Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mosquito'

English Word: mosquito

Key Russian Translations:

• комар [kɐˈmar] - [Common noun, used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in discussions about nature, insects, or daily life, but not as frequent as basic everyday words like "дом" for house.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary item that appears early in language learning, especially in topics related to animals and environment.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

комар: [kɐˈmar]

Note on комар: The stress is on the second syllable ("mar"), which is common in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft "р" sound, which can be challenging for beginners. Pronunciation may vary slightly by dialect, but [kɐˈmar] is standard in Moscow Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The flying insect that bites and sucks blood.

Translation(s) & Context:

• комар - Used in casual or formal conversations about insects, wildlife, or health, especially in contexts involving outdoor activities or pest control.

Usage Examples:

• В комнате был комар, который не давал мне спать всю ночь.

  There was a mosquito in the room that kept me awake all night.

• Комары часто кусают людей в лесу летом.

  Mosquitoes often bite people in the forest during the summer.

• Я надел репеллент, чтобы отпугивать комаров во время прогулки.

  I put on repellent to ward off mosquitoes during my walk.

• Этот комар жужжит так громко, что мешает сосредоточиться.

  This mosquito is buzzing so loudly that it's distracting me.

• В России комары становятся проблемой в влажных регионах.

  In Russia, mosquitoes become a problem in humid regions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Комар" is a masculine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. Always adjust for gender agreement in sentences, e.g., adjectives must agree with "комар" as masculine.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • москит (less common, often used in technical or borrowed contexts, implying a similar insect but with a more foreign flavor)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable (as "комар" is a specific noun, antonyms are not typical for concrete objects like insects).

Explanation: The synonym "москит" is borrowed from English/French and may carry a slightly more formal or scientific connotation, but "комар" is the standard, everyday term.

Related Phrases:

• комариный укус - A mosquito bite; used to describe the result of a mosquito's sting, often in health or outdoor contexts.
• репеллент от комаров - Mosquito repellent; a common phrase for products that deter mosquitoes, especially in travel or camping scenarios.
• сезон комаров - Mosquito season; refers to the time of year when mosquitoes are prevalent, highlighting seasonal environmental issues.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "комар" directly corresponds to the English "mosquito" as a common noun and is used across various contexts, from casual conversation to formal writing. It is a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender (e.g., "большой комар" for "big mosquito"). Be cautious with regional variations; in some areas, it might be used more frequently in summer-related discussions. When choosing between translations, "комар" is the most neutral and widely accepted option. For plural forms, ensure proper declension to maintain grammatical accuracy in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "комар" with "муха" (fly) due to similar insect characteristics. Incorrect: "Муха кусает меня" (meaning "The fly bites me," which is wrong for a mosquito). Correct: "Комар кусает меня." Explanation: "Муха" does not bite like a mosquito; this mix-up often stems from visual similarities, so learners should focus on specific behaviors in context.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative "комар" in genitive contexts. Incorrect: "Я боюсь комар" (instead of "комара"). Correct: "Я боюсь комара." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the sentence structure for proper inflection.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "комар" is often associated with summer evenings in rural or forested areas, where they can be a significant nuisance. This ties into broader themes of Russian nature, as seen in literature like Chekhov's stories, where mosquitoes symbolize the challenges of outdoor life. In modern contexts, they evoke discussions on environmental health, especially in regions like Siberia where mosquito seasons are intense.

Related Concepts:

• муха (fly)
• оса (wasp)
• паук (spider)