Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flea'

English Word: flea

Key Russian Translations:

• блоха [ˈblo.xə] - [Common noun, Informal/Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in everyday contexts related to animals or pests, but not as frequently as basic daily vocabulary.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; The word is a straightforward noun with simple pronunciation and basic grammar, making it accessible for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

блоха: [ˈblo.xə]

Note on блоха: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'x' sound is a guttural fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers used to 'h' sounds. Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The small, wingless, jumping insect that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds.

Translation(s) & Context:

• блоха - Used in general contexts to describe the insect, applicable in both everyday conversations and scientific discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В доме была блоха, которая кусала собаку.

  There was a flea in the house that was biting the dog. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting its role as a subject.)

• Блоха может передавать болезни животным.

  A flea can transmit diseases to animals. (Here, the word is used in a general statement about capabilities, demonstrating its use with modal verbs.)

• Я видел блоху на одежде ребенка.

  I saw a flea on the child's clothing. (This illustrates the noun in a possessive or locative context, common in descriptive narratives.)

• Блохи часто заводятся в старых домах.

  Fleas often infest old houses. (This example shows plural usage and association with environments, emphasizing habitual actions.)

• Эта блоха была слишком быстрой, чтобы поймать.

  This flea was too fast to catch. (Demonstrates the noun with adjectives and infinitive phrases, in dynamic action contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

блоха is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it predictable for learners. Always adjust based on sentence requirements for case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: паразит (parasite) - A broader term for any parasitic organism; вша (lice) - Specific to similar insects, but not exact.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific noun without clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• блошиный рынок - A flea market (not related to the insect, but a common phrase; used for second-hand markets in informal, cultural contexts).
• заражение блохами - Infestation with fleas; refers to a situation involving pests, often in health or veterinary discussions.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "блоха" directly corresponds to the English "flea" as a noun, making it a precise translation for biological or everyday contexts. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used across spoken and written Russian. Be mindful of declensions based on sentence structure—e.g., use the genitive case for possession, as in "у собаки блохи" (the dog has fleas). When multiple translations exist, choose "блоха" for literal insect references; for broader pests, "паразит" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it agrees with feminine adjectives and verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу блоха" instead of "Я вижу блоху" (accusative case). Correct: "Я вижу блоху." Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on their role; here, as a direct object, it must be in the accusative form.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "вша" (lice), leading to misuse in context. Correct: Use "блоха" specifically for fleas, not other insects. Explanation: These are distinct pests, and mixing them can cause misunderstandings in descriptions.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., "Этот блоха" instead of "Эта блоха." Correct: "Эта блоха" (feminine demonstrative). Explanation: As a feminine noun, it must pair with feminine adjectives or pronouns for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "блоха" is often associated with rural or historical contexts, such as in folk tales or proverbs about pests and hygiene. For instance, it symbolizes annoyance or poverty in some traditional stories, reflecting broader themes of resilience against everyday challenges in Russian folklore.

Related Concepts:

• вша (lice)
• паразит (parasite)
• комар (mosquito)