Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'otter'

English Word: otter

Key Russian Translations:

• выдра /vɨˈdra/ - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (Common in wildlife discussions, literature, and environmental contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic vocabulary for learners familiar with animal names, involving simple noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

выдра: /vɨˈdra/

Note on выдра: The stress is on the second syllable (/ˈdra/). The initial "в" is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers used to "v" sounds in words like "victory". Be mindful of the vowel reduction in unstressed syllables.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A semi-aquatic mammal of the weasel family, known for its playful behavior and fishing skills.

Translation(s) & Context:

• выдра - Used in general contexts referring to the animal in nature, wildlife, or educational settings. Common in formal and informal discussions about fauna.

Usage Examples:

• В реке мы увидели выдру, которая ловко плавала за рыбой.

  In the river, we saw an otter skillfully swimming after fish.

• Выдра — это животное, которое предпочитает жить у водоемов.

  The otter is an animal that prefers to live near bodies of water.

• В зоопарке дети наблюдали за выдрой, играющей в бассейне.

  At the zoo, children watched an otter playing in the pool.

• Охотники редко встречают выдру в лесах Сибири.

  Hunters rarely encounter otters in the forests of Siberia.

• Выдра может есть рыбу, моллюсков и даже мелких земноводных.

  An otter can eat fish, mollusks, and even small amphibians.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Выдра" is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table of its declensions:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: водяной барсук (less common, sometimes used regionally, implying a similar aquatic mammal but not exact)
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as "выдра" is a specific animal name and does not have direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• выдра в реке (otter in the river) - Refers to the natural habitat of the otter.
• охота на выдру (hunting the otter) - Discusses activities related to wildlife management or historical practices.
• защитить выдру (to protect the otter) - Used in environmental contexts, emphasizing conservation efforts.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "выдра" directly corresponds to the English "otter" in most contexts, particularly in zoology and everyday descriptions. It is a neutral term suitable for both formal (e.g., scientific reports) and informal (e.g., casual conversations) use. When using in sentences, pay attention to case agreements with adjectives or verbs. For example, if describing multiple otters, switch to plural forms as shown in the inflections. If there are regional variations, "выдра" is the standard across Russian-speaking areas, so no major alternatives are needed for general purposes.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "выдра" in all cases, e.g., "Я видел выдра в реке" (incorrect).

  Correct: "Я видел выдру в реке" (accusative case). Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on sentence structure; here, "выдру" is needed as the direct object.

• Error: Confusing with similar animals, e.g., using "бобр" (beaver) instead of "выдра".

  Correct: Always verify the specific animal; "выдра" is for otter, while "бобр" is for beaver. Explanation: These are distinct species, and mixing them can lead to misunderstandings in descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the otter (выдра) often appears in folklore and literature as a clever and adaptable creature, similar to its portrayal in Western stories. For instance, in some Russian fairy tales, otters are depicted as playful helpers in watery environments, symbolizing resourcefulness in nature. This reflects Russia's vast river systems and the historical importance of aquatic wildlife in rural life.

Related Concepts:

• бобр (beaver)
• лиса (fox)
• волк (wolf)