Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pheasant'

English Word: pheasant

Key Russian Translations:

• Фазан [ˈfazən] - [Formal, used in general contexts like wildlife and cuisine]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in contexts related to nature, hunting, or specific literature.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can handle basic vocabulary for animals, but understanding inflections requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Фазан: [ˈfazən]

Note on Фазан: The stress falls on the first syllable ("FA-zan"). The "а" in the second syllable is pronounced as a schwa sound, which can be subtle for English speakers. Pay attention to the soft "з" sound, similar to "z" in "zoo".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The bird (noun; referring to the game bird of the Phasianidae family)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Фазан - Used in contexts related to wildlife, hunting, or culinary descriptions, often in formal or educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу часто встречаются фазаны, особенно осенью.

  In the forest, pheasants are often encountered, especially in the autumn.

• Охотники отправились в поле, чтобы подстрелить фазана.

  The hunters went to the field to shoot a pheasant.

• Фазан — это вкусная дичь, которую подают в ресторанах.

  Pheasant is a tasty game bird served in restaurants.

• В зоопарке есть экспозиция с фазанами из разных стран.

  The zoo has an exhibit with pheasants from various countries.

• Фазаны известны своей яркой окраской и быстрым бегом.

  Pheasants are known for their bright coloring and quick running.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Фазан" is a masculine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard masculine noun patterns with regular inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun has regular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood. No irregular forms exist for "фазан".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Куропатка (quail) - Often used in similar hunting contexts, but refers to a different bird; Птица (bird) - A general term, less specific.
• Antonyms: Not typically applicable for animal names, as they don't have direct opposites. However, in a broader sense, хищник (predator) could contrast with it in wildlife discussions.

Related Phrases:

• Охотиться на фазана - Hunting pheasants; Used in contexts of outdoor activities or sports.
• Фазаний суп - Pheasant soup; A culinary phrase referring to a traditional dish in Russian cuisine.
• Фазан в дикой природе - Pheasant in the wild; Common in environmental or educational discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Фазан" directly corresponds to the English "pheasant" as a specific type of bird, but in Russian, it's often used in more formal or specialized contexts like hunting, zoology, or gourmet cooking. Be mindful of its masculine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "красивый фазан" for "beautiful pheasant"). When choosing between translations, "фазан" is the most precise; avoid using general terms like "птица" unless the context is broader. In everyday speech, it's rare, so it's ideal for intermediate learners practicing noun declensions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrectly declining the noun, e.g., using "фазан" in the genitive case as "фазан" instead of "фазана". Correct: "Я видел фазана" (I saw a pheasant) vs. "У меня нет фазана" (I don't have a pheasant). Explanation: Russian nouns must change based on case; English speakers often forget this, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "фазenda" (farm or ranch in Portuguese loanwords). Correct: Stick to "фазан" for the bird. Explanation: This mix-up can occur due to phonetic similarities, but context clarifies; always double-check in wildlife topics.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, pheasants are often linked to hunting traditions, which have historical roots in rural and aristocratic pastimes. They symbolize abundance in folklore and are featured in regional cuisines, particularly in areas like Siberia where game meat is prominent. Understanding this can help English learners appreciate how Russian language reflects environmental and historical contexts.

Related Concepts:

• Куропатка (quail)
• Глухарь (capercaillie)
• Птичий мир (bird world)