Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'greyhound'

English Word: greyhound

Key Russian Translations:

• грейхаунд [ɡrʲɛjˈxaʊnd] - [Formal, Used for referring to the dog breed in written or technical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in specialized contexts like animal breeding or racing discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level per CEFR; involves recognizing borrowed words from English and basic noun usage, but requires familiarity with Russian phonetics and loanword adaptations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

грейхаунд: [ɡrʲɛjˈxaʊnd]

Note on грейхаунд: The pronunciation retains much of the English origin, with the initial 'г' as a voiced velar fricative [ɡ] that may soften to [ɡrʲ] in Russian due to palatalization. Stress is on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A breed of dog known for its speed and slender build, often used in racing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• грейхаунд - Used in formal or technical discussions about dog breeds, such as in veterinary contexts or sports commentary. This is a direct borrowing from English.

Usage Examples:

• В нашей стране грейхаунд — популярная порода для собачьих бегов.

  In our country, the greyhound is a popular breed for dog racing.

• Я купил щенка грейхаунда для тренировок по агилити.

  I bought a greyhound puppy for agility training.

• Грейхаунд отличается своей грациозностью и скоростью, что делает его идеальным для соревнований.

  The greyhound is distinguished by its grace and speed, making it ideal for competitions.

• В зоопарке есть экспозиция, посвященная породам, включая грейхаунд.

  In the zoo, there's an exhibit dedicated to breeds, including the greyhound.

• Мой друг разводит грейхаундов как хобби, но это требует специального ухода.

  My friend breeds greyhounds as a hobby, but it requires special care.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

As a borrowed noun from English, "грейхаунд" is typically treated as a masculine singular noun in Russian and does not undergo regular inflection. It remains unchanged in most cases, which is common for loanwords.

Note: While the base form is invariant, in practice, Russian speakers may adapt it slightly for grammatical agreement, but this is not strictly required.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Борзая (borzaya) - A general term for sighthounds, with subtle differences as it can refer to various fast breeds.
  • Гончая (gonchaya) - Used for hunting dogs, overlapping in context but broader.
• Antonyms:
  • Лайка (layka) - Refers to breeds used for pulling sleds, contrasting in function and build.

Related Phrases:

• Порода грейхаунд - Breed of greyhound (Used when discussing animal taxonomy or breeding.)
• Собачьи бега с грейхаундами - Greyhound dog racing (Common in sports contexts, referring to events.)
• Уход за грейхаундом - Caring for a greyhound (Practical phrase for pet care discussions.)

Usage Notes:

This Russian translation directly corresponds to the English "greyhound" as a specific dog breed. It is a loanword, so it's most appropriate in formal, technical, or international contexts rather than everyday speech. When using "грейхаунд," ensure it agrees with Russian grammar if needed (e.g., in genitive case as "грейхаунда"). For English learners, choose this term over synonyms like "борзая" when specificity is required, but be aware of regional variations in pronunciation. Avoid overusing it in casual conversation to sound natural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as [ɡreɪˈhaʊnd] with a hard English accent, ignoring Russian palatalization.
  Correct: Use [ɡrʲɛjˈxaʊnd] to blend with Russian phonetics. Example of error: Saying "грейхаунд" like the English word; correct: Emphasize the softened 'г' sound.

• Error: Incorrectly inflecting as a regular Russian noun, e.g., using "грейхаундов" in plural when unnecessary.
  Correct: Stick to the singular form unless context demands it; example of error: "Я видел грейхаундов" (implying multiple, which is rare); better: "Я видел грейхаунд" for a general reference.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "грейхаунд" is not deeply rooted in folklore but is associated with modern sports like greyhound racing, which has gained popularity through international influences. It symbolizes speed and elegance, often featured in literature or media about animal racing, reflecting Russia's interest in Western dog breeds since the 19th century.

Related Concepts:

• Борзая
• Гончая
• Лайка