Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'python'

English Word: python

Key Russian Translations:

• питон [pʲɪˈton] - [Common; used for the snake species, often in formal or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in wildlife, educational, or zoological discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: A2 (basic vocabulary for learners familiar with animal names, as it follows standard Russian noun patterns)

Pronunciation (Russian):

питон: [pʲɪˈton]

Note on питон: The stress is on the second syllable ('то́н'). Be mindful of the palatalized 'п' sound, which is softer than in English. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A large non-venomous snake (from the Pythonidae family)

Translation(s) & Context:

• питон - Used in general contexts for describing the animal, such as in biology, documentaries, or casual animal discussions. Often implies a large constrictor snake.

Usage Examples:

• В зоопарке есть огромный питон, который ест кроликов.

  In the zoo, there is a huge python that eats rabbits.

• Питон сжимает свою добычу, чтобы убить её.

  The python constricts its prey to kill it.

• Во время сафари мы увидели питона, свернувшегося на дереве.

  During the safari, we saw a python coiled up in a tree.

• Питон — это не ядовитая змея, но она опасна из-за своей силы.

  A python is not a venomous snake, but it is dangerous due to its strength.

• В тропических лесах Азии обитают разные виды питонов.

  In the tropical forests of Asia, various species of pythons inhabit.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Питон is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases, with no irregularities. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: As a common noun, it does not have verbal inflections since it is not a verb.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: змея (zmeya - general term for snake; less specific), удав (udav - another type of constrictor snake)
• змея may be used interchangeably in casual contexts but is broader, while удав implies a similar constricting behavior.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as antonyms for animals are rare; perhaps птица (ptitsa - bird) for contrast in wildlife discussions.

Related Phrases:

• Большой питон (Bol'shoy piton) - Meaning: Large python; Used in descriptions of size in wildlife contexts.
• Питон в клетке (Piton v kletke) - Meaning: Python in a cage; Common in zoo or pet-related scenarios.
• Охотиться за питоном (Okhotit'sya za pitonom) - Meaning: To hunt for a python; Refers to adventurous or survival situations.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "питон" directly corresponds to the English "python" when referring to the snake, making it a straightforward translation. However, in formal or scientific contexts, it is preferred over more general terms like "змея" to specify the species. Be aware of gender agreement in sentences, as "питон" is masculine (e.g., uses masculine adjectives). For English speakers, avoid confusing it with the programming language "Python," which is transliterated as "Питон" in Russian but used in tech contexts. Choose "питон" for animal discussions to ensure precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "змея" instead of "питон" in specific contexts, leading to vagueness. Incorrect: Это змея в зоопарке. (This implies any snake.) Correct: Это питон в зоопарке. (This specifies the python.) Explanation: English learners often generalize, but "питон" is more accurate for the exact animal.
• Error: Mispronouncing the stress, saying [pʲiˈton] instead of [pʲɪˈton]. Incorrect Pronunciation: [pʲiˈton] Correct Pronunciation: [pʲɪˈton] Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural; practice with native audio to master the vowel sounds.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, pythons are not native to Russia but are often featured in literature and media as exotic, dangerous creatures, symbolizing mystery or the untamed wilderness. For instance, in Russian folklore and stories like those by Alexander Kuprin, snakes represent adventure or peril, reflecting broader Slavic themes of nature's power.

Related Concepts:

• змея
• удав
• рептилия