Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'drake'

English Word: drake

Key Russian Translations:

• селезень [sʲɪlʲɪˈzʲenʲ] - [Informal; Refers to a male duck in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation, appearing more in literature, nature descriptions, or specialized contexts like ornithology.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to animals, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

селезень: [sʲɪlʲɪˈzʲenʲ]

Note on селезень: The pronunciation features a soft 'л' sound (palatalized), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional dialects, but standard Russian uses this IPA.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A male duck (the primary and most common meaning of 'drake' in English)

Translation(s) & Context:

• селезень - Used in informal or descriptive contexts, such as wildlife discussions or storytelling, to specifically denote the male of the duck species.

Usage Examples:

• В пруду плавает красивый селезень с зелёным оперением.

  In the pond, a beautiful drake with green feathers is swimming. (This example shows the word in a simple descriptive sentence, highlighting physical appearance.)

• Селезень охраняет своё потомство от хищников.

  The drake protects its offspring from predators. (This demonstrates the word in a behavioral context, illustrating protective instincts.)

• В осеннем лесу мы наблюдали, как селезень мигрирует на юг.

  In the autumn forest, we observed how the drake migrates south. (This example places the word in a seasonal or migratory context, common in nature writing.)

• Молодой селезень учится плавать в реке.

  The young drake is learning to swim in the river. (This shows the word with adjectives like 'молодой' to indicate age, varying grammatical structure.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Селезень is a masculine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: утка (utka) - More general term for duck, but less specific to males; кряква (kryakva) - Refers to the mallard duck, often interchangeable in casual contexts.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific animal term without a clear opposite in Russian vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• Селезень на воде (Selzen' na vode) - A drake on the water; Refers to a common sight in ponds or lakes, often used in descriptive narratives.
• Пара уток с селезнем (Para utok s selzenem) - A pair of ducks with a drake; Describes family groups in wildlife, emphasizing social behavior.
• Молодой селезень в стае (Molodoy selzen' v staeye) - A young drake in a flock; Used in contexts discussing migration or group dynamics.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'селезень' directly corresponds to the English 'drake' as a male duck, but it's more commonly used in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday speech. English speakers should note that Russian nouns require declension based on case, so always adjust for grammar (e.g., use genitive 'селезня' after prepositions like 'of'). If multiple ducks are involved, prefer the plural form. When choosing between translations, 'селезень' is ideal for precise animal descriptions, while 'утка' might suffice for general references.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse 'селезень' with 'утка' and use the latter incorrectly for a male duck. Error: Saying "утка" to mean 'drake'. Correct: Use "селезень" for specificity. Explanation: 'Утка' is gender-neutral and can refer to any duck, leading to ambiguity.
• Another common mistake is improper declension, such as using the nominative 'селезень' in all cases. Error: "Я видел селезень в пруд" (incorrect genitive). Correct: "Я видел селезня в пруду". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, ducks and drakes like 'селезень' often appear in folklore and literature, symbolizing freedom or the natural world. For instance, in traditional Russian fairy tales, ducks might represent rural life or seasonal changes, reflecting the country's vast landscapes and hunting heritage.

Related Concepts:

• утка (utka)
• кряква (kryakva)
• птица (ptitsa)