Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'petrel'

English Word: petrel

Key Russian Translations:

• буревестник [bu.rʲɪˈvʲɛs.tʲnʲɪk] - [Formal, used in ornithology and literature]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized contexts like biology or poetry.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves recognizing specific vocabulary related to nature and requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

буревестник: [bu.rʲɪˈvʲɛs.tʲnʲɪk]

Note on буревестник: The stress falls on the third syllable ("vʲɛs"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants (e.g., 'rʲ' and 'tʲnʲɪk'). Practice the rolling 'r' sound for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A type of seabird, often associated with stormy seas and known for its graceful flight over oceans.

Translation(s) & Context:

• буревестник - Typically used in formal, scientific, or literary contexts to describe this bird, symbolizing resilience or foreboding in Russian culture.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В бурном океане буревестник парит над волнами, не боясь шторма.

  English: In the stormy ocean, the petrel soars over the waves, unafraid of the storm.

• Русский: Орнитологи изучают миграцию буревестника вдоль побережья.

  English: Ornithologists study the migration of the petrel along the coast.

• Русский: В поэзии Пушкина буревестник олицетворяет свободу и силу природы.

  English: In Pushkin's poetry, the petrel symbolizes freedom and the power of nature.

• Русский: Буревестник часто встречается в арктических водах, где он гнездится на скалах.

  English: The petrel is often found in Arctic waters, where it nests on cliffs.

• Русский: Во время путешествия мы наблюдали, как буревестник ловко уворачивается от ветра.

  English: During the trip, we watched as the petrel skillfully dodged the wind.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Буревестник" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for most nouns but has no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have gender variations beyond its masculine form, and it changes predictably based on case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • птица бури (bird of the storm) - Often used poetically, emphasizing dramatic contexts.
  • морская птица (sea bird) - A more general term, less specific to petrels.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific noun; however, contrasting terms might include сушественные птицы (land birds), which are non-migratory inland species.

Related Phrases:

• Буревестник над морем - A common phrase meaning "Petrel over the sea," often used metaphorically to describe resilience in adverse conditions.
• Крылья буревестника - Meaning "Wings of the petrel," referring to agility or freedom in literature and idioms.
• Голос буревестника - Translates to "The cry of the petrel," symbolizing a warning or call to action in poetic or environmental contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "буревестник" directly corresponds to "petrel" in English but carries cultural connotations from literature, such as in Alexander Pushkin's works, where it symbolizes impending storms or revolutionary spirit. Use it in formal or written contexts rather than casual speech. When choosing between translations, opt for "буревестник" for precision in scientific discussions, but be aware of its poetic undertones. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence's case to maintain correct agreement with other elements.

• It's often paired with adjectives like "свободный" (free) in metaphorical uses.
• Avoid using it in everyday conversations; instead, reserve it for educational or artistic settings.

Common Errors:

English learners often mispronounce "буревестник" by placing stress on the wrong syllable or softening palatalized sounds incorrectly. For example:

• Error: Saying "БУ-ре-vest-NIK" with stress on the first syllable.
  Correct: [bu.rʲɪˈvʲɛs.tʲnʲɪk] with stress on "vʲɛs".
  Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural; practice with native audio to master the rhythm.
• Error: Forgetting to decline it, e.g., using "буревестник" in the genitive case as "буревестник" instead of "буревестника".
  Correct: В доме буревестника (In the petrel's home) should be В доме буревестника's proper form.
  Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "буревестник" is famously referenced in Alexander Pushkin's poem "To the Sea," where it embodies the spirit of freedom and defiance against oppression. This bird is often seen as a harbinger of storms, symbolizing both beauty and danger in folklore, which adds a layer of poetic depth beyond its literal meaning as a seabird.

Related Concepts:

• альбатрос (albatross)
• чайка (seagull)
• птицы морей (sea birds)