Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mermaid'

English Word: mermaid

Key Russian Translations:

• русалка (/rʊˈsaɫkə/) - [Mythological, Feminine Noun, Singular; Often used in folklore contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word appears regularly in literature, folklore, and discussions about Russian myths, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can grasp its basic usage, but understanding cultural nuances may require more advanced exposure.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

русалка: /rʊˈsaɫkə/

Note on русалка: The stress falls on the second syllable ('sa'), and the 'л' sound is a soft lateral approximant, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Mythological Creature in Folklore

Translation(s) & Context:

• русалка - Used in contexts involving Russian folklore, often depicting a water spirit or mermaid-like entity in fairy tales and legends.

Usage Examples:

• В старинных сказках русалка часто поёт песни у реки.

  In old fairy tales, the mermaid often sings songs by the river.

• Русалка из русского фольклора отличается от западных сирен своей меланхоличной природой.

  The mermaid from Russian folklore differs from Western sirens in its melancholic nature.

• Дети любят слушать истории о русалках в лесных озёрах.

  Children love listening to stories about mermaids in forest lakes.

• В Midsummer, люди в России вспоминают русалок как духов природы.

  During Midsummer, people in Russia remember mermaids as spirits of nature.

• Русалка может быть доброй или злой, в зависимости от повествования.

  A mermaid can be kind or evil, depending on the story.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Русалка is a feminine noun in the third declension group in Russian. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • водяница (vodianitsa) - A similar water spirit, often interchangeable in some regional folktales.
  • сирена (sirena) - Borrowed from English/Greek, used for more Western-style mermaids, with a slight connotation of allure.
• Antonyms:
  • сухопутный дух (sukhoputnyi dukh) - Land-based spirit, contrasting with water entities.

Related Phrases:

• Русалка у реки (Rusalka u reki) - Meaning: "Mermaid by the river"; A common phrase in folklore describing mythical scenes.
• Легенда о русалке (Legenda o rusalke) - Meaning: "Legend of the mermaid"; Used in storytelling or cultural discussions.
• Водные духи, как русалка (Vodnye dukhi, kak rusalka) - Meaning: "Water spirits like the mermaid"; Refers to a category of mythical beings in Russian culture.

Usage Notes:

Русака directly corresponds to the English "mermaid" in a mythological context, but it's deeply rooted in Slavic folklore, often portraying the creature as a melancholic or tragic figure rather than purely enchanting. Use it in formal or literary settings; in everyday conversation, it's rare unless discussing culture. When choosing between translations, opt for "русалка" for authentic Russian contexts, as "сирена" might imply a more Western influence. Grammatically, always treat it as a feminine noun, and be mindful of case changes in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "русалка" as a masculine noun and using incorrect inflections, e.g., saying "русалка был" instead of "русалка была".

  Correct: Русалка была в реке. (The mermaid was in the river.)

  Explanation: Russian nouns have genders, and "русалка" is feminine, so verbs and adjectives must agree accordingly.

• Error: Confusing it with "сирена" and using it interchangeably without context, leading to cultural inaccuracies.

  Correct: For Russian folklore, use "русалка"; for Greek myths, use "сирена".

  Explanation: This can misrepresent cultural nuances, as "русалка" has specific Slavic connotations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "русалка" is not just a mermaid but a symbol of nature's duality—beautiful yet dangerous. Originating from Slavic pagan beliefs, these spirits are often associated with drowned women who become water guardians, especially during Midsummer festivals. This reflects themes of loss and the supernatural in Russian literature, as seen in works by Pushkin.

Related Concepts:

• Водяной (Vodianoi) - A male water spirit.
• Лесной дух (Lesnoi dukh) - Forest spirit, often linked in folklore.
• Сказочное существо (Skazochnoe sushchestvo) - Mythical creature in general.