Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'raven'

English Word: raven

Key Russian Translations:

• ворон [/vɐˈron/] - [Formal, Singular; Used in general descriptions of the bird]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in literature, nature descriptions, and everyday conversation about wildlife, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "cat" or "dog").

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; As a basic masculine noun, it is straightforward for English learners with minimal Russian exposure, though declensions may introduce slight challenges for absolute beginners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

ворон: /vɐˈron/

Note on ворон: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ˈron/), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'o' sound, which can vary slightly in casual speech to sound more like a short 'a'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A large black bird (the most common meaning of "raven" in English)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ворон - Used in formal and informal contexts to describe the raven bird, especially in wildlife, folklore, or poetic language. This translation is neutral and applies to both literal and metaphorical uses.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу часто можно увидеть ворона, который каркает на рассвете.

  In the forest, you can often see a raven that caws at dawn. (This example shows the noun in a singular, nominative context, describing a natural scene.)

• Дети боялись ворона, сидящего на ветке дерева.

  The children were afraid of the raven sitting on the tree branch. (Illustrates the noun in an accusative context with a possessive structure.)

• В русской сказке ворон символизирует мудрость и тайну.

  In Russian folktales, the raven symbolizes wisdom and mystery. (Demonstrates metaphorical usage in cultural or literary contexts.)

• Охотники заметили стаю ворон над рекой.

  The hunters noticed a flock of ravens over the river. (Shows the noun in plural form, emphasizing group behavior.)

• Этот ворон отличается чёрным оперением и мощным клювом.

  This raven is distinguished by its black feathers and powerful beak. (Highlights descriptive usage with adjectives.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ворон" is a masculine noun in the second declension, which means it undergoes regular declensions based on case, number, and gender. It does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Note: Stress shifts in some plural forms (e.g., во́ронам), which is a common pattern in Russian nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: вороний (adjectival form, meaning "raven-like"); воронок (a diminutive or specific type, e.g., young raven) - Note: вороний is used more for attributes rather than direct synonyms.
• Antonyms: None direct, as antonyms for animal names are rare; conceptually, words like "сова" (owl) might contrast in folklore contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Чёрный ворон - Black raven; Often used in poetic or symbolic contexts to evoke mystery or foreboding.
• Ворон в сказке - Raven in a folktale; Refers to common motifs in Russian literature where ravens represent wisdom.
• Стая ворон - Flock of ravens; Describes group behavior in nature or stories.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "ворон" directly corresponds to the English "raven" as a bird, but it's important to note that Russian speakers might use it more in literary or cultural contexts rather than everyday conversation. For formal writing or descriptions, stick to the nominative form when introducing the word. If you're an English learner, choose "ворон" over less common alternatives when translating "raven" literally. Be aware of gender agreement: as a masculine noun, adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "большой ворон" for "big raven"). In informal speech, it can appear in idioms, so context matters.

• Multiple translations: While "ворон" is the primary match, avoid confusing it with "вор" (thief), which is unrelated but sounds similar.
• Grammar tip: Always decline it based on sentence role to sound natural.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake the declensions, such as using the nominative "ворон" in all cases (e.g., saying "вижу ворон" instead of "вижу ворона" for "I see the raven"). Correct usage: "Я вижу ворона" (I see the raven). Another error is confusing it with "воробей" (sparrow), leading to incorrect animal descriptions. Explanation: Russian requires precise case endings, so practice with tables to avoid this; for example, incorrect: "Дом ворон" (meaningless), correct: "Дом ворона" (The raven's house, genitive).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the raven ("ворон") holds significant symbolism in folklore and literature, often representing wisdom, mystery, or even death, as seen in tales like those of Ivan the Fool. This stems from Slavic pagan traditions where ravens were associated with prophetic birds, similar to Norse mythology's Odin and his ravens. Understanding this can deepen appreciation for Russian poetry and stories, such as in Pushkin's works.

Related Concepts:

• сова (owl)
• воронёк (young raven or diminutive form)
• птица (bird, general term)