Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hawk'

English Word: hawk

Key Russian Translations:

• ястреб (/ˈjastrʲɪb/) - [Formal, used for the bird of prey; Singular]
• сапсан (/ˈsapsan/) - [Formal, specific to the peregrine falcon subspecies; Informal in wildlife contexts]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly used in discussions about wildlife, nature, and ornithology, but not in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary) for "ястреб"; B1 (Intermediate) for "сапсан" due to its more specific application.

Pronunciation (Russian):

ястреб: /ˈjastrʲɪb/

сапсан: /ˈsapsan/

Note on ястреб: The soft sign (ʲ) indicates a palatalized 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; stress is on the first syllable. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The bird of prey (e.g., a raptor like the Eurasian sparrowhawk)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ястреб - Used in formal or educational contexts when referring to hawks in general, such as in wildlife documentaries or biology texts.
• сапсан - Applied specifically to the peregrine falcon, often in contexts involving speed or hunting, like in sports or nature observations.

Usage Examples:

• В небе кружит ястреб, высматривая добычу.

  In the sky, a hawk is circling, looking for prey. (This example shows the noun in a natural environment, emphasizing observation.)

• Охотники используют ястреба для традиционной соколиной охоты.

  Hunters use a hawk for traditional falconry. (Illustrates cultural or historical usage in a sentence with a verb.)

• Этот сапсан известен своей невероятной скоростью полета.

  This hawk (peregrine falcon) is known for its incredible flight speed. (Demonstrates specific subspecies in a descriptive context.)

• Ястребы часто гнездятся в высоких деревьях леса.

  Hawks often nest in the tall trees of the forest. (Shows plural form and habitat description.)

• В зоопарке мы увидели сапсана, который охотился на мелких птиц.

  In the zoo, we saw a hawk (peregrine falcon) hunting small birds. (Contextualizes in a modern, urban setting.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "ястреб" and "сапсан" are masculine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender. "Ястреб" is more common and has regular inflections, while "сапсан" is similar but less frequently used.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сокол - Often interchangeable in poetic or general contexts, but implies a broader raptor family.
  • хищная птица - A more generic term, used when specificity is not needed.
• Antonyms:
  • дятел - Refers to a woodpecker, a non-predatory bird.
  • воробей - Means sparrow, a small, harmless bird contrasting with predators.

Related Phrases:

• Ястреб в небе - Hawk in the sky; A phrase used metaphorically to describe something watchful or predatory.
• Сапсан полета - Flight of the peregrine falcon; Refers to high-speed pursuits, often in aviation or sports analogies.
• Охота с ястребом - Hunting with a hawk; Common in discussions of falconry or traditional sports.

Usage Notes:

"Ястреб" directly corresponds to the English "hawk" as a general term for birds of prey, making it the most straightforward translation. However, in Russian, more specific terms like "сапсан" are preferred when discussing exact species to avoid ambiguity. Use "ястреб" in formal or educational contexts, but be aware of regional variations in wildlife terminology. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., большой ястреб for "big hawk"). When choosing between translations, opt for "сапсан" if the context involves speed or urban environments.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "ястреб" with "сокол": English learners often use "сокол" interchangeably, but "сокол" can imply a falcon, leading to inaccuracy. Correct usage: Use "ястреб" for general hawks; Error example: "Сокол летает быстро" (implying falcon), but if meaning hawk, say "Ястреб летает быстро".
• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in cases, e.g., saying "без ястреб" instead of "без ястреба" (without a hawk). Explanation: Always apply the genitive case after prepositions like "без".
• Overgeneralizing: Assuming "сапсан" means any hawk, which it doesn't. Error: "Этот ястреб - сапсан" when it's not; Correct: Verify the species before using.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, hawks like the "ястреб" symbolize freedom, vigilance, and power, often appearing in folklore and literature as noble hunters. For instance, in Slavic myths, hawks are associated with warriors or messengers, reflecting their role in traditional falconry, a practice still celebrated in events like those in Russia’s national parks.

Related Concepts:

• орел (eagle)
• сова (owl)
• хищник (predator)