Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hydra'

English Word: hydra

Key Russian Translations:

• гидра [ˈɡʲidrə] - [Formal, often used in mythological or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, mythology discussions, and biology, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to mythology or science)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гидра: [ˈɡʲidrə]

Note on гидра: The initial 'г' is a voiced palatalized velar fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds similar to the 'g' in "gesture" but softer. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Mythological creature (e.g., the multi-headed serpent from Greek mythology)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гидра - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe mythical beasts, often in discussions of ancient legends or fantasy.

Usage Examples:

• В греческой мифологии гидра была многоглавым чудовищем, которое Геракл должен был одолеть.

  In Greek mythology, the hydra was a multi-headed monster that Hercules had to defeat.

• Гидра из легенд часто символизирует неуязвимость и регенерацию в современных историях.

  The hydra from legends often symbolizes invulnerability and regeneration in modern stories.

• В фильме гидра оживает как антагонист, терзающий героев.

  In the film, the hydra comes alive as an antagonist tormenting the heroes.

• Дети любят слушать истории о гидре и её битвах с древними героями.

  Children love listening to stories about the hydra and its battles with ancient heroes.

• Гидра в мифах представляет хаос, который трудно контролировать.

  The hydra in myths represents chaos that is hard to control.

Biological organism (e.g., a genus of freshwater polyps)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гидра - Used in scientific or educational contexts, such as biology textbooks or discussions about aquatic life.

Usage Examples:

• Гидра — это простой организм, способный регенерировать потерянные части тела.

  The hydra is a simple organism capable of regenerating lost body parts.

• В лаборатории мы изучаем гидру как модель для исследований регенерации.

  In the laboratory, we study the hydra as a model for regeneration research.

• Гидра обитает в пресных водах и питается мелкими организмами.

  The hydra lives in freshwater and feeds on small organisms.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гидра" is a feminine noun in Russian (from the third declension). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Многоглавый змей (multi-headed serpent; more descriptive in mythological contexts)
  • Водяной polyp (for biological meaning; less common)
• Antonyms:
  • Герой (hero; as it often opposes heroes in myths)

Related Phrases:

• Гидра Лернейская - Refers to the specific hydra from Greek myths, symbolizing an unbeatable foe.
• Борьба с гидрой - Means "fighting the hydra," often used metaphorically for tackling overwhelming problems.
• Гидра в биологии - A phrase for discussing hydra in scientific contexts, implying study of simple life forms.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "гидра" directly corresponds to the English "hydra" in both mythological and biological senses, but context is key to avoid confusion. It is typically used in formal writing or educational settings rather than casual speech. When choosing between translations, opt for "гидра" in mythological contexts for its precision, and be mindful of declensions—always adjust the ending based on the grammatical case. For example, in genitive constructions like "история гидры" (the story of the hydra), the noun changes accordingly.

Common Errors:

• English learners often forget to decline "гидра" properly, e.g., using the nominative form in all cases: Incorrect: "Я видел гидра" (should be "Я видел гидру" in accusative). Correct: "Я видел гидру". This error stems from English's lack of cases, so always check the sentence structure.

• Mixing up contexts: Using "гидра" in a biological sense when discussing myths, e.g., Incorrect: Describing a mythical creature as if it's a real animal. Explanation: Clarify the domain first to ensure accurate usage.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "гидра" often evokes references to Greek mythology, popularized through literature and media. It symbolizes chaos and resilience, sometimes metaphorically applied to political or social issues, as in Soviet-era interpretations where it represented imperialism. This reflects Russia's rich tradition of adapting classical myths into modern narratives.

Related Concepts:

• Дракон (dragon)
• Геракл (Hercules)
• Мифология (mythology)