Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mink'

English Word: mink

Key Russian Translations:

• норка [ˈnorkə] - [Formal, commonly used in both everyday and technical contexts]
• норковый мех [nɐrˈkovɨj mʲex] - [Formal, specific to fur or fashion contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in discussions about wildlife, fashion, or trade, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can grasp it with basic vocabulary knowledge, as it involves common noun forms, but requires understanding of animal/fur terminology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

норка: [ˈnorkə]

Note on норка: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. In some dialects, it may soften to [ˈnɔrkə].

Audio: []

норковый мех: [nɐrˈkovɨj mʲex]

Note on норковый мех: The adjective 'норковый' follows standard Russian adjectival patterns, with stress on the second syllable; 'мех' is pronounced with a soft 'x' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A small semiaquatic mammal of the weasel family (as an animal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• норка - Used in zoological or natural contexts, such as describing wildlife in forests or rivers.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу мы увидели норку, которая плавала в реке.

  In the forest, we saw a mink swimming in the river.

• Норка — это хищное животное, обитающее в северных регионах.

  The mink is a predatory animal that inhabits northern regions.

• В зоопарке дети наблюдали за норкой в её вольере.

  At the zoo, children observed the mink in its enclosure.

• Охотники ловят норку для её ценного меха.

  Hunters catch mink for its valuable fur.

Meaning 2: The fur of this animal, often used in clothing

Translation(s) & Context:

• норка or норковый мех - Used in fashion, trade, or luxury contexts, often implying high-end materials.

Usage Examples:

• Её шуба сделана из норки, что делает её очень тёплой.

  Her coat is made from mink, which makes it very warm.

• В магазине продают шарфы из норкового меха по высокой цене.

  In the store, they sell scarves made from mink fur at a high price.

• Дизайнер использовал норку для создания эксклюзивной коллекции.

  The designer used mink to create an exclusive collection.

• Норковый мех всегда был символом роскоши в моде.

  Mink fur has always been a symbol of luxury in fashion.

• Из-за этических проблем многие отказываются от ношения норки.

  Due to ethical concerns, many people refuse to wear mink.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Норка' is a feminine noun (first declension) and follows standard Russian noun inflections. It does not have irregular forms but changes based on case and number. Below is a table for its declensions:

For 'норковый мех', 'норковый' is an adjective and inflects according to gender, number, and case (e.g., nominative masculine singular: норковый; feminine singular: норковая). 'Мех' is masculine and follows standard masculine declensions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Ласка (laska) - Similar small animal, but more general for weasels.
  • Горностай (gornostay) - For fur contexts, implying luxury fur like mink.
• Antonyms:
  • Синтетика (sintetika) - In fur contexts, referring to synthetic alternatives.

Related Phrases:

• Норковая шуба (norkovaya shuba) - A mink coat; used in fashion to denote luxury winter wear.
• Охота на норку (okhota na norku) - Mink hunting; refers to activities in wildlife or fur trade.
• Норковый воротник (norkoviy vorotnik) - Mink collar; a common accessory in high-end clothing.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'норка' directly corresponds to 'mink' as both the animal and its fur, but context is key: use 'норка' for the animal in natural settings, and 'норковый мех' for fashion. It's more formal in written contexts like articles or product descriptions. Be cautious with gender agreement in sentences, as 'норка' is feminine. When choosing between translations, opt for 'норка' in everyday dialogue and 'норковый мех' in commercial or ethical discussions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'норка' as a masculine noun (e.g., saying "этот норка" instead of "эта норка").
  Correct: "Эта норка очень красивая." (This mink is very beautiful.)
  Explanation: 'Норка' is feminine, so adjectives and articles must agree in gender.
• Mistake: Confusing it with 'нора' (nora, meaning a burrow or hole).
  Correct: Use 'норка' for the animal, not 'нора'. For example, "Норка живёт в норе" (The mink lives in a burrow).
  Explanation: This mix-up can occur due to similar roots, leading to semantic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, mink fur has historically symbolized wealth and status, often featured in traditional attire during cold winters. However, modern ethical debates around animal rights have led to a decline in its popularity, reflecting broader environmental awareness in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• Лисица (lisitsa) - Fox
• Соболь (sobol') - Sable
• Меховой рынок (mekhovoy rynok) - Fur market