Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'iguana'

English Word: iguana

Key Russian Translations:

• игуана [iɡuˈanə] - [Formal, Singular, Used in general zoological or everyday contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but may appear in educational, scientific, or wildlife-related discussions.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should be familiar with basic animal vocabulary and noun declensions, though the specific term requires exposure to specialized lexicon.

Pronunciation (Russian):

игуана: [iɡuˈanə]

Note on игуана: The stress falls on the second syllable ("a" as in "father"). Be mindful of the soft "г" sound, which is similar to the English "g" in "go," but can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: Listen to pronunciation

Meanings and Usage:

A large lizard with a row of spines down its back, native to tropical regions.

Translation(s) & Context:

• игуана - Used in contexts discussing wildlife, zoos, or exotic pets; appropriate for formal and informal settings, especially in educational or descriptive language.

Usage Examples:

• В зоопарке есть большая игуана, которая любит греться на солнце.

  In the zoo, there is a large iguana that likes to bask in the sun.

• Игуана — это рептилия, обитающая в тропических лесах Центральной Америки.

  The iguana is a reptile that inhabits the tropical forests of Central America.

• Мой друг держит игуану как домашнее животное, но за ней нужно тщательно ухаживать.

  My friend keeps an iguana as a pet, but it requires careful care.

• Во время сафари мы увидели дикую игуану, ползающую по скалам.

  During the safari, we saw a wild iguana crawling on the rocks.

• Игуана в террариуме ест листья и фрукты, чтобы оставаться здоровой.

  The iguana in the terrarium eats leaves and fruits to stay healthy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Игуана" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard Russian noun patterns with regular inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: ящерица (yashcheritsa) - A general term for lizard, but less specific; differs as it encompasses all lizards, while игуана refers to this particular species.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific animal name without a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• Американская игуана - Refers to the American iguana, commonly used in discussions about exotic pets or wildlife.
• Зелёная игуана - Describes the green iguana, often in contexts of ecology or pet care, highlighting its color and habitat.
• Игуана в террариуме - Means "iguana in a terrarium," a phrase used for talking about captive animals in educational settings.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "игуана" directly corresponds to the English "iguana" as a specific type of lizard, making it a straightforward translation in zoological contexts. However, in everyday Russian, it is more common in formal or specialized language rather than casual conversation. When using this word, ensure proper declension based on sentence structure; for example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "of" (e.g., "хвост игуаны" for "iguana's tail"). If multiple translations exist, choose "игуана" for precision, but "ящерица" for broader references. Be aware of cultural differences: in Russia, iguanas are not native, so the term is often linked to imported pets or documentaries.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел игуана" instead of "Я видел игуану" (accusative case for direct object).

  Correct: "Я видел игуану." Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case; here, the accusative form is required after verbs like "видеть" (to see).

• Error: Confusing it with "ящерица" and using it interchangeably, leading to imprecise descriptions.

  Correct: Use "игуана" for the specific animal and "ящерица" for general lizards. Explanation: This avoids vagueness in scientific or educational contexts.

• Error: Mispronouncing the stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable.

  Correct: Pronounce as [iɡuˈanə] with stress on the second syllable. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word harder to understand for native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, iguanas are not indigenous and are often associated with exoticism or foreign wildlife, appearing in literature, films, or as pets among enthusiasts. For instance, references to iguanas might evoke images of tropical adventures, as seen in Russian adaptations of stories like those by Jules Verne, where exotic animals symbolize exploration and the unknown.

Related Concepts:

• ящерица (lizard)
• рептилия (reptile)
• змея (snake)