Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mouse'

English Word: mouse

Key Russian Translations:

• мышь [mɨʂʲ] - [Informal, Common; used for both the animal and computer device, depending on context]

Frequency: High (The word is very common in everyday Russian, especially in spoken language and technical contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward for English speakers due to phonetic similarities and basic usage, but context is key.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мышь: [mɨʂʲ]

Note on мышь: The "щ" sound in [ʂʲ] is a soft, voiceless retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for beginners. It is pronounced with the tongue curled back slightly. Variations may occur in dialects, but standard Russian uses this form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A small rodent animal

Translation(s) & Context:

• мышь - Used in everyday, informal contexts to refer to the animal, such as in stories, biology, or pest control.

Usage Examples:

• В саду мы бегаем за мышкой, чтобы поймать её.

  In the garden, we chase the mouse to catch it.

• Мышка в доме – это проблема, которую нужно решить быстро.

  A mouse in the house is a problem that needs to be solved quickly.

• Дети любят читать сказки про мышку, которая помогает друзьям.

  Children love reading stories about the mouse that helps its friends.

• В лаборатории учёные изучают поведение мышей для экспериментов.

  In the laboratory, scientists study the behavior of mice for experiments.

• Если вы увидите мышку на кухне, немедленно вызовите дезинфектора.

  If you see a mouse in the kitchen, call an exterminator immediately.

Meaning 2: A computer input device

Translation(s) & Context:

• мышь - Used in technical or digital contexts, often specified as "компьютерная мышь" to distinguish from the animal.

Usage Examples:

• Чтобы открыть файл, просто кликни мышкой на иконку.

  To open the file, just click on the icon with the mouse.

• Моя компьютерная мышь сломалась, и теперь я не могу работать.

  My computer mouse broke, and now I can't work.

• В новых моделях мышь имеет беспроводное соединение.

  In new models, the mouse has a wireless connection.

• Используй мышь для прокрутки страницы вниз.

  Use the mouse to scroll the page down.

• Купи новую мышь, если старая не реагирует на движения.

  Buy a new mouse if the old one isn't responding to movements.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Мышь is a feminine noun in Russian, which means it follows the standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. It is invariant in the plural form for some uses but changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Крысенок (for the animal, meaning a young rat or similar small rodent; used in more poetic or dialectical contexts)
  • Манипулятор (for the computer device; more formal and technical, emphasizing functionality)
• Antonyms:
  • Кошка (for the animal, meaning cat; as a natural predator)
  • Клавиатура (for the computer device, meaning keyboard; as an alternative input method)

Related Phrases:

• Компьютерная мышь - A computer mouse; used in tech contexts to specify the device.
• Мышка-норушка - A playful or diminutive phrase for a mouse (animal), often in children's stories; implies something cute or sneaky.
• Поймать мышь - To catch a mouse; refers to dealing with pests, with connotations of quick action.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "мышь" directly corresponds to the English "mouse" but requires context to distinguish between the animal and the computer device. In formal writing, always specify with adjectives like "компьютерная мышь" for clarity. It is commonly used in both everyday and technical speech, but beginners should note its feminine gender for correct agreement in sentences (e.g., "эта мышь" for "this mouse"). When choosing between translations, "мышь" is the most versatile and accurate option; avoid overusing diminutives like "мышонок" unless emphasizing affection or small size.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "мыш" instead of "мышь" (a common misspelling or confusion with similar words). Correct: Always use "мышь" as the full form. Explanation: "Мыш" is not a standard word and can lead to incomprehension; this might stem from English influence where words are shortened.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun properly, e.g., saying "в мышь" instead of "в мыши" in prepositional case. Correct: Use the appropriate case like "в мыши" (in the mouse). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers often overlook, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

• Error: Confusing it with "крыса" (rat) in animal contexts. Correct: Use "мышь" for smaller rodents. Explanation: While related, "крыса" implies a larger animal, so mixing them up can alter the meaning significantly.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the mouse (as an animal) often appears in folktales and fables, such as in stories from the collections of Russian folk tales, where it symbolizes cleverness or vulnerability. For instance, in some traditional stories, a mouse helps other animals, reflecting themes of humility and resourcefulness. In modern contexts, the computer mouse represents technological advancement, with no particular cultural baggage, but it underscores Russia's emphasis on practical innovation in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• Крыса (rat)
• Клавиатура (keyboard)
• Трекпад (trackpad)
• Грызун (rodent)