Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dolphin'

English Word: dolphin

Key Russian Translations:

• дельфин (/dʲɪlʲˈfʲin/) - [Formal, Singular, Refers to the marine mammal]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in everyday language, educational contexts, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic words like "cat" or "dog".)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers due to phonetic similarities and basic noun usage, but requires understanding of Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дельфин: /dʲɪlʲˈfʲin/

Note on дельфин: The initial "д" is palatalized (soft), which is a common feature in Russian and can be challenging for beginners. The stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The marine mammal (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дельфин - Used in general contexts for the animal, such as in wildlife discussions or children's stories. Common in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• В океане плавает большой дельфин.

  In the ocean, a large dolphin is swimming. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting its use in describing natural habitats.)

• Дети в зоопарке наблюдали за дельфином.

  The children at the zoo were watching the dolphin. (Demonstrates the word in a plural or group context, emphasizing educational or recreational scenarios.)

• Дельфин известен своей умностью и грациозностью.

  The dolphin is known for its intelligence and grace. (Illustrates the noun with adjectives, showing descriptive usage in informative texts.)

• Во время плавания мы увидели стаю дельфинов.

  During the swim, we saw a pod of dolphins. (This example covers plural forms and group behavior, common in travel or adventure narratives.)

• Дельфин спас пловца от акулы.

  The dolphin saved the swimmer from the shark. (Shows the word in a narrative context, often used in stories or documentaries about animal heroism.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дельфин" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As a regular noun, it does not have exceptional forms, making it easier for learners to master.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • морской дельфин (more specific, implying oceanic species; used in scientific contexts)
  • дельфиний (adjectival form, e.g., in phrases like "дельфиний парк")
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "дельфин" is a specific animal term. However, in broader contexts, words like акула (shark) could contrast in themes of marine life.

Related Phrases:

• Дельфин в океане - A dolphin in the ocean (Common phrase for describing natural habitats in educational or travel contexts.)
• Тренированный дельфин - Trained dolphin (Refers to dolphins in shows or therapy, with cultural connotations in entertainment.)
• Дельфинарий - Dolphinarium (A facility for dolphin shows; used in tourism and family outings.)

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "дельфин" directly corresponds to the English "dolphin" as a noun referring to the aquatic mammal. It is neutral in tone and can be used across formal and informal settings, such as scientific articles or casual conversations. Be mindful of Russian noun declensions when constructing sentences; for example, use the genitive case for possession (e.g., "хвост дельфина" for "the dolphin's tail"). If multiple species are implied, pair it with adjectives like "серый дельфин" for specificity. Choose "дельфин" over less common synonyms when the context is general to ensure clarity and naturalness.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел дельфин" instead of "Я видел дельфина" (accusative case).

  Correct: "Я видел дельфина." Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case; here, the accusative is needed after "видел" (saw), so add the appropriate ending.

• Error: Confusing it with similar-sounding words like "дельта" (delta, as in river delta).

  Correct: Use "дельфин" only for the animal. Explanation: This mix-up can occur due to phonetic similarities, but context clarifies; always double-check in sentences involving geography vs. wildlife.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, dolphins are often symbolized in folklore and media as intelligent and friendly creatures, similar to Western perceptions. They appear in children's stories and environmental campaigns, reflecting Russia's vast marine resources in the Black Sea and Pacific. However, in some contexts, dolphins represent freedom and adventure, as seen in popular Soviet-era films like those featuring marine life, emphasizing themes of exploration and harmony with nature.

Related Concepts:

• акулa (shark)
• кит (whale)
• морской (marine)