Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'peregrine'

English Word: peregrine

Key Russian Translations:

• сапсан /ˈsapsan/ - [Noun, Formal; Used in scientific or wildlife contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions about birds or nature, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level, as it involves basic vocabulary related to animals, but requires understanding of Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сапсан: /ˈsapsan/ (The stress is on the first syllable, with a clear "s" sound as in "sun".)

Note on сапсан: The pronunciation is straightforward, but non-native speakers may confuse the "с" with a softer "s" sound; it's a hard "s". Variations in regional accents might slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A type of falcon known for its speed and hunting prowess.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сапсан - Primarily used in contexts related to ornithology, wildlife documentaries, or environmental discussions; it directly translates to "peregrine falcon" and is the standard term in formal Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Сапсан — один из самых быстрых птиц в мире.

  The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world.

• В заповеднике мы наблюдали за полётом сапсана.

  In the nature reserve, we observed the flight of the peregrine falcon.

• Сапсан использует пикирование для охоты на добычу.

  The peregrine falcon uses diving to hunt its prey.

• Молодой сапсан учится летать под присмотром родителей.

  A young peregrine falcon is learning to fly under the supervision of its parents.

• В городе сапсан селится на высоких зданиях.

  In the city, the peregrine falcon nests on high buildings.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сапсан" is a masculine noun in Russian, and it follows the standard third declension pattern for inanimate nouns. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • степной сокол (stepnoy sokol) - Specifically refers to the same bird in steppe regions; slight regional nuance.
  • паломнический сокол (palomnicheskiy sokol) - A less common, more poetic variant emphasizing migratory aspects.
• Antonyms:
  • не хищная птица (ne khishnaya ptitsa) - Not a direct antonym, but any non-predatory bird, e.g., воробей (vorobey, sparrow), as it contrasts the predatory nature.

Related Phrases:

• Сапсан в полёте (Sapsan v polyote) - Meaning: "Peregrine falcon in flight"; Used in descriptions of bird behavior or wildlife photography.
• Охота сапсана (Okhota sapsana) - Meaning: "Peregrine falcon's hunt"; Common in educational contexts about predators.
• Гнездо сапсана (Gnezdo sapsana) - Meaning: "Peregrine falcon's nest"; Refers to nesting habits, often in urban or cliff environments.

Usage Notes:

"Сапсан" is the precise and most common translation for "peregrine falcon" in Russian, particularly in formal or scientific contexts. It corresponds directly to the English term and is not typically used in informal everyday speech unless discussing nature. Be mindful of Russian's grammatical gender—it's masculine—so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "быстрый сапсан" for "fast peregrine falcon"). When choosing between synonyms like "степной сокол," opt for it if emphasizing regional habitats. Avoid using this word in metaphorical contexts, as it's literal; for figurative uses in English (e.g., "peregrine wanderer"), consider unrelated Russian expressions.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect declension: Learners often forget to change the ending, e.g., saying "сапсан" in the genitive case instead of "сапсана" (wrong: "Я видел сапсан" when meaning "I saw of the peregrine falcon"). Correct: Use "сапсана" in genitive contexts, and explain that proper case agreement is key to avoid confusion in sentences.
• Mispronunciation: Confusing /ˈsapsan/ with a softer "s" sound, leading to "zapsan." Correct pronunciation emphasizes the hard "s," as in the word "sun." Practice with audio to internalize.
• Overgeneralization: Assuming it's interchangeable with any falcon; incorrectly using it for other birds like "ястреб" (yastreb, hawk). Explanation: "Сапсан" specifically denotes the peregrine species, so verify context before use.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the peregrine falcon (сапсан) symbolizes speed, freedom, and precision, often featured in folklore and literature as a majestic hunter. It has historical significance in falconry, a traditional sport in Russia, particularly among nobility in the 19th century. This bird's resilience after near-extinction due to DDT in the 20th century also resonates in modern environmental discussions, reflecting themes of conservation in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• ястреб (yastreb) - Hawk
• орел (orel) - Eagle
• соколиная охота (sokolinaya okhota) - Falconry