Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'harpoon'

English Word: harpoon

Key Russian Translations:

• гарпун /ɡɐrˈpun/ - [Formal, Used in nautical or hunting contexts]

Frequency: Low (Primarily encountered in specialized texts about fishing, whaling, or marine biology)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - Requires familiarity with Russian nouns and their inflections, suitable for learners with basic vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гарпун: /ɡɐrˈpun/

Note on гарпун: The stress falls on the second syllable ('pun'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, such as in northern Russia, where the 'r' sound is more rolled.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A spear-like weapon used for fishing or hunting large sea animals.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гарпун - Typically used in formal or technical discussions about maritime activities, such as whaling or deep-sea fishing.

Usage Examples:

• Моряки использовали гарпун для ловли китов в Арктике.

  Sailors used a harpoon to catch whales in the Arctic.

• Гарпун — это древнее орудие, которое до сих пор применяется в коммерческом рыболовстве.

  The harpoon is an ancient tool that is still used in commercial fishing.

• Во время шторма гарпун застрял в теле морского чудовища.

  During the storm, the harpoon got stuck in the body of the sea monster.

• Современные гарпуны оснащены электронными системами для более точного прицеливания.

  Modern harpoons are equipped with electronic systems for more accurate aiming.

• В музее экспонируется гарпун, использованный в исторических экспедициях.

  In the museum, a harpoon used in historical expeditions is on display.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гарпун" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, belonging to the third 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 word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • копье (kop'ye) - A general term for a spear, often used interchangeably in non-technical contexts; differs by being more archaic or broad.
  • дротик (drotik) - Refers to a lighter throwing spear; applicable in historical or recreational contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "гарпун" is a specific tool; however, in a broader sense, мирный инструмент (mirnyy instrument) could imply a non-violent tool like a net.

Related Phrases:

• Метать гарпун - To throw a harpoon; Used in action-oriented narratives, e.g., in whaling stories.
• Гарпун для рыбалки - Harpoon for fishing; A common phrase in equipment descriptions, emphasizing practical use.
• Застрявший гарпун - Stuck harpoon; Often appears in adventure literature to describe mishaps at sea.

Usage Notes:

"Гарпун" directly corresponds to the English "harpoon" as a specialized tool, but it's most commonly used in formal, technical, or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. English learners should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for grammatical accuracy—e.g., use the accusative case when indicating the object of an action. When choosing between synonyms like "копье," opt for "гарпун" if the context is specifically maritime. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities, as whaling is a controversial topic in modern discussions.

Common Errors:

• Confusing the case: Learners might incorrectly use the nominative form in all contexts, e.g., saying "Я вижу гарпун" instead of "Я вижу гарпуном" in instrumental contexts. Correct usage: In instrumental case, it should be "гарпуном" to mean "with a harpoon." This error stems from overgeneralizing English word order.

• Misusing synonyms: Beginners often substitute "гарпун" with "копье," leading to imprecise meaning, e.g., saying "Он бросил копье" when "гарпун" is needed for specificity. Explanation: "Копье" is more general and could imply a land-based weapon, so always verify the context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "гарпун" evokes images of historical whaling expeditions, as depicted in literature like Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick," which influenced Russian maritime tales. It symbolizes human interaction with the harsh sea environment and is often romanticized in Soviet-era stories of exploration, though modern usage highlights environmental concerns due to whaling bans.

Related Concepts:

• кит (kit) - Whale
• рыбалка (rybalka) - Fishing
• морской (morskoj) - Marine or sea-related