Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'predation'

English Word: predation

Key Russian Translations:

• хищничество [xʲɪʂnʲɪt͡ɕɪstvə] - [Formal, used in scientific or biological contexts]
• охота [ɐˈxotə] - [Informal/Neutral, often implies hunting rather than general predation; used in everyday or wildlife discussions]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears frequently in academic, environmental, or biological texts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and scientific vocabulary. For 'хищничество', it may be C1 due to its specific usage in ecology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хищничество: [xʲɪʂnʲɪt͡ɕɪstvə]

Note on хищничество: The initial 'х' is a voiceless velar fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like a strong 'h' in 'loch'. Stress is on the third syllable.

охота: [ɐˈxotə]

Note on охота: The stress is on the second syllable; the 'о' in the first syllable is reduced to a schwa-like sound in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological or ecological predation (the act of one animal preying on another)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хищничество - Used in formal scientific writing to describe predator-prey relationships in nature.
• охота - Applied in contexts involving hunting animals, but can extend to predation in wildlife documentaries.

Usage Examples:

• В природе хищничество играет ключевую роль в поддержании баланса экосистемы.

  In nature, predation plays a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

• Охота волков на оленей — классический пример хищничество в дикой среде.

  The hunting of deer by wolves is a classic example of predation in the wild.

• Из-за человеческого хищничество многие виды животных оказались под угрозой исчезновения.

  Due to human predation, many animal species are under threat of extinction.

• В этом документальном фильме показано, как охота лис на кроликов влияет на популяцию.

  In this documentary, it's shown how foxes' predation on rabbits affects the population.

• Хищничество морских хищников, таких как акулы, помогает регулировать океанские экосистемы.

  Predation by marine predators, such as sharks, helps regulate ocean ecosystems.

Figurative or metaphorical predation (e.g., economic exploitation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хищничество - Used metaphorically in economic or social contexts to denote exploitation.

Usage Examples:

• В бизнесе хищничество крупных корпораций часто приводит к монополизации рынка.

  In business, predation by large corporations often leads to market monopolization.

• Политическое хищничество может разрушить демократические институты.

  Political predation can destroy democratic institutions.

• Охота за ресурсами в развивающихся странах часто маскируется под хищничество.

  The hunt for resources in developing countries is often disguised as predation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. 'Хищничество' is a neuter noun in the second declension, while 'охота' is a feminine noun in the first declension. They follow standard Russian inflection patterns.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections but change based on case and number as per standard Russian grammar rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • хищность (khishchnost') - Similar but emphasizes the predatory nature more abstractly.
  • добыча (dobyicha) - Often used for hunting or prey acquisition, with a slight nuance towards the act of obtaining.
• Antonyms:
  • сожительство (sozhitel'stvo) - Coexistence, implying peaceful interaction.
  • защита (zashchita) - Protection, contrasting with predatory actions.

Related Phrases:

• Естественное хищничество - Natural predation; refers to ecological processes without human interference.
• Человеческое хищничество - Human predation; used for exploitative practices in society or economy.
• Охота с оружием - Hunting with weapons; a common phrase in discussions about wildlife management.

Usage Notes:

Predation in English directly corresponds to 'хищничество' in Russian for biological contexts, but 'охота' is preferred for literal hunting scenarios. Use 'хищничество' in formal or academic settings to avoid ambiguity, as it carries a more precise scientific connotation. Be mindful of the noun's declension based on sentence structure, and note that it's often paired with adjectives like 'натуральное' (natural) for clarity. When choosing between translations, opt for 'охота' in everyday conversations about wildlife to sound more natural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'хищничество' with 'хищник' (predator). Incorrect: "Волк — хищничество." Correct: "Волк — хищник, и он занимается хищничеством." Explanation: 'Хищничество' is the act, not the entity; use it as a noun for the behavior.

• Error: Forgetting declension in sentences. Incorrect: "Из-за хищничество." Correct: "Из-за хищничества." Explanation: In genitive case, it must end in 'а' to indicate the reason or source.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'хищничество' often appear in environmental discussions, reflecting Russia's vast wilderness and emphasis on ecology in literature and media. For instance, in works by authors like Leo Tolstoy, predation symbolizes survival and the harshness of nature, highlighting themes of human impact on the environment.

Related Concepts:

• экосистема (ecosystem)
• пищевая цепь (food chain)
• вымирание (extinction)