Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hackle'

English Word: hackle

Key Russian Translations:

• гребень (/ɡrʲɪˈbʲenʲ/) - [Formal, Noun, Refers to feathers or raised hairs, as in animal anatomy]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; more prevalent in specialized contexts like biology or fishing.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level on CEFR; involves understanding noun declensions and contextual usage, which may vary slightly by translation.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гребень: /ɡrʲɪˈbʲenʲ/

Note on гребень: The stress is on the second syllable. The soft sign (ʲ) indicates palatalization, which can be tricky for English speakers; pronounce it with a softened 'r' and 'b' sounds. Variations in regional accents may alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The erectile hairs on the back of an animal's neck, often associated with agitation or defense (e.g., a dog's hackles rising).

Translation(s) & Context:

• гребень - Used in formal or scientific descriptions of animal behavior, such as in veterinary or wildlife contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Собака подняла гребень, когда увидела незнакомца. (The dog raised its hackles when it saw the stranger.)

  Translation: The dog raised its hackles when it saw the stranger. (This example shows the noun in a descriptive, emotional context.)

• В дикой природе у волков гребень встает во время агрессии. (In the wild, wolves' hackles rise during aggression.)

  Translation: In the wild, wolves' hackles rise during aggression. (Illustrates use in a biological or natural setting.)

• Гребень птицы делает ее более пугающей для хищников. (The hackles of the bird make it more intimidating to predators.)

  Translation: The hackles of the bird make it more intimidating to predators. (Demonstrates metaphorical or anatomical usage.)

• Подняв гребень, кошка показала свою готовность к защите. (With its hackles raised, the cat showed its readiness to defend.)

  Translation: With its hackles raised, the cat showed its readiness to defend. (Shows variation in animal types and simple sentence structure.)

Meaning 2: A feather used in fishing flies (if 'hackle' refers to this specialized sense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• гребень - Applied in recreational or professional fishing contexts, often with a more technical connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Рыболовы используют гребень для изготовления мух. (Fishermen use hackles to make flies.)

  Translation: Fishermen use hackles to make flies. (This highlights the noun in a hobbyist context.)

• Гребень на приманке делает ее более привлекательной для рыбы. (The hackle on the lure makes it more attractive to fish.)

  Translation: The hackle on the lure makes it more attractive to fish. (Shows usage in descriptive equipment talk.)

• В арсенале рыболова всегда есть искусственный гребень. (A fisherman's arsenal always includes artificial hackles.)

  Translation: A fisherman's arsenal always includes artificial hackles. (Illustrates idiomatic expression in a list or inventory.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"гребень" is a masculine noun in Russian (3rd declension). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: шерсть (hair/fur) - Often used interchangeably in animal contexts; ворс (bristles) - For more rigid structures.
• Antonyms: гладкая шерсть (smooth fur) - Implies the opposite state, where hairs are not raised.

Related Phrases:

• Поднять гребень - (To raise one's hackles; used metaphorically for becoming defensive or aggressive.)
• Гребень на приманке - (Hackle on a lure; refers to fishing equipment and its role in attraction.)
• Встать дыбом гребень - (Hackles standing on end; describes a state of alarm in animals.)

Usage Notes:

"Гребень" directly corresponds to the English "hackle" in contexts involving animal anatomy or fishing, but it's more commonly used in Russian for combs or crests, so context is key to avoid confusion. In formal writing or scientific discussions, prefer this term; in informal speech, Russians might use descriptive phrases instead. When choosing translations, opt for "гребень" for literal meanings and ensure agreement in gender and case for grammatical accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "гребень" with "гребень" as a comb (e.g., hair comb), leading to misuse in animal contexts. Correct: Use "гребень" specifically for raised hairs, not everyday grooming tools. Example of error: "Собака использует гребень для чистки" (incorrectly implying a tool); Correct: "Собака подняла гребень" (proper anatomical use).
• Error: Forgetting declensions, such as using nominative in all cases. Correct: In genitive, say "гребня собаки" instead of "гребень собаки" to indicate possession.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, references to "гребень" in animal behavior often appear in folklore or literature, symbolizing readiness for conflict, much like in English idioms. For instance, in stories about wild animals, it evokes themes of survival and instinct, reflecting Russia's rich natural heritage and hunting traditions.

Related Concepts:

• шерсть
• ворс
• агрессия