Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'game'

English Word: game

Key Russian Translations:

• игра [ˈigrə] - [Formal/Informal, used for recreational or competitive activities]
• охота [ɐˈxotə] - [Formal, specifically for hunting or game as in wild animals]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversations, media, and sports contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic understanding of noun declensions for 'игра', while 'охота' may vary slightly in complexity)

Pronunciation (Russian):

игра: [ˈigrə]

охота: [ɐˈxotə]

Note on игра: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'г' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Note on охота: Pronounce the 'х' as a guttural sound similar to the Scottish 'loch'; it's a common challenge for learners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A form of play, sport, or recreational activity

Translation(s) & Context:

• игра - Used in casual conversations, sports, or video games; appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Мы любим играть в компьютерную игру по вечерам. (We love playing computer games in the evenings.)

  We love playing computer games in the evenings.

• Эта игра требует стратегии и teamwork. (This game requires strategy and teamwork.)

  This game requires strategy and teamwork.

• Дети играют в уличную игру на playground. (The children are playing a street game on the playground.)

  The children are playing a street game on the playground.

• В этой игре важно соблюдать правила. (In this game, it's important to follow the rules.)

  In this game, it's important to follow the rules.

• Она выиграла игру благодаря своей ловкости. (She won the game thanks to her agility.)

  She won the game thanks to her agility.

2. Wild animals hunted for sport or food

Translation(s) & Context:

• охота - Used in contexts related to hunting, wildlife, or culinary discussions; typically formal or specialized.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу много дичи для охоты. (There is plenty of game for hunting in the forest.)

  There is plenty of game for hunting in the forest.

• Охота на эту дичь запрещена в заповеднике. (Hunting this game is prohibited in the reserve.)

  Hunting this game is prohibited in the reserve.

• Мясо этой охоты считается деликатесом. (The meat from this game is considered a delicacy.)

  The meat from this game is considered a delicacy.

• Он занимается охотой как хобби. (He engages in hunting game as a hobby.)

  He engages in hunting game as a hobby.

• Охота требует специального разрешения. (Game hunting requires a special permit.)

  Game hunting requires a special permit.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'игра' (a feminine noun), it follows standard first-declension patterns with regular inflections based on case and number. 'Охота' is also a feminine noun but may show slight irregularities.

Note: These words do not change for verb forms directly, as they are nouns. If used in verbal contexts (e.g., 'to play a game'), pair with verbs like 'играть' which has its own conjugations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • забава (zabava) - More playful, often for light-hearted games.
  • спорт (sport) - When referring to competitive games, with a focus on physical activity.
• Antonyms:
  • работа (rabota) - Work, as opposed to play or leisure.
  • отдых (otdykh) - Rest, contrasting with active games.

Related Phrases:

• Компьютерная игра (komp'yuternaya igra) - Computer game; a common modern phrase for video games.
• Игра на выживание (igra na vyzhivanie) - Survival game; used in contexts like video games or real-life challenges.
• Охота на животных (okhota na zhivotnykh) - Hunting game; refers to wildlife pursuits with regulatory implications.

Usage Notes:

'Игра' is the most versatile translation for 'game' in English, covering recreational, board, or video games, and can be used in both formal (e.g., business simulations) and informal settings. 'Охота' is more specific to hunting and should be chosen when the context involves wildlife. English learners should note that Russian nouns like these decline based on case, so pay attention to sentence structure—e.g., use genitive for possession. When deciding between translations, consider the context: 'игра' for fun activities and 'охота' for outdoor pursuits. Avoid direct word-for-word translations; instead, adapt to natural Russian phrasing.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'игра' interchangeably with 'охота' without context, e.g., saying "Я иду на игру" when meaning hunting.
  Correct: "Я иду на охоту" for hunting. Explanation: This confuses recreational play with hunting, leading to misunderstandings; always clarify the activity type.
• Mistake: Forgetting noun declensions, e.g., saying "Я люблю игра" instead of "Я люблю игру".
  Correct: "Я люблю игру". Explanation: Russian requires accusative case for direct objects, so learners must adjust endings based on grammar rules.
• Mistake: Pronouncing 'игра' with English stress, e.g., stressing the wrong syllable.
  Correct: Stress on [ˈigrə]. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or lead to confusion with similar words.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'игра' often ties to communal activities like playing chess or participating in folk games, reflecting a historical emphasis on social interaction and strategy in literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin). 'Охота' carries connotations of traditional Russian hunting traditions, such as those depicted in 19th-century novels, symbolizing adventure and connection to nature, but it's increasingly regulated due to environmental concerns.

Related Concepts:

• спорт (sport)
• развлечение (razvlechenie)
• дичь (dich')