Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'porcupine'

English Word: porcupine

Key Russian Translations:

• дикобраз /dʲɪkɐˈbras/ - [Common, Formal]

Frequency: Low (This word is not frequently used in everyday conversation but appears in contexts related to wildlife or zoology.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic vocabulary for animals, but requires understanding of Russian noun declensions; suitable for learners with some foundational knowledge.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дикобраз: /dʲɪkɐˈbras/

Note on дикобраз: The stress is on the second syllable (/ˈbras/), and the initial 'д' is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian words starting with 'ди'. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The spiny animal known as a porcupine (a large rodent with quills for defense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• дикобраз - Used in general contexts referring to the animal, such as in wildlife discussions, children's books, or educational materials. It is a direct equivalent and fits both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу можно увидеть дикобраза, который прячется в кустах.

  In the forest, you can see a porcupine hiding in the bushes.

• Дикобраз имеет острые иглы, которые защищают его от хищников.

  The porcupine has sharp quills that protect it from predators.

• В зоопарке дети с интересом наблюдали за дикобразом.

  In the zoo, children watched the porcupine with interest.

• Охотники должны быть осторожны с дикобразом из-за его колючек.

  Hunters must be careful with the porcupine because of its quills.

• Дикобраз — это ночное животное, которое активничает по ночам.

  The porcupine is a nocturnal animal that is active at night.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дикобраз" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its declensions:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: ёж (yozh) - Often confused, but refers to a hedgehog; used in similar animal contexts but with smaller size. иглоносец (iglonosets) - A less common synonym, emphasizing the quills.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as antonyms typically apply to adjectives or concepts, not specific animal names.

Related Phrases:

• Дикобраз в дикой природе - "Porcupine in the wild" (Refers to observing porcupines in their natural habitat, often in educational or documentary contexts.)
• Острые иглы дикобраза - "The sharp quills of the porcupine" (Used to describe defensive features, common in biology or survival discussions.)
• Дикобраз как символ осторожности - "Porcupine as a symbol of caution" (In metaphorical or cultural contexts, implying defense mechanisms.)

Usage Notes:

"Дикобраз" directly corresponds to the English "porcupine" and is used in formal and informal settings, such as wildlife guides or casual conversations. Be mindful of its declensions when constructing sentences, as Russian requires nouns to change based on case (e.g., use the genitive form "дикобpаза" after prepositions like "of"). If multiple translations exist, choose "дикобраз" for precision in animal-related topics. It's neutral in tone and not region-specific, but may appear more in Russian literature or media about fauna.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing "дикобраз" with "ёж" (hedgehog). Incorrect: "Я видел ёж в лесу" (meaning "I saw a hedgehog in the forest" but intending porcupine). Correct: "Я видел дикобраза в лесу." Explanation: Learners often mix up similar spiny animals; always check the context for size and habitat.
• Mistake: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я думаю о дикобраз" (should be genitive). Correct: "Я думаю о дикобpазе." Explanation: Russian grammar requires case agreement, so practice declensions to avoid this error.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the porcupine isn't a central symbol like some animals (e.g., the bear), but it occasionally appears in folklore as a representation of defense and solitude. For instance, in children's stories or proverbs, it might symbolize the need for caution, reflecting themes in Russian literature where nature embodies moral lessons.

Related Concepts:

• ёж (hedgehog)
• бобр (beaver)
• волк (wolf)