Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'millipede'

English Word: millipede

Key Russian Translations:

• многоножка /mnɐɡɐˈnoʒkə/ - [Informal, commonly used in everyday or educational contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word appears in discussions about nature, biology, or pests, but is not part of daily casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to animals and nature.

Pronunciation (Russian):

многоножка: /mnɐɡɐˈnoʒkə/

Note on многоножка: The stress falls on the third syllable ("noʒkə"). Pay attention to the soft "ж" sound, which is similar to the "zh" in "measure." Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel lengths.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A type of arthropod with many legs, often found in moist environments

Translation(s) & Context:

• многоножка - Used in general contexts to describe millipedes in nature, educational settings, or when discussing pests; informal and straightforward.

Usage Examples:

• В саду я увидел многоножку, которая ползла по земле.

  In the garden, I saw a millipede crawling on the ground.

• Многоножка – это насекомое с множеством ножек, которое предпочитает влажные места.

  A millipede is an insect with many legs that prefers moist places.

• Дети в школе учились о многоножке и её роли в экосистеме.

  The children at school learned about the millipede and its role in the ecosystem.

• Если в доме появилась многоножка, это может указывать на повышенную влажность.

  If a millipede appears in the house, it might indicate high humidity.

• Многоножка движется медленно, сворачиваясь в кольцо при опасности.

  A millipede moves slowly, curling into a ball when in danger.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Многоножка" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no plural form in common usage as it typically refers to the animal in singular. Below is a table of its declensions:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: жужелица (refers more broadly to beetles or similar insects, but can overlap in some contexts); сороконожка (centipede, though not exact, as it has fewer legs)
• Antonyms: Not typically applicable, as this is a specific animal term. However, in broader contexts, words like "хищник" (predator) could contrast with its harmless nature.

Related Phrases:

• Многоножка в доме - A millipede in the house (often used to describe an unexpected indoor sighting, implying a need for pest control).
• Ползучая многоножка - Crawling millipede (used in descriptive or scientific contexts to emphasize movement).
• Многоножка и её среда обитания - Millipede and its habitat (common in educational or environmental discussions).

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds closely to the English "millipede" in meaning, focusing on its physical characteristics and habitat. It is most appropriate in informal or educational settings; avoid using it in highly formal writing where more scientific terms like "ползучий членистоногий" might be preferred. When choosing between translations, "многоножка" is the most direct and common for everyday use. Grammatically, remember that as a feminine noun, it requires feminine agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "многоножка большая" for "the millipede is big").

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "многоножка" with "сороконожка" (centipede), as both involve many-legged creatures. Incorrect: "Я видел сороконожку в саду" when meaning millipede. Correct: "Я видел многоножку в саду." Explanation: "Сороконожка" specifically means centipede, which has fewer legs and is more aggressive, so using the wrong term can lead to misunderstandings in biological contexts.

• Another error is improper inflection, such as using the nominative form in all cases. Incorrect: "Я думаю о многоножка" (should be genitive). Correct: "Я думаю о многоножке." Explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, millipedes like "многоножка" are not typically featured in folklore or symbolism, unlike more prominent insects such as bees or spiders. However, they are often referenced in environmental education or as indicators of soil health, reflecting Russia's emphasis on natural sciences and ecology in popular media.

Related Concepts:

• паук (spider)
• жук (beetle)
• сороконожка (centipede)
• членистоногие (arthropods)