Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ornithology'

English Word: ornithology

Key Russian Translations:

• Орнитология [ɐrnʲɪtɐlɐɡʲɪjə] - [Formal, Scientific context; used in academic and professional discussions about the study of birds]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and rarely used in everyday conversation, primarily in scientific or educational settings.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific vocabulary and basic Russian grammar, as it involves compound words common in technical fields.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Орнитология: [ɐrnʲɪtɐlɐɡʲɪjə]

Note on Орнитология: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (-ло-), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the soft consonants and vowel reductions in Russian. Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The study of birds, including their behavior, classification, and habitats.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Орнитология - Used in formal scientific contexts, such as research papers or lectures, to refer to the branch of zoology that deals with birds.

Usage Examples:

• Орнитология помогает понять миграцию птиц в разных регионах.

  Ornithology helps understand the migration of birds in different regions.

• В университете я изучаю орнитологию, чтобы стать специалистом по птицам.

  At university, I study ornithology to become a specialist in birds.

• Современная орнитология использует передовые технологии для наблюдения за видами.

  Modern ornithology uses advanced technologies for observing species.

• Орнитология как наука развивалась с XIX века, включая исследования в России.

  Ornithology as a science has developed since the 19th century, including research in Russia.

• Международные конференции по орнитологии собирают экспертов со всего мира.

  International conferences on ornithology gather experts from around the world.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Орнитология" is a feminine noun (feminine singular in its base form) and follows the standard patterns of third-declension nouns in Russian. It is relatively regular but can change based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is less common as "орнитология" typically refers to the field as a whole, but it can be used when discussing multiple branches or instances.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Птицеведение (slight variation, emphasizing the study of birds in a more general sense; often used interchangeably in informal contexts)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific scientific term without a clear opposite. However, it contrasts with broader fields like "зоология" (zoology).

Related Phrases:

• Изучение орнитологии - Study of ornithology; used in educational contexts to describe learning about birds.
• Орнитологический atlas - Ornithological atlas; refers to maps or guides for bird distribution.
• Полевая орнитология - Field ornithology; denotes practical, outdoor research on birds.

Usage Notes:

This term directly corresponds to the English "ornithology" and is used exclusively in formal, academic, or scientific settings in Russian. It is not common in everyday speech, so English learners should reserve it for professional contexts. When choosing between translations, "орнитология" is the standard and most precise; avoid using simpler phrases like "изучение птиц" unless in informal explanations. Grammatically, it functions as a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "интересная орнитология" for "interesting ornithology").

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by placing stress on the wrong syllable, e.g., saying [ɐrnʲɪˈtɐlɐɡʲɪjə] instead of [ɐrnʲɪtɐˈlɐɡʲɪjə].

  Correct: [ɐrnʲɪtɐlɐɡʲɪjə] - Remember to stress the "ло" syllable to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing it with "зоология" (zoology) and using it interchangeably.

  Correct: Орнитология specifically means the study of birds, while зоология covers all animals. Example of error: "Зоология изучает птиц" (incorrectly implying zoology studies only birds); Correct: "Орнитология изучает птиц".

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, ornithology has historical significance due to the country's vast biodiversity, including migratory bird routes. Russian scientists like Alexander von Middendorff contributed to global ornithology in the 19th century. The term carries a sense of national pride in environmental sciences, often linked to conservation efforts in Siberia and other regions.

Related Concepts:

• Зоология (zoology)
• Экология (ecology)
• Биология (biology)