Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'horse'

English Word: horse

Key Russian Translations:

• лошадь [lɐˈʂatʲ] - [General, Formal/Informal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, literature, and media, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "дом" – house)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers due to its concrete meaning, but requires basic understanding of Russian noun genders and inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лошадь: [lɐˈʂatʲ]

Note on лошадь: The 'ш' sound is a voiceless retroflex fricative [ʂ], which may be challenging for English speakers accustomed to the 'sh' in "she" [ʃ]. Stress falls on the second syllable. Regional variations in pronunciation exist, but this is the standard Moscow dialect.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A large animal used for riding, racing, or work

Translation(s) & Context:

• лошадь - Used in general contexts for domesticated horses, such as in farming, sports, or everyday descriptions; common in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• В деревне мы видели красивую лошадь.

  In the village, we saw a beautiful horse.

• Он купил лошадь для верховой езды.

  He bought a horse for horseback riding.

• Лошадь бежит галопом по полю.

  The horse is galloping across the field.

• В цирке выступает умная лошадь.

  In the circus, a smart horse is performing.

• Дети кормят лошадь яблоками на ферме.

  The children are feeding the horse apples on the farm.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Лошадь is a feminine noun in the first declension. It undergoes regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The inflections are regular for first-declension feminine nouns, with no irregularities. Always adjust based on sentence structure for correct grammar.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: конь (more specific to a stallion or in poetic contexts; implies strength or nobility), жеребец (specifically a male horse)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "horse" is a concrete noun; however, in broader contexts, something like осёл (donkey) could contrast as a different working animal.

Related Phrases:

• Верхом на лошади - On horseback; used in contexts of riding or equestrian activities.
• Лошадиная сила - Horsepower; a metaphorical term for engine power in vehicles or machinery.
• Дикая лошадь - Wild horse; refers to untamed horses in natural settings.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "лошадь" directly corresponds to the English "horse" in most contexts, but it's important to note its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "красивая лошадь" for "beautiful horse"). Use it in formal and informal settings alike, but in literary or historical texts, "конь" might be preferred for a more poetic or archaic feel. When discussing multiple horses, ensure proper plural inflections. English learners should pay attention to prepositions; for example, "on a horse" translates to "на лошади," not literally word-for-word.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using masculine inflections with "лошадь," e.g., saying "красивый лошадь" instead of "красивая лошадь." Correct: "красивая лошадь" – Explanation: "Лошадь" is feminine, so adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case.

• Error: Confusing "лошадь" with "конь" in everyday speech. Correct: Use "лошадь" for general references; "конь" for specific, often male or heroic contexts. – Explanation: This can lead to tonal mismatches, as "конь" has a more elevated connotation.

• Error: Omitting inflections in sentences, e.g., "Я вижу лошадь" but incorrectly saying "Я вижу лошадь" in a genitive context. Correct: Adjust to "Я вижу лошадь" or "лошади" as needed. – Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers might overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, horses hold significant symbolic value, often representing freedom, strength, and the vast landscapes of Russia. They feature prominently in folklore, such as in fairy tales where a magical horse aids the hero, and in history, like the role of Cossack horsemen. The phrase "лошадиная сила" not only means horsepower but also evokes the industrial era's reliance on animal power, reflecting Russia's agrarian past.

Related Concepts:

• осёл (donkey)
• кобыла (mare)
• жеребёнок (foal)