Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dog'

English Word: dog

Key Russian Translations:

• собака [sɐˈbakə] - [Common noun, used in everyday contexts; Informal or Formal depending on setting]

Frequency: High (The word is commonly used in daily conversations, literature, and media in Russian.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary for new learners of Russian, as it follows basic noun patterns.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

собака: [sɐˈbakə]

Note on собака: The stress falls on the second syllable ('ba'), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'a' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis familiaris), often kept as a pet or for work.

Translation(s) & Context:

• собака - Used in general contexts for any dog, whether pet, stray, or working animal; Common in both formal writing and informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть собака, которая любит играть в парке.

  I have a dog that loves to play in the park. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing possession and habitual action.)

• Собака лает на незнакомцев, чтобы защитить дом.

  The dog barks at strangers to protect the house. (Illustrates the noun in a context involving behavior and protection, common in narrative descriptions.)

• В зоопарке мы видели большую собаку, похожую на волка.

  In the zoo, we saw a big dog that looked like a wolf. (Demonstrates usage in a comparative context, suitable for educational or observational settings.)

• Моя собака — верный друг и всегда рядом.

  My dog is a faithful friend and always by my side. (Highlights emotional or relational contexts, showing the noun with adjectives for deeper expression.)

• Собака бежит за мячом в саду.

  The dog is running after the ball in the garden. (Shows the noun in an action-oriented sentence, incorporating verbs for dynamic scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Собака" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, changing based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This is a regular declension; no irregular forms. For synonyms like "пёс" (a masculine noun), it would have its own declensions, but they are not covered here as it's less common for general "dog" references.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пёс - Often used for a male dog; more specific and somewhat formal or literary.
  • щенок - Refers to a puppy; implies youth and cuteness, used in affectionate contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • кошка - Cat; a common opposite in animal comparisons, though not a direct antonym.

Related Phrases:

• Домашняя собака - Domestic dog; Refers to a pet dog kept at home.
• Бродячая собака - Stray dog; Used for dogs without owners, often in urban contexts.
• Собачка на поводке - Dog on a leash; A phrase for controlled or walking scenarios.
• Верный, как собака - Faithful as a dog; An idiomatic expression implying loyalty in relationships.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "собака" directly corresponds to the English "dog" as a general term for the animal. It is a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender (e.g., "хорошая собака" for "good dog"). Use it in both formal and informal settings, but be aware of regional variations— in some dialects, diminutives like "собачка" add affection. When choosing between translations like "пёс," opt for it if specifying a male dog in literary or precise contexts. Grammatically, always decline it according to case for correct sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• English speakers often forget to decline the noun: Incorrect - "Я вижу собака" (wrong case); Correct - "Я вижу собаку" (accusative case). This error stems from English's lack of cases, leading to confusion in prepositional phrases.

• Mixing up with synonyms: Using "пёс" when "собака" is more appropriate, e.g., Incorrect - "Моя пёс" for a female dog; Correct - "Моя собака." Explanation: "Пёс" is masculine and specific, so verify gender before use.

• Overusing diminutives: Incorrectly adding "-ка" for emphasis without context, e.g., "Собачка" in formal writing; Correct - Use in casual or affectionate speech only to avoid sounding infantile.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, dogs like "собака" often symbolize loyalty and companionship, as seen in folklore tales such as those featuring faithful dogs in stories by authors like Leo Tolstoy. Historically, dogs have been integral to Russian life, from hunting in rural areas to being featured in proverbs like "Собака на сене" (A dog in the hay), meaning someone who doesn't use something but prevents others from doing so, highlighting themes of possessiveness.

Related Concepts:

• кошка (cat)
• волк (wolf)
• щенок (puppy)