Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'goat'

English Word: goat

Key Russian Translations:

• козел [ˈkozʲɪl] - [Common noun, typically used for a male goat]
• коза [ˈkozə] - [Common noun, used for a female goat; Informal or general reference]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in everyday conversations about animals, agriculture, or idiomatic expressions, but not as frequent as basic household items.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; Straightforward for English learners with basic Russian vocabulary, though inflections may add slight complexity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

козел: [ˈkozʲɪl] (The stress is on the first syllable; the 'з' is pronounced as a voiced 'z' sound.)

коза: [ˈkozə] (Similar to 'козел', but with a softer ending due to the feminine form.)

Note on козел: Be mindful of the palatalized 'з' sound, which can be tricky for non-native speakers; it sounds softer than in English.

Note on коза: The final 'a' is a schwa sound, common in Russian feminine nouns.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A domesticated animal of the species Capra aegagrus hircus, often raised for milk, meat, or wool.

Translation(s) & Context:

• козел - Used in literal contexts for a male goat, such as in farming or wildlife discussions; [Formal or Informal].
• коза - Used for a female goat; common in everyday language and can extend to metaphorical uses.

Usage Examples:

• Русский фермер держит козла в своем дворе.

  English Translation: The Russian farmer keeps a goat in his yard. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting possession and location.)

• Коза прыгает по горам, как в старых сказках.

  English Translation: The goat jumps over the mountains, like in old fairy tales. (Illustrates the noun in an action-oriented context, with a cultural reference.)

• В зоопарке мы увидели козла с длинными рогами.

  English Translation: In the zoo, we saw a goat with long horns. (Demonstrates descriptive usage in a public setting.)

• Молоко от козы полезнее, чем от коровы.

  English Translation: Goat's milk is healthier than cow's milk. (Shows the word in a comparative structure, common in health or dietary discussions.)

Meaning 2: Informal or slang reference, e.g., to a stubborn or mischievous person (idiomatic use).

Translation(s) & Context:

• козел - In slang, refers to a stubborn or irritating man; [Informal, often derogatory, used in casual conversations].

Usage Examples:

• Он такой козел, всегда спорит без причины.

  English Translation: He's such a goat, always arguing for no reason. (This slang use highlights personality traits in interpersonal contexts.)

• Не будь козлом и помоги мне с задачей.

  English Translation: Don't be a goat and help me with the task. (Shows imperative usage in everyday requests, with a humorous or mildly offensive tone.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "козел" and "коза" are Russian nouns. "Козел" is masculine, and "коза" is feminine. Russian nouns change based on case, number, and gender. Below is a declension table for each:

Note: These follow regular patterns for masculine and feminine nouns in Russian. There are no irregular inflections for these words.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Козлик (a diminutive form, meaning 'little goat'; used affectionately or for young goats)
  • Горный козел (specifically for mountain goat varieties)
• Antonyms:
  • Вол (bull; as an opposite in farm animal contexts)

The synonym 'козлик' often implies endearment and is used in informal or children's language.

Related Phrases:

• Дикий козел - Wild goat (Refers to goats in their natural habitat, often in wildlife discussions.)
• Козлиная борода - Goat's beard (A phrase for a type of plant or metaphorical description of facial hair.)
• Прыгать как козел - To jump like a goat (An idiomatic expression for agile or playful behavior.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "козел" directly corresponds to the English "goat" for the animal, but it can carry slang connotations not present in English, such as implying stubbornness. Choose "козел" for male goats and "коза" for females to maintain accuracy. Be cautious with informal uses, as they may offend in certain contexts. Grammatically, always decline the noun based on its case in a sentence, which differs from English's fixed form.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "козел" universally without considering gender, e.g., saying "козел" for a female goat. Correct: Use "коза" for females. Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, unlike English, so mismatched gender can lead to confusion or inaccuracy.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., using "козел" in all cases. Correct Example: In genitive case, say "молоко козла" (goat's milk). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English learners often overlook, resulting in grammatically incorrect sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, goats appear in folklore and proverbs, symbolizing agility and independence, as seen in stories like those of the fairy tale "The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats." The word "козел" in slang can reflect cultural attitudes toward stubbornness, often tied to rural life and traditional values.

Related Concepts:

• Коровa (cow)
• Овца (sheep)
• Лошадь (horse)