Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dragon'

English Word: dragon

Key Russian Translations:

• дракон [ˈdrakən] - [Formal, used in literary and mythological contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, fantasy, and cultural discussions, but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR standards; requires basic knowledge of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to mythology)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дракон: [ˈdrakən]

Note on дракон: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'o' sound is pronounced as a schwa [ə] in unstressed positions. Be mindful of the hard 'k' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers accustomed to softer consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Mythical creature (a large, serpentine monster in folklore)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дракон - Used in stories, fantasy literature, and cultural references to describe a legendary beast; common in formal or narrative contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В древних сказках дракон охранял сокровища в пещере.

  In ancient tales, the dragon guarded treasures in a cave.

• Герой сразился с драконом, чтобы спасти принцессу.

  The hero fought the dragon to save the princess.

• В современном фэнтези драконы часто изображаются как умные существа с огненным дыханием.

  In modern fantasy, dragons are often depicted as intelligent creatures with fiery breath.

• Дети любят читать книги о приключениях с драконом.

  Children love reading books about adventures with a dragon.

• В русской мифологии дракон символизирует опасность и силу природы.

  In Russian mythology, the dragon symbolizes danger and the power of nature.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дракон" is a masculine noun in Russian (third declension). It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is used for multiple dragons, and inflections are regular for this noun type. No irregular forms exist.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: змеедракон (a more specific type, like a serpent-dragon), ящер (in a broader reptilian sense, though less mythical)
• Antonyms: рыцарь (knight, as an opposing figure in folklore), герой (hero, contrasting the villainous nature)

Explanation: "Змеедракон" is a synonym with a nuance towards serpentine features, often used in detailed fantasy contexts, while antonyms reflect narrative opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Огнедышащий дракон - A fire-breathing dragon; used in descriptions of mythical beasts in stories (e.g., in fantasy literature).
• Дракон в пещере - Dragon in the cave; a common trope in fairy tales, symbolizing hidden dangers.
• Летучий дракон - Flying dragon; refers to dragons with wings, often in modern adaptations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "дракон" directly corresponds to the English "dragon" in mythological contexts, but it's primarily used in formal, literary, or cultural discussions rather than everyday speech. When choosing this word, consider the gender agreement in sentences (e.g., adjectives must agree with its masculine form). For informal settings, alternatives like descriptive phrases might be preferred. If multiple translations exist, "дракон" is the most straightforward and widely accepted for general use.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "с дракон" instead of "с драконом" in the instrumental case.

  Correct: "Он боролся с драконом" (He fought with the dragon). Explanation: Russian requires proper declension; forgetting it can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "драка" (fight or brawl), leading to misuse in context.

  Correct: Use "дракон" only for the mythical creature, not for conflicts. Explanation: These words sound similar but have entirely different meanings, which is a common pitfall for beginners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, dragons (драконы) often appear in folklore and fairy tales as symbols of peril and ancient power, similar to Western traditions. However, they are sometimes depicted in Slavic myths as guardians of treasures or embodiments of natural forces, reflecting themes of heroism and the triumph of good over evil in stories like those collected by folklorists.

Related Concepts:

• феникс (phoenix)
• эльф (elf)
• волшебник (wizard)