Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hare'

English Word: hare

Key Russian Translations:

• заяц /zɐˈjats/ - [Common noun, Informal/Formal, Singular/Plural depending on context]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in everyday language, literature, and discussions about wildlife, but not as frequent as basic domestic animal terms.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary for new learners of Russian, as it refers to a simple, concrete concept.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

заяц: /zɐˈjats/

Note on заяц: The stress falls on the second syllable ("jats"). Pronounce the "з" as a voiced "z" sound, and be aware of the soft "ц" at the end, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A fast-running mammal similar to a rabbit, often found in fields or forests.

Translation(s) & Context:

• заяц - Used in general contexts for wild hares, in both literal and metaphorical senses, such as in folklore or idioms. Common in descriptive or narrative language.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу живет быстрый заяц, который убегает от лисы.

  In the forest lives a fast hare that runs away from the fox.

• Заяц в сказках часто символизирует хитрость и скорость.

  The hare in fairy tales often symbolizes cunning and speed.

• Охотники видели зайца на краю поля, но не смогли его поймать.

  Hunters saw a hare at the edge of the field but couldn't catch it.

• Зимой заяц меняет цвет меха, чтобы camouflaged от хищников.

  In winter, the hare changes its fur color to camouflage from predators.

• Дети любят кормить зайца морковью в зоопарке.

  Children love feeding the hare carrots at the zoo.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Заяц" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple hares. This noun does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively easy for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кролик (krolik) - More commonly means "rabbit," but can be used in some contexts for similar small mammals; however, it implies domestication rather than wild hares.
  • зайка (zayka) - A diminutive form, often used affectionately or in children's language, with a softer connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • лиса (lisa) - Fox, as a natural predator of the hare.
  • волк (volk) - Wolf, another common antagonist in folklore involving hares.

Related Phrases:

• Дикий заяц (Dikiy zayats) - Wild hare; used in contexts of nature or hunting, referring to hares in their natural habitat.
• Охота на зайцев (Okhota na zaytsev) - Hare hunting; a phrase related to outdoor activities or traditional sports.
• Заяц в сказке (Zayats v skazke) - The hare in a fairy tale; often appears in Russian folklore to represent cleverness or escape.

Usage Notes:

"Заяц" directly corresponds to "hare" in English, distinguishing it from "rabbit" (which is "кролик"). It can be used in both formal and informal settings, such as scientific discussions or casual conversations. Be mindful of context: in Russian, it's common to use diminutives like "зайка" for endearment, especially with children or pets. When choosing between translations, opt for "заяц" for wild animals and avoid confusion with domesticated rabbits. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules for accurate sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "заяц" with "кролик": English learners often mix up hare and rabbit. Incorrect: "Я видел кролика в лесу" (meaning a hare). Correct: "Я видел зайца в лесу." Explanation: "Кролик" refers specifically to rabbits, which are domesticated, while "заяц" is for wild hares. This error stems from similar appearances but leads to misunderstandings in wildlife contexts.

• Improper declension: For example, using the nominative "заяц" in all cases. Incorrect: "Я думаю о заяц" (should be genitive). Correct: "Я думаю о зайце." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust the ending based on the sentence role.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the hare (заяц) is a prominent figure in folklore and fairy tales, such as those by Ivan Krylov or in collections like those of the Brothers Grimm adapted into Russian. It often symbolizes cleverness, speed, and sometimes timidity, as seen in stories where the hare outsmarts predators like the fox or wolf. This reflects broader Slavic themes of wit over strength, making "заяц" more than just an animal—it's a cultural archetype.

Related Concepts:

• лиса (Fox)
• волк (Wolf)
• лесной житель (Forest dweller)
• охота (Hunting)