Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gannet'

English Word: gannet

Key Russian Translations:

• баклан [ˈbɑklən] - [Formal, used in ornithological or wildlife contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized topics like biology or nature documentaries.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves vocabulary related to fauna and requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions; suitable for learners with some exposure to thematic vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

баклан: [ˈbɑklən]

Note on баклан: The stress is on the first syllable, which is common in Russian masculine nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The seabird gannet (a large seabird known for diving into water to catch fish)

Translation(s) & Context:

• баклан - Typically used in formal or educational contexts discussing marine wildlife, such as in scientific texts or nature guides.

Usage Examples:

• В океане плавает баклан, ныряя за рыбой.

  In the ocean, a gannet swims, diving for fish. (This example shows the noun in a simple descriptive sentence, highlighting its natural behavior.)

• Баклан — это птица, которая гнездится на скалистых берегах.

  The gannet is a bird that nests on rocky shores. (Demonstrates the noun in a definitional context, common in educational writing.)

• Во время миграции стаи бакланов летят над морем.

  During migration, flocks of gannets fly over the sea. (Illustrates plural usage and in a migratory context, showing how the word adapts to group descriptions.)

• Исследователи изучают баклана в его естественной среде обитания.

  Researchers study the gannet in its natural habitat. (This example places the word in a scientific or observational context, emphasizing formal language.)

• Баклан с белыми перьями редко встречается в этих водах.

  A gannet with white feathers is rarely seen in these waters. (Shows the noun with adjectives, demonstrating descriptive modifications in everyday or narrative speech.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Баклан" is a masculine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for inanimate masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun has regular declensions, making it straightforward for learners. No irregular forms are present.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • морская птица (more general term for seabirds; used when specificity is not required)
  • буревестник (similar to storm petrel; implies a broader category of seabirds with slight differences in connotation)
• Antonyms: Not applicable (as this is a specific noun for a type of bird, antonyms are rare in this context).

Related Phrases:

• Стая бакланов (A flock of gannets; used in contexts describing group behavior during migration or feeding.)
• Ныряющий баклан (Diving gannet; a phrase for educational or observational descriptions of the bird's hunting technique.)
• Баклан в полёте (Gannet in flight; common in wildlife photography or nature writing to depict movement.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "баклан" directly corresponds to "gannet" in English but is often used interchangeably with other seabird terms in informal settings. It is primarily formal and scientific, so avoid it in casual conversation unless discussing wildlife. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires adjectives and verbs to agree in gender and number—e.g., use "большой баклан" (big gannet) with masculine endings. When choosing among translations, prefer "баклан" for precise ornithological references over more general synonyms like "морская птица" to maintain accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong gender or case, e.g., treating "баклан" as feminine and saying "баклана" in nominative form.

  Correct: "Баклан летает" (The gannet flies). Explanation: "Баклан" is masculine, so verbs and adjectives must reflect this; beginners often confuse it with feminine nouns like "птица."

• Error: Overgeneralizing to mean any seabird, e.g., using "баклан" when "чайка" (seagull) is more appropriate.

  Correct: Specify "баклан" only for gannets. Explanation: This leads to confusion in descriptions; always check the context to differentiate from similar birds.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, seabirds like the gannet are not as prominently featured in folklore as in some Western traditions, but they symbolize resilience and adaptation in literature and environmental discussions. For instance, in modern Russian ecology movements, "баклан" might appear in texts about marine conservation, reflecting Russia's vast coastal regions and the impact of climate change on wildlife.

Related Concepts:

• чайка (seagull)
• пеликан (pelican)
• буревестник (storm petrel)