Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'macaque'

English Word: macaque

Key Russian Translations:

• макака [mɐˈkakə] - [Common noun, typically used in formal and informal contexts for zoological or everyday descriptions]

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

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level, as it involves recognizing borrowed words from English/French and basic noun declensions; suitable for learners with some familiarity with Russian vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

макака: [mɐˈkakə]

Note on макака: The stress falls on the second syllable ('ka'), which is a common feature in Russian borrowed words. Be cautious with the soft 'k' sound, represented by [k], which can be tricky for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A type of monkey belonging to the genus Macaca, often found in Asia and Africa.

Translation(s) & Context:

• макака - Used in general contexts to refer to this specific primate in wildlife discussions, zoos, or educational materials. It is a direct borrowing and fits both formal (e.g., scientific writing) and informal (e.g., casual conversation) settings.

Usage Examples:

• В зоопарке мы увидели макаку, которая качалась на ветке.

  In the zoo, we saw a macaque swinging from a branch.

• Макака — это распространённый вид обезьяны в Юго-Восточной Азии.

  The macaque is a common type of monkey in Southeast Asia.

• Учёные изучают поведение макак в их естественной среде обитания.

  Scientists study the behavior of macaques in their natural habitat.

• В фильме главная героиня кормила макаку бананами.

  In the movie, the main character fed the macaque bananas.

• Макаки часто становятся объектами исследования в психологии.

  Macaques are often subjects of study in psychology.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Макака" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian) and follows the first declension pattern for most nouns ending in -a. It is a regular noun with standard inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Обезьяна (obʲeˈzʲjanə) - A general term for monkey, but less specific than макака.
  • Макаковидная обезьяна (makakovidnaja obʲeˈzʲjanə) - Used in more scientific contexts to specify the macaque family, with a slight emphasis on broader categorization.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "макака" is a specific animal term. However, in a broader animal context, opposites might include terms like "хищник" (xɪʂnʲɪk) for predator, though this is not a true antonym.

Related Phrases:

• Макака в джунглях (Makaка v dʒunʲglax) - Macaque in the jungles; refers to the natural habitat of macaques, often used in travel or wildlife documentaries.
• Изучение макак (Izuchtʲenʲije makaк) - Study of macaques; common in scientific or educational contexts, implying research on primate behavior.
• Макака как домашнее животное (Makaка kaк dɔmɑʂnʲeʲe ʒɨvɔtnɔe) - Macaque as a pet; highlights cultural or ethical discussions about keeping wild animals, though not recommended.

Usage Notes:

"Макака" directly corresponds to the English "macaque" as a specific genus of monkeys, making it a useful word for learners interested in biology or nature. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both spoken and written Russian. When choosing this translation over a more general term like "обезьяна," opt for "макака" in contexts requiring precision, such as scientific discussions. Note the feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "дикая макака" for "wild macaque"). Avoid overusing it in casual speech, as it may sound overly specific.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect declension: Learners often forget to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "Я видел макака" instead of "Я видел макаку" (Accusative case). Correct usage: Use the proper case based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

• Confusing with synonyms: Mistaking "макака" for "обезьяна" in scientific contexts, leading to vagueness. Error example: "Обезьяна в зоопарке" when specificity is needed; correct: "Макака в зоопарке." This can dilute meaning in precise discussions.

• Pronunciation slip-ups: Mispronouncing the stress, e.g., saying [ˈmakaka] instead of [mɐˈkakə], which might make it sound like a different word. Always emphasize the second syllable for clarity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "макака" often appears in literature and media as a symbol of exotic wildlife, drawing from Russia's historical interest in Asian fauna. For instance, in children's stories or environmental education, it represents adaptability and intelligence, similar to how monkeys are portrayed in Western folklore. This word highlights Russia's diverse geographical influences, as macaques are not native but are studied in contexts like the Far East or imported zoos.

Related Concepts:

• Обезьяна (monkey)
• Лемур (lemur)
• Горилла (gorilla)
• Приматы (primates)