Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gorilla'

English Word: gorilla

Key Russian Translations:

• горилла [ɡɐˈrʲilə] - [Formal, used in general contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in educational, zoological, or wildlife discussions.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should be familiar with basic animal vocabulary and noun declensions, though the word itself is straightforward.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

горилла: [ɡɐˈrʲilə]

Note on горилла: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'р' is typically rolled in Russian. Palatalization of the 'р' before 'и' may vary by dialect.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The large African ape, often referred to in zoology or wildlife contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• горилла - Used in formal or educational settings to describe the animal, such as in documentaries or biology classes.

Usage Examples:

• В зоопарке мы увидели большую гориллу, которая ела бананы.

  In the zoo, we saw a large gorilla eating bananas.

• Горилла — это сильное и умное животное, обитающее в африканских джунглях.

  The gorilla is a strong and intelligent animal that lives in African jungles.

• Учёные изучают поведение горилл, чтобы понять эволюцию приматов.

  Scientists study the behavior of gorillas to understand the evolution of primates.

• В фильме показано, как горилла защищает свою семью от опасности.

  In the movie, the gorilla protects its family from danger.

• Молодые гориллы часто играют вместе, как человеческие дети.

  Young gorillas often play together, just like human children.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Горилла" is a feminine noun in Russian (from the first declension). It follows standard noun declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -а. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • примат (primat) - A broader term for primates, but less specific.
  • обезьяна (obez'yana) - General term for monkey, with subtle differences in context.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific animal name.

Related Phrases:

• Горилла в зоопарке (Gorilla in the zoo) - Refers to seeing or discussing gorillas in captivity.
• Дикая горилла (Wild gorilla) - Used for gorillas in their natural habitat, emphasizing untamed aspects.
• Горилла-охранник (Gorilla guard) - A metaphorical phrase sometimes used in informal contexts to describe a strong protector.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "горилла" directly corresponds to the English "gorilla" and is used primarily in factual or educational contexts. It is a neutral term with no strong cultural connotations, but be aware of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "большая горилла" for "big gorilla"). When choosing this translation, ensure the context is literal; for metaphorical uses in English (e.g., "a gorilla in a suit" meaning a tough person), you might need alternatives like "громила" (a burly person). It's most common in formal writing or speech, and learners should practice declensions to use it correctly in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "горилла" as a masculine noun and using incorrect declensions, e.g., saying "горилла был" instead of "горилла была" for "the gorilla was."

  Correct: "Горилла была очень сильной." (The gorilla was very strong.)

  Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and "горилла" is feminine, so verbs and adjectives must agree accordingly.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by placing stress on the wrong syllable, e.g., [ˈɡɐrʲilə] instead of [ɡɐˈrʲilə].

  Correct Pronunciation: [ɡɐˈrʲilə]

  Explanation: Stress errors can lead to misunderstandings, as Russian relies heavily on correct syllable emphasis.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, gorillas are often featured in children's literature and educational media as symbols of strength and wilderness, similar to Western portrayals. However, they are not as central in folklore as bears or wolves are in Russian traditions. Discussions about gorillas might tie into broader environmental themes, especially in the context of conservation efforts in Africa, which are covered in Russian media to promote global awareness.

Related Concepts:

• шимпанзе (chimpanzee)
• обезьяна (monkey)
• приматы (primates)