Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ladybird'

English Word: ladybird

Key Russian Translations:

• божа коровка [IPA: bɐˈʐa kɐˈrovka] - [Informal, Common in everyday speech]

Frequency: Low (Not a high-frequency word; typically used in specific contexts like nature or children's education)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary for basic learners, as it involves simple noun forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

божа коровка: [IPA: bɐˈʐa kɐˈrovka]

Note on божа коровка: The stress falls on the second syllable of each word ("ʐa" and "rovka"). Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, with softer "ʐ" sounds in some dialects. Pay attention to the palatalized consonants for accurate articulation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The insect known as a ladybird or ladybug (a small, red beetle with black spots).

Translation(s) & Context:

• божа коровка - Used in informal contexts to refer to the ladybird, often in conversations about nature, gardening, or children's stories. This translation is common in Russian folklore.

Usage Examples:

• В саду я увидел божую коровку, которая ползла по листу.

  In the garden, I saw a ladybird crawling on the leaf. (Demonstrates basic nominative case in a descriptive sentence.)

• Дети наблюдали за божьими коровками на полях летом.

  Children observed ladybirds in the fields during the summer. (Shows plural form in a plural context, emphasizing everyday observation.)

• Божа коровка считается символом удачи в русской культуре.

  The ladybird is considered a symbol of luck in Russian culture. (Illustrates usage in cultural or idiomatic expressions.)

• Я поймал божу коровку и отпустил её в траву.

  I caught a ladybird and released it into the grass. (Highlights action verbs and direct object in a simple narrative.)

• На картинке была изображена божа коровка с чёрными точками.

  In the picture, there was a ladybird with black spots. (Used in descriptive or educational contexts, focusing on physical attributes.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

божа коровка is a feminine noun phrase in Russian, where "божа" is an adjective and "коровка" is a diminutive feminine noun. It follows standard Russian inflection patterns for adjectives and nouns. The adjective "божа" agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case.

Note: The adjective "божа" changes to agree with the noun. This is a regular pattern for first-declension feminine nouns, with no irregularities in standard usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • жук-соня (A more playful or dialectical term, often used in children's literature)
  • крапивник (Less common, implying a specific type of ladybird found on nettles)
• Antonyms: N/A (As this is a specific insect name, antonyms are not typically applicable; however, one might contrast it with harmful insects like "вредитель" in pest contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Божа коровка в траве (Ladybird in the grass) - A common phrase used in descriptions of nature or children's stories, referring to the insect in its natural habitat.
• Символ удачи, как божа коровка (A symbol of luck, like a ladybird) - Often used in cultural or superstitious contexts to denote good fortune.
• Летняя божа коровка (Summer ladybird) - Refers to seasonal sightings, emphasizing the insect's appearance in warmer months.

Usage Notes:

божа коровка directly corresponds to "ladybird" in English, serving as a cultural equivalent rather than a literal translation. It is primarily used in informal or educational settings, such as teaching children about insects. Be mindful of case agreement when using it in sentences; for example, always adjust the adjective to match the noun's case. If multiple translations exist, choose "божа коровка" for general contexts, but "жук-соня" for more poetic or child-oriented language. This word does not have strong formal restrictions but is more common in spoken Russian than written.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "я видел божа коровка" instead of "я видел божу коровку" in accusative case.

  Correct: "Я видел божу коровку." Explanation: In Russian, the direct object requires accusative case, so the adjective and noun must inflect accordingly to avoid grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with similar insects, e.g., translating it as "паук" (spider) due to misassociation.

  Correct: Use "божа коровка" specifically for ladybirds. Explanation: English learners often mix up insect vocabulary; remember that "паук" means spider, which is unrelated.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the ladybird (божа коровка) is often seen as a symbol of good luck and protection, stemming from folklore where it is believed to be a sacred creature sent by God. This makes it a popular motif in children's rhymes and stories, similar to its role in Western traditions, but with a deeper Orthodox Christian influence.

Related Concepts:

• муравей (ant)
• бабочка (butterfly)
• жуковатый (beetle-like)