Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flipper'

English Word: flipper

Key Russian Translations:

• плавник [ˈplavnʲik] - [Informal, commonly used in everyday contexts related to marine animals]

Frequency: Medium (The word 'плавник' appears regularly in discussions about marine biology, wildlife, and casual conversations but is not among the most common everyday words.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun inflections, but mastering precise pronunciation and contexts may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

плавник: [ˈplavnʲik]

Note on плавник: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'нʲ' sound is a palatalized 'n', which can be challenging for English speakers. Practice with native audio to differentiate it from similar words like 'плавать' [pləˈvatʲ] (to swim).

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The fin or flipper of a marine animal, such as a dolphin or seal.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плавник - Used in informal and educational contexts to describe the limb of aquatic animals for swimming; common in wildlife documentaries or biology texts.

Usage Examples:

• Дельфин использует свой плавник, чтобы быстро маневрировать в воде.

  The dolphin uses its flipper to maneuver quickly in the water.

• Морские львы имеют мощные плавники, которые помогают им охотиться на рыбу.

  Sea lions have powerful flippers that help them hunt for fish.

• Во время шоу в океанариуме, тренер показал, как дрессированный тюлень бьет по мячу своим плавником.

  During the show at the aquarium, the trainer demonstrated how the trained seal hits the ball with its flipper.

• Плавник акулы иногда пугает пловцов, но он необходим для ее движения.

  A shark's flipper can sometimes scare swimmers, but it is essential for its movement.

• Исследователи изучают, как эволюционировали плавники у разных видов морских млекопитающих.

  Researchers are studying how flippers have evolved in different species of marine mammals.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Плавник' is a masculine noun in Russian (from the first declension group). It follows standard noun inflections for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ласт (last) - Often used interchangeably for flippers of seals or similar animals; slightly more specific to webbed limbs.
  • плавательный орган (plavatel'nyy organ) - A more formal, descriptive term used in scientific contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • нога (noga) - Leg; contrasts as a land-based limb, highlighting the aquatic vs. terrestrial difference.

Related Phrases:

• плавник дельфина (flipper of a dolphin) - A common phrase in marine biology; refers to the specific adaptation for swimming.
• использовать плавник для охоты (to use a flipper for hunting) - Describes how animals employ their flippers in survival activities.
• плавник как руль (flipper as a rudder) - An idiomatic expression comparing the flipper's function to steering in navigation.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'плавник' directly corresponds to the English 'flipper' in the context of marine animals, but it's important to note that it's a masculine noun and must agree in gender, number, and case with other words in the sentence. For example, use it in informal settings like casual conversations about nature, but opt for more precise terms in formal or scientific writing. If 'flipper' refers to other meanings (e.g., in pinball machines), a different translation like 'рычаг' (rychag) might be more appropriate. Learners should pay attention to context to choose the right word among translations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'плавник' with 'плавать' (to swim) due to similar roots. Incorrect: "Дельфин плавник в воде" (meant to say the dolphin swims). Correct: "Дельфин плавает в воде" or "Дельфин использует плавник". Explanation: 'Плавник' is a noun, not a verb; ensure proper verb conjugation for actions.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я видел плавник дельфина" (correct), but wrongly saying "Я видел плавники дельфина" in genitive context. Correct: "Я видел плавник дельфина" for singular accusative. Explanation: Always adjust for case; this is a common mistake for English speakers unfamiliar with Russian grammar.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'плавник' often appears in contexts related to folklore and environmental awareness, such as stories about sea creatures in Russian literature (e.g., in tales by writers like Alexander Pushkin). It symbolizes adaptability in harsh environments, reflecting Russia's vast marine territories in the Arctic and Pacific, and is frequently used in educational programs to promote marine conservation.

Related Concepts:

• дельфин (delfin) - Dolphin
• акулa (akula) - Shark
• морское млекопитающее (morskoe mlekopitayushchee) - Marine mammal