Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mule'

English Word: mule

Key Russian Translations:

• мул [mul] - [Standard, used in general contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions about animals, agriculture, or transportation, but not everyday vocabulary in casual speech)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers due to phonetic similarity, but requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мул: [mul]

Note on мул: The pronunciation is straightforward, with stress on the first syllable. The 'у' is pronounced as a short 'u' sound, similar to 'oo' in "book." Be cautious of regional variations in Russian dialects, where vowel length might differ slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A hybrid animal, offspring of a horse and a donkey, used for work or transportation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мул - Used in formal and informal contexts for literal animal references, such as in farming or historical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В ферме есть несколько мулов, которые помогают с перевозкой грузов.

  On the farm, there are several mules that help with transporting loads.

• Мул – это выносливое животное, идеальное для горных троп.

  A mule is a hardy animal, ideal for mountain trails.

• В старых фильмах мулы часто показывают как верных спутников путешественников.

  In old films, mules are often depicted as faithful companions to travelers.

• Мой дед использовал мула для вспашки полей в деревне.

  My grandfather used a mule to plow the fields in the village.

• Несмотря на упрямство, мул может нести тяжелые грузы на большие расстояния.

  Despite being stubborn, a mule can carry heavy loads over long distances.

Secondary Meaning: Figurative use, referring to a stubborn or hybrid person/thing (less common in Russian).

Translation(s) & Context:

• мул - Informal, metaphorical contexts, e.g., describing someone as stubborn, but this is not the primary usage.

Usage Examples:

• Он такой мул – никогда не уступит в споре.

  He's such a mule – he never gives in during an argument.

• Этот проект – настоящий мул: гибрид идей, но сложный в реализации.

  This project is a real mule: a hybrid of ideas, but difficult to implement.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "мул" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, with no irregularities. Always adjust for gender agreement in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Лошадь-осёл (literally "horse-donkey hybrid") - More descriptive, used in scientific contexts.
  • Гибрид (hybrid) - General term for crossbreeds, but less specific.
• Antonyms:
  • Лошадь (horse) - Represents a purebred animal, contrasting the hybrid nature.
  • Осёл (donkey) - The other parent species, highlighting differences in traits.

Related Phrases:

• вьючный мул - A pack mule; used for carrying loads in mountainous or rural areas.
• мул в упряжке - Mule in harness; refers to working animals in teams.
• упрямый как мул - Stubborn as a mule; a common idiom for obstinacy.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "мул" directly corresponds to the English "mule" as an animal, but it's less frequently used in everyday conversation compared to English. Stick to neutral or formal contexts to avoid confusion with metaphorical uses. When choosing between translations, "мул" is the most precise; avoid "гибрид" if specificity is needed. Grammatically, ensure proper declension based on sentence structure, as Russian nouns change form extensively.

• Context tip: In agricultural or historical texts, pair it with verbs like "нести" (to carry) or "работать" (to work).
• Regional note: In rural Russian dialects, it might appear in folklore, so consider cultural connotations when using.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake "мул" for a feminine noun and incorrectly decline it (e.g., using feminine endings like "мула" in nominative). Correct usage: Always treat it as masculine. For example:

• Incorrect: "Эта мул очень сильная." (Error: Using feminine adjective agreement.)
• Correct: "Этот мул очень сильный." (Proper masculine agreement.)
• Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun. Double-check declensions to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, mules are often associated with rural life, folklore, and historical contexts like the Soviet era's collective farms. They symbolize endurance and stubbornness, appearing in proverbs like "упрямый как мул," which reflects a light-hearted view of perseverance in challenging environments.

Related Concepts:

• Лошадь (horse)
• Осёл (donkey)
• Гибрид (hybrid)
• Вьючное животное (pack animal)