Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mongrel'

English Word: mongrel

Key Russian Translations:

• метис [ˈmʲetʲɪs] - [Informal, often used for mixed-breed dogs in everyday conversation]
• беспородный [bʲɪˈspɐrədnɨj] - [Formal, applicable to animals or objects without a specific breed]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions about animals, pets, or breeding, but not in general everyday language)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic animal vocabulary and adjective forms in Russian, with some nuance in formal vs. informal usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метис: [ˈmʲetʲɪs]

Note on метис: The stress falls on the first syllable; the 'т' is soft, which is a common challenge for English speakers learning Russian phonetics.

беспородный: [bʲɪˈspɐrədnɨj]

Note on беспородный: Stress is on the third syllable; the word contains several soft consonants, and the 'о' in the middle is reduced in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A dog or animal of mixed or unspecified breed

Translation(s) & Context:

• метис - Used in informal, conversational contexts when referring to a mixed-breed dog, often with a neutral or affectionate connotation.
• беспородный - Applied in formal or descriptive settings, such as veterinary discussions or writing, to emphasize the lack of pedigree.

Usage Examples:

• У нас дома живёт метис, которого мы подобрали на улице.

  We have a mongrel at home that we picked up from the street. (This example shows the word in a casual, personal narrative, highlighting everyday pet ownership.)

• Этот метис оказался очень преданным псом, несмотря на своё происхождение.

  This mongrel turned out to be a very loyal dog, despite its origins. (Illustrates the word in a sentence with emotional depth, common in stories about animals.)

• Беспородный щенок в приюте нуждается в новом хозяине.

  The mongrel puppy at the shelter needs a new owner. (Demonstrates formal usage in contexts like animal welfare or adoption notices.)

• Ветеринар объяснил, что беспородный собаки часто имеют более сильный иммунитет.

  The vet explained that mongrel dogs often have a stronger immune system. (Shows the word in a professional, explanatory context, emphasizing its descriptive nature.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For метис (a masculine noun), it follows standard Russian noun declension patterns with variations by case and number. It is invariable in plural forms but changes in singular cases.

For беспородный (an adjective), it agrees with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case, following regular Russian adjective patterns. It is not inherently inflected but changes based on context (e.g., беспородная for feminine nouns).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дворняга [dvornjaga] - More colloquial, often implying a street dog.
  • помесь [pomes'] - Emphasizes the mixed heritage, used in breeding contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • чистокровный [chistokrovnyy] - Refers to purebred animals, highlighting pedigree.

Related Phrases:

• Метис собаки - A phrase meaning "mongrel dog," used in casual descriptions of pets. (Common in everyday animal discussions.)
• Беспородный питомец - Translates to "mongrel pet," often in contexts of adoption or animal care. (Emphasizes non-pedigree status in formal writing.)
• Подобрать метиса с улицы - Means "to pick up a mongrel from the street," a phrase for rescue stories. (Illustrates informal, narrative usage.)

Usage Notes:

While "mongrel" directly corresponds to "метис" in informal English-Russian contexts, "беспородный" is preferred in more precise or formal settings to convey the lack of breed purity. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives like "беспородный" must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which has no direct equivalent in English. For animal-related conversations, "метис" is safer in spoken language, while "беспородный" suits written or professional contexts. Avoid overusing these terms in general conversation, as they can imply a judgment on the animal's value.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "метис" as a feminine noun (e.g., saying "метиса" for a female dog incorrectly). Correct: "Метис" is masculine, so for a female, use "метиска" in some dialects, but standardly, it's still treated as masculine. Example of error: *Эта метиса очень ласковая* (wrong). Correct: Эта метис очень ласковая. Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, which English learners often overlook, leading to agreement errors.

• Error: Confusing "беспородный" with "беспрестанный" (meaning relentless). Correct: Ensure the context is about breeds; e.g., don't say *беспрестанный пёс* when meaning mongrel. Example of error: *Этот беспрестанный собака* (wrong for mongrel). Correct: Этот беспородный собака. Explanation: Similar-sounding words can cause mix-ups, so context is key in Russian vocabulary.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, mongrel dogs like "метис" or "дворняга" are often seen as symbols of resilience and everyday life, especially in urban areas where street dogs are common. Historically, during the Soviet era, purebred animals were less accessible, making mongrels a staple in households and even in literature, such as in stories by authors like Mikhail Bulgakov, where they represent adaptability and loyalty amidst hardship.

Related Concepts:

• собака (dog)
• гибрид (hybrid)
• дворняга (street dog)
• чистокровный (purebred)