Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'owl'

English Word: owl

Key Russian Translations:

• сова (/ˈso.və/) - [Neutral, commonly used in general contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is moderately common in everyday language, especially in discussions about nature, wildlife, or folklore.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; suitable for beginners as it involves simple vocabulary and no complex grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сова: /ˈso.və/

Note on сова: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'o' sound is like in "so," and the final 'a' is a soft schwa sound. Be mindful of the vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, common in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The nocturnal bird of prey

Translation(s) & Context:

• сова - Used in contexts related to wildlife, nature, or metaphorical expressions, such as describing someone wise or mysterious.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу живет сова, которая охотится ночью.

  In the forest lives an owl that hunts at night.

• Сова — символ мудрости в многих культурах.

  The owl is a symbol of wisdom in many cultures.

• Я видел сову на дереве во время вечерней прогулки.

  I saw an owl on a tree during my evening walk.

• В зоопарке есть несколько сов разных видов.

  In the zoo, there are several owls of different species.

• Сова издает характерный уханье в темноте.

  The owl makes a characteristic hooting sound in the dark.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "сова" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the first declension. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple owls, and the word does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • филин (/ˈfʲi.lʲin/) - Often used for a specific type of owl (eagle owl), with a more majestic connotation.
  • сова-неясыть (/ˈso.və nʲi.ˈjasɨtʲ/) - Refers to the tawny owl, used in more precise zoological contexts.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "сова" is a specific animal term. However, in metaphorical contexts, opposites might include words like "глупый" (foolish) if contrasting with wisdom.

Related Phrases:

• Сова в лесу - An owl in the forest; used in descriptions of wildlife habitats.
• Мудрая сова - Wise owl; a common metaphorical phrase in stories or proverbs.
• Сова ухает - The owl hoots; refers to the bird's sound in nighttime settings.

Usage Notes:

"Сова" directly corresponds to the English "owl" as a nocturnal bird. It is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, such as educational texts or casual conversations. When using in sentences, ensure proper declension based on the grammatical case required. For example, in possessive structures, use the genitive form "совы." If multiple translations exist (e.g., "филин" for specific species), choose based on context: "сова" for general reference and "филин" for larger owls.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сова" interchangeably with other birds like "воробей" (sparrow). Correct: "Сова" specifically means owl, not a general bird term. Incorrect example: "Воробей охотится ночью" (The sparrow hunts at night). Correct example: "Сова охотится ночью."

• Error: Forgetting declension in sentences, e.g., saying "Я вижу сова" instead of "Я вижу сову." Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case; in accusative, it becomes "сову."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the owl ("сова") is often associated with wisdom and mystery, similar to Western folklore. It appears in fairy tales like those by Alexander Pushkin and is a symbol in proverbs, such as "Сова не видит в темноте" (though ironically, owls see well at night), representing hidden knowledge or nocturnal wisdom. This cultural connotation can add depth to its use in literature and art.

Related Concepts:

• воробей (sparrow)
• орёл (eagle)
• ворон (raven)