Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dragonfly'

English Word: dragonfly

Key Russian Translations:

• стрекоза /strʲɪˈkozə/ - [Common noun, Informal/Neutral]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in everyday conversations about nature or biology but is not among the most common vocabulary items.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic, suitable for elementary learners as it involves simple noun forms and common contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

стрекоза: /strʲɪˈkozə/

Note on стрекоза: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'r' sound (/strʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers; practice the 'r' as in "measure." Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Insect: A flying insect with a long body and two pairs of transparent wings, often found near water.

Translation(s) & Context:

• стрекоза - Used in general descriptions of nature, wildlife, or educational contexts, such as in children's books or scientific discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В саду летает стрекоза.

  In the garden, a dragonfly is flying. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting its use in everyday observations.)

• Стрекоза имеет прозрачные крылья и ловко охотится на насекомых.

  The dragonfly has transparent wings and skillfully hunts insects. (Demonstrates the word in a descriptive context, emphasizing its physical characteristics.)

• Дети наблюдали за стрекозой у реки.

  The children observed the dragonfly by the river. (Illustrates usage in a narrative or storytelling scenario, common in educational settings.)

• В жаркий день стрекоза отдыхает на листьях.

  On a hot day, the dragonfly rests on the leaves. (Shows the word in a seasonal or environmental context, varying sentence structure.)

• Стрекоза — символ лета в русской фольклорной поэзии.

  The dragonfly is a symbol of summer in Russian folk poetry. (This example incorporates cultural nuance, demonstrating the word in metaphorical or literary use.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"стрекоза" is a feminine noun (3rd declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners to inflect based on standard rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мухастая стрекоза (a more descriptive variant, implying a patterned dragonfly, used in poetic or detailed contexts)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific insect name. However, in broader contexts, opposites might include non-flying insects like "червь" (worm), which lacks mobility.

Related Phrases:

• Летучая стрекоза - A phrase meaning "flying dragonfly," often used in descriptions of swift movements; refers to the insect's agile flight in nature or metaphors.
• Стрекоза у воды - Meaning "dragonfly by the water," commonly in contexts discussing habitats or environmental observations.
• Цветная стрекоза - Translates to "colorful dragonfly," used in artistic or biological discussions to highlight species variations.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English "dragonfly" in both literal and metaphorical senses. It is a neutral, everyday noun suitable for informal and formal contexts, such as casual conversations or scientific texts. When using "стрекоза," pay attention to case endings for proper agreement with verbs and prepositions. For learners, choose this word over less common synonyms when describing insects in standard Russian. In plural forms, it can emphasize groups, as in wildlife observations.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the wrong gender agreement, e.g., treating "стрекоза" as masculine and saying "стрекоз он" instead of "стрекоз а".
  Correct: "стрекоза" is feminine, so use "стрекоз а летает" (the dragonfly flies).
  Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, which affects adjectives and verbs; always identify the gender first.
• Mistake: Confusing it with "бабочка" (butterfly) in sentences, e.g., saying "стрекоза с бабочкой крыльями" meaning "dragonfly with butterfly wings."
  Correct: Use "стрекоза с прозрачными крыльями" to avoid mixing unrelated terms.
  Explanation: These are distinct insects, and misusing them can lead to confusion in descriptions; practice with visual aids.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the dragonfly (стрекоза) often symbolizes agility, change, and the fleeting nature of summer in folklore and literature. For instance, it appears in poems by writers like Pushkin as a representation of freedom and ephemerality, reflecting themes of life's transience in Slavic traditions.

Related Concepts:

• муха (fly)
• пчела (bee)
• бабочка (butterfly)