Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'menagerie'

English Word: menagerie

Key Russian Translations:

• менагерия [mʲɪˈnaɡʲɪrʲɪjə] - [Formal, Literary; Used in contexts involving historical or exotic animal collections]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian; it's more prevalent in literary, historical, or specialized texts about zoology or museums.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; As a borrowed word from English/French, it requires familiarity with Russian nominal inflections and vocabulary related to animals and collections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

менагерия: [mʲɪˈnaɡʲɪrʲɪjə]

Note on менагерия: The stress falls on the third syllable ("na"), which is a common feature in Russian loanwords. Pronounce the "г" as a voiced velar fricative, similar to the "g" in "go," but be mindful of palatalization in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A collection of wild animals kept for exhibition or study.

Translation(s) & Context:

• менагерия - Used in formal, literary, or historical contexts to describe a private or public collection of animals, often implying an exotic or outdated setup, as opposed to a modern zoo.

Usage Examples:

• В XIX веке аристократы часто держали свою собственную менагерию в поместьях.

  In the 19th century, aristocrats often kept their own menagerie on their estates.

• Музей естественной истории включает старую менагерию с редкими животными.

  The natural history museum includes an old menagerie with rare animals.

• Путешественники описывали африканскую менагерию как место удивительных открытий.

  Travelers described the African menagerie as a place of amazing discoveries.

• В современном зоопарке старая менагерия была преобразована в образовательный центр.

  In the modern zoo, the old menagerie was transformed into an educational center.

• Художник нарисовал сцену из королевской менагерии, полную экзотических птиц и зверей.

  The artist painted a scene from the royal menagerie, full of exotic birds and beasts.

Figurative use: A diverse or chaotic group of people or things (less common in Russian).

Translation(s) & Context:

• менагерия - Rarely used metaphorically in Russian, but can imply a "motley crew" in literary contexts; more often replaced by other words like "сборная солянка."

Usage Examples:

• Эта вечеринка превратилась в настоящую менагерию разных культур и стилей.

  This party turned into a real menagerie of different cultures and styles.

• В офисе работает менагерия талантливых, но эксцентричных сотрудников.

  In the office, there's a menagerie of talented but eccentric employees.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Менагерия" is a feminine noun (from the third declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns ending in -ия, which are typically indeclinable in the nominative case but can inflect in other cases. However, as a loanword, it may remain unchanged in informal use.

Note: In some modern usages, especially in informal speech, the word may not inflect fully and remain as "менагерия" across cases due to its status as a foreign borrowing.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: зверинец (more archaic, similar to a private animal collection), зоопарк (modern equivalent for a public zoo), коллекция животных (general term for animal collection). Note: "Зверинец" often carries a historical connotation, while "зоопарк" is more contemporary.
• Antonyms: пустыня (desert, implying emptiness or lack of life), or simply the absence of such collections, as there isn't a direct antonym.

Related Phrases:

• частная менагерия - A private menagerie; refers to a personal collection of animals, often in historical contexts.
• королевская менагерия - The royal menagerie; used for collections maintained by royalty, with connotations of luxury and exclusivity.
• старинная менагерия - An old or antique menagerie; implies a historical exhibit, often in museums.

Usage Notes:

"Менагерия" directly corresponds to the English "menagerie" as a borrowed term, but in Russian, it's more formal and less common in everyday speech. Use it in contexts involving history, literature, or specialized topics like zoology. It's typically singular and feminine, so ensure agreement in gender and case (e.g., "в менагерии" for "in the menagerie"). If the context is modern, "зоопарк" might be a better choice. When choosing between translations, opt for "менагерия" for an exotic or historical feel, but avoid it in casual conversations to prevent sounding overly literary.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "менагерия" interchangeably with "зоопарк" without considering context. For example, learners might say "Я посетил менагерию в городе" when referring to a modern zoo.
  Correct: Use "зоопарк" for contemporary settings; e.g., "Я посетил зоопарк в городе." Explanation: "Менагерия" implies a historical or private collection, so it can mislead listeners about the setting.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as treating it as masculine or forgetting case changes; e.g., saying "с менагерия" instead of "с менагерией."
  Correct: Always inflect as a feminine noun; e.g., "с менагерией" (instrumental case). Explanation: Russian requires precise case agreement, and as a loanword, it's easy to overlook its declension patterns.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "менагерия" often evokes images of 18th- and 19th-century European aristocracy, where exotic animals were symbols of wealth and exploration. For instance, the Russian imperial court had its own menageries, reflecting Russia's historical fascination with the natural world and colonialism. This term can carry a nostalgic or romantic connotation in literature, such as in works by Tolstoy or Chekhov, highlighting social status rather than pure zoological interest.

Related Concepts:

• зоопарк
• зверинец
• коллекция животных
• музей естественной истории