Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pelt'

English Word: pelt

Key Russian Translations:

• шкура [ʃkuˈra] - [Formal, Singular, Used in contexts related to animal hides or fur trade]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specialized contexts like hunting, wildlife, or trade, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to nature)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шкура: [ʃkuˈra]

Note on шкура: The "ш" sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the 'sh' in English "shoe." Stress falls on the second syllable, which can be challenging for beginners due to Russian stress patterns.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The skin of an animal with the fur, hair, or wool on it.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шкура - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing animal hides in hunting, taxidermy, or the fur industry. It emphasizes the entire skin with fur intact.

Usage Examples:

• Охотник снял шкуру с медведя и отнес ее на рынок.

  The hunter removed the pelt from the bear and took it to the market.

• В музее выставлена шкура редкого зверя, покрытая густым мехом.

  In the museum, the pelt of a rare animal is displayed, covered in thick fur.

• Меховщики покупают шкуры для изготовления зимней одежды.

  Fur traders buy pelts to make winter clothing.

• После охоты мы аккуратно сохранили шкуру волка для дальнейшего использования.

  After the hunt, we carefully preserved the wolf's pelt for later use.

• В старинных рецептах описывается, как дубить шкуры животных.

  In ancient recipes, it's described how to tan animal pelts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шкура" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мех (mekh) - Refers specifically to fur, often softer and more luxurious; used in fashion contexts.
  • кожа (khozhá) - More general for skin, but without fur; applicable when the pelt is processed.
• Antonyms:
  • No direct antonyms, as "pelt" is a physical object, but conceptually opposite might be "голая кожа" (golaya khozha), meaning bare skin without fur.

Related Phrases:

• Шкура зверя - The pelt of an animal; used in hunting or wildlife descriptions.
• Дубить шкуру - To tan a pelt; refers to the process of preserving hides for leather.
• Шкура медведя - Bear pelt; often in cultural or folklore contexts, symbolizing strength.

Usage Notes:

"Шкура" directly corresponds to "pelt" in English when referring to the complete skin with fur, but it's more formal and technical in Russian. Use it in contexts involving wildlife, trade, or history, as it's less common in casual speech. For example, in everyday language, Russians might prefer "мех" for fur items. When choosing between translations, opt for "шкура" if the emphasis is on the raw, unprocessed hide. Grammatically, remember it's a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender (e.g., "мокрая шкура" for "wet pelt").

Common Errors:

• Confusing "шкура" with "кожа": Learners often use "кожа" (skin) interchangeably, but it's incorrect for a pelt with fur. Error: "Я купил кожу медведя" (I bought the skin of the bear). Correct: "Я купил шкуру медведя" (I bought the pelt of the bear). Explanation: "Кожа" implies processed or bare skin, while "шкура" specifies the natural state with fur.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "с шкура" instead of "с шкурой" in the instrumental case. Error: "Я иду с шкура" (I'm going with pelt). Correct: "Я иду с шкурой." Explanation: Proper declension is essential for grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "шкура" holds historical significance due to Russia's fur trade heritage, particularly in Siberia. Pelts like those of foxes or sables were valuable exports in the 18th and 19th centuries, symbolizing wealth and exploration. Today, they appear in folklore, such as in fairy tales where animal pelts represent bravery or transformation, reflecting the deep connection between Russians and their natural environment.

Related Concepts:

• мех
• кожа
• охота