, related to кукушка folklore)