Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kangaroo'

English Word: kangaroo

Key Russian Translations:

• кенгуру [kʲɪnˈɡuru] - [Neutral, Borrowed term; Used in general contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in educational, zoological, or cultural discussions.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) - As a borrowed word, it is straightforward for English speakers to learn and pronounce, with minimal grammatical integration into Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кенгуру: [kʲɪnˈɡuru]

Note on кенгуру: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'k' sound (kʲ), which is common in Russian. Be mindful of the stress on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional accents, but this is the standard form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The animal kangaroo (referring to the marsupial native to Australia)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кенгуру - Used in general, neutral contexts when discussing wildlife, zoos, or Australian fauna.

Usage Examples:

• В зоопарке можно увидеть кенгуру из Австралии.

  In the zoo, you can see kangaroos from Australia.

• Кенгуру — это сумчатое животное, которое умеет прыгать на больших расстояниях.

  The kangaroo is a marsupial animal that can jump over long distances.

• Дети были в восторге от кенгуру во время сафари.

  The children were thrilled by the kangaroo during the safari.

• В Австралии кенгуру часто встречаются в дикой природе.

  In Australia, kangaroos are often found in the wild.

• Учёные изучают, как кенгуру адаптируются к засушливому климату.

  Scientists study how kangaroos adapt to the arid climate.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кенгуру" is a neuter noun borrowed from English and typically does not undergo complex inflections in Russian, as it is treated as an indeclinable noun. This means its form remains unchanged across cases, numbers, and genders. However, for clarity, here is a basic inflection table:

Note: As an indeclinable noun, "кенгуру" retains its base form in all grammatical contexts, which simplifies its use for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: There are no direct Russian synonyms, as "кенгуру" is a specific borrowed term. However, in broader contexts, it might be loosely associated with "сумчатое животное" (marsupial animal), though this is not an exact synonym.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific noun without natural opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Кенгуру в Австралии - Kangaroos in Australia (refers to their native habitat and cultural significance).
• Прыгающий кенгуру - Jumping kangaroo (describes their characteristic movement).
• Кенгуру в зоопарке - Kangaroo in the zoo (common context for observation).

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English word "kangaroo," which is a marsupial animal. In Russian, "кенгуру" is a neutral, borrowed term used across formal and informal contexts, such as educational materials, wildlife documentaries, or casual conversations. It does not have significant grammatical variations, making it easy for English speakers to incorporate. When choosing this term, ensure it fits the context of discussing Australian fauna; for general animal discussions, you might pair it with descriptive phrases like "сумчатое животное" for clarity. Be aware that in Russian, word order and case agreements still apply in sentences, even if the noun itself doesn't inflect.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as [kænˈɡɑːru] (using English phonetics). Correct: Use [kʲɪnˈɡuru] to reflect Russian palatalization. Explanation: English speakers often forget the Russian 'k' sound, which can make the word sound unnatural; practice with native audio to avoid this.

• Error: Treating it as a declinable noun, e.g., saying "кенгурова" in genitive. Correct: Keep it as "кенгуру" in all cases. Explanation: As an indeclinable borrowed word, altering its form is a common mistake for learners familiar with Russian noun declensions; always use the base form regardless of sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "кенгуру" is often associated with Australia, symbolizing its unique wildlife. It frequently appears in children's books, educational programs, and media about exotic animals. This term highlights Russia's interest in global biodiversity, and kangaroos are sometimes featured in zoos or as mascots in international events, reflecting a broader appreciation for foreign fauna without deep historical ties in Russian folklore.

Related Concepts:

• Коала (koala)
• Вомбат (wombat)
• Сумчатые (marsupials)