Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'predatory'

English Word: predatory

Key Russian Translations:

• хищный [xʲiʂ.nɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• хищнический [xʲiʂ.nʲi.t͡ɕɛ.skʲij] - [Formal, Often used in business or exploitative contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of nature, business, and ethics, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and contextual nuances; for "хищный", it's straightforward, but "хищнический" may vary slightly in difficulty)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хищный: [xʲiʂ.nɨj]

хищнический: [xʲiʂ.nʲi.t͡ɕɛ.skʲij]

Note on хищный: The initial "х" is a voiceless velar fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch". Pronounce it with a soft emphasis on the "щ" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to animals that hunt and kill other animals for food

Translation(s) & Context:

• хищный - Used in biological or natural contexts to describe predatory behavior in animals.

Usage Examples:

• В джунглях обитают хищные кошки, такие как тигры и леопарды.

  In the jungles, predatory cats such as tigers and leopards inhabit.

• Хищные птицы, как орлы, имеют острые когти для охоты.

  Predatory birds, like eagles, have sharp claws for hunting.

• Этот зоопарк имеет раздел для хищных млекопитающих.

  This zoo has a section for predatory mammals.

• Хищные рыбы часто становятся угрозой для мелкой рыбы в океане.

  Predatory fish often pose a threat to smaller fish in the ocean.

• В эволюции хищные виды развивают специальные адаптации для выживания.

  In evolution, predatory species develop special adaptations for survival.

Meaning 2: Relating to exploitative or aggressive behavior, especially in business or human contexts

Translation(s) & Context:

• хищнический - Used in economic, social, or ethical discussions to describe exploitative practices.
• хищный - Less common in this context but can be used metaphorically.

Usage Examples:

• Хищнический капитализм может привести к неравенству в обществе.

  Predatory capitalism can lead to inequality in society.

• Эта компания известна своими хищническими методами конкуренции.

  This company is known for its predatory competition methods.

• Хищные заимствования часто используются в микрофинансовых схемах.

  Predatory lending is often used in microfinance schemes.

• В политике хищные тактики могут подорвать демократические ценности.

  In politics, predatory tactics can undermine democratic values.

• Хищный подход к ресурсам приводит к экологическим проблемам.

  A predatory approach to resources leads to environmental issues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "хищный" and "хищнический" are adjectives in Russian and follow standard adjective declension patterns. Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify. They do not have irregular forms but must be inflected based on context.

Note: For feminine and neuter nouns, adjust endings accordingly (e.g., хищная for feminine singular).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • агрессивный (aggressivnyy) - More general, implying forcefulness.
  • охотничий (okhotnichiy) - Specifically for hunting-related contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • мирный (mirnyy) - Peaceful, non-aggressive.
  • невинный (nevinnyy) - Innocent or harmless.

Related Phrases:

• Хищный зверь - A predatory animal; used in wildlife discussions.
• Хищнический рынок - Predatory market; refers to competitive, exploitative business environments.
• Хищная тактика - Predatory tactic; common in strategy or sports contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Хищный" directly corresponds to the animal-related meaning of "predatory" and is preferred in formal or scientific contexts. "Хищнический" aligns more with human or economic exploitation, similar to "predatory" in business English. Always consider the noun's gender, number, and case for correct adjective agreement. In casual speech, these words might be replaced with simpler terms like "агрессивный" to avoid formality.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "хищный" without proper declension, e.g., saying "хищный волк" in a genitive context as "хищный волка" instead of "хищного волка".

  Correct: Ensure the adjective matches the case, e.g., "охота хищного волка". Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with nouns, which English learners often overlook due to English's lack of declension.

• Error: Confusing "хищный" with "хищнический" in animal contexts, e.g., using "хищнический тигр" when "хищный тигр" is more appropriate.

  Correct: Use "хищный" for natural predation. Explanation: "Хищнический" implies human-like exploitation, which can sound odd in purely biological descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "хищный" often appear in literature and folklore, such as in stories about animals in the wild, reflecting Russia's vast natural landscapes. For instance, in Russian fairy tales, predatory animals symbolize danger or cunning, drawing from historical interactions with wildlife in rural areas.

Related Concepts:

• охота (okhota) - Hunting
• хищник (khishchnik) - Predator
• агрессия (agressiya) - Aggression