Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cuttlefish'

English Word: cuttlefish

Key Russian Translations:

• каракатица /kə.rəˈka.tʲi.tsə/ - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in scientific, educational, or marine biology contexts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to animals, though the specific term requires knowledge of specialized lexicon.

Pronunciation (Russian):

каракатица: /kə.rəˈka.tʲi.tsə/

Note on каракатица: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ka.tʲi"), and the 'тʲ' represents a palatalized 't' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Practice the rolling 'r' for authenticity.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The marine animal known as cuttlefish (a cephalopod mollusk with eight arms and two tentacles).

Translation(s) & Context:

• каракатица - Used in formal, scientific, or educational contexts to refer to the cuttlefish, often in discussions about marine life or biology.

Usage Examples:

• В океане обитают каракатицы, которые могут изменять цвет для маскировки.

  In the ocean, cuttlefish live and can change color for camouflage.

• Каракатица — это интересный моллюск с уникальными щупальцами.

  Cuttlefish is an interesting mollusk with unique tentacles.

• В аквариуме мы наблюдали, как каракатица стреляет чернилами.

  In the aquarium, we observed how the cuttlefish shoots ink.

• Учёные изучают каракатиц для понимания их интеллекта.

  Scientists study cuttlefish to understand their intelligence.

• Каракатица часто используется в кулинарии, но в России это редкость.

  Cuttlefish is often used in cuisine, but it's a rarity in Russia.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Каракатица" is a feminine noun in Russian (3rd declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun is regular in its declension, with no irregularities. Always adjust based on sentence context for proper agreement with adjectives and verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сепия (sepia) - Often used interchangeably in culinary contexts, but "сепия" can refer more specifically to the ink or a type of cuttlefish in artistic references.
• Antonyms: N/A - As a specific animal term, antonyms are not typically applicable, though one might contrast it with non-marine animals like "сушествование" (land-dwelling creatures) in broader discussions.

Related Phrases:

• охота на каракатиц - Hunting cuttlefish (used in contexts of marine exploration or fishing).
• изменение цвета каракатицы - Cuttlefish color change (refers to its camouflage ability, often discussed in biology).
• каракатица в аквариуме - Cuttlefish in an aquarium (common in educational or recreational settings).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "каракатица" directly corresponds to the English "cuttlefish" and is primarily used in formal or scientific contexts. It is a feminine noun, so ensure agreement with adjectives (e.g., "большая каракатица" for "big cuttlefish"). Be mindful of regional variations: in everyday Russian speech, people might use more general terms like "морские моллюски" if the specific animal isn't the focus. When choosing between synonyms like "сепия," opt for "каракатица" in biological discussions for precision. This word is not commonly used in informal conversations, so it's ideal for written texts or educational materials.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "каракатица" with "кальмар" (squid), as both are cephalopods. Incorrect: "Кальмар — это каракатица." (Squid is a cuttlefish.) Correct: "Каракатица отличается от кальмара своими костями." (Cuttlefish differs from squid by its internal shell.) Explanation: English learners often mix these due to similarities, but "каракатица" specifically refers to the cuttlefish with a cuttlebone.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я видел каракатица в океане." (I saw cuttlefish in the ocean.) Correct: "Я видел каракатицу в океане." Explanation: Remember to decline for accusative case after verbs like "видеть" (to see).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "каракатица" is not a central symbol but appears in scientific literature and children's education about marine life. It may evoke curiosity in contexts like aquarium visits or biology classes, reflecting Russia's interest in its vast coastal ecosystems. Historically, cuttlefish ink (derived from "сепия") was used in art, influencing terms in Russian painting traditions.

Related Concepts:

• кальмар (squid)
• октопус (octopus)
• морские моллюски (marine mollusks)