Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'eagle'

English Word: eagle

Key Russian Translations:

• орёл [ɐˈrʲɛl] - [Formal, commonly used in both literary and everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in nature-related discussions, literature, and symbolism, but not as common as basic everyday vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; involves basic noun declensions, which may challenge beginners, but it's manageable for intermediate learners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

орёл: [ɐˈrʲɛl]

Note on орёл: The stress falls on the second syllable, and the 'р' is rolled, which is a common feature in Russian. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The large bird of the eagle family (primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• орёл - Used in general contexts for describing the animal, such as in wildlife, ornithology, or metaphorical expressions in formal or informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• В небе кружит орёл.

  An eagle is circling in the sky. (This example shows the noun in its nominative case in a simple descriptive sentence.)

• Орёл — символ силы и свободы в многих культурах.

  The eagle is a symbol of strength and freedom in many cultures. (Here, it demonstrates the noun in a broader, symbolic context.)

• Мы наблюдали, как орёл охотится на рыбу в реке.

  We watched as the eagle hunted for fish in the river. (This illustrates the noun with action verbs in a narrative setting.)

• В зоопарке есть несколько орлов разных видов.

  In the zoo, there are several eagles of different species. (This example uses the plural form to discuss multiple instances.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Орёл" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It undergoes regular declensions based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word follows standard Russian noun patterns without irregularities, making it relatively straightforward once basic declensions are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: беркут (berkut - specifically for the golden eagle, with a more poetic or regional connotation); ястреб (yastreb - hawk, though less precise)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "eagle" is a specific animal term, but conceptually: ворон (voron - raven, implying a different type of bird)

Explanation: "Беркут" is often used in literary contexts for its majestic imagery, while "ястреб" might be confused but refers to a smaller bird.

Related Phrases:

• Американский орёл - The American eagle (a common phrase referring to the bald eagle as a national symbol)
• Орёл в полёте - Eagle in flight (used in descriptions of wildlife or metaphors for freedom)
• Гербовый орёл - Heraldic eagle (refers to eagles in coats of arms, with cultural significance)

Usage Notes:

The Russian translation "орёл" directly corresponds to the English "eagle" in both literal and symbolic senses, but it's important to note its declension for accurate sentence construction. Use it in formal contexts like scientific writing or informal conversations about nature. When choosing between translations, opt for "орёл" for general purposes, but "беркут" if specifying the golden eagle. Grammatically, always adjust for case (e.g., genitive for possession: "крыло орла" - the wing of the eagle).

• In metaphorical uses, such as in Russian literature, "орёл" often symbolizes strength, similar to English idioms.
• Avoid overusing it in casual speech; it's more common in educational or descriptive scenarios.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse declensions, such as using the nominative "орёл" in all cases (e.g., incorrectly saying "Я видел орёл" instead of "Я видел орла" in accusative). Correct usage: "Я видел орла" (I saw the eagle). Another error is confusing it with "ястреб" (hawk), leading to imprecise meaning. Always check the context to differentiate bird types.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the eagle holds significant symbolism, often representing power, freedom, and national identity, as seen in the double-headed eagle on the Russian coat of arms, derived from Byzantine heritage. This makes "орёл" not just a zoological term but a potent emblem in history and folklore.

Related Concepts:

• ястреб (hawk)
• ворон (raven)
• сокол (falcon)