Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reptilian'

English Word: reptilian

Key Russian Translations:

• рептильный (/rʲɪpˈtʲilʲnɨj/) - [Formal, Adjective, Used in scientific or biological contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in scientific, educational, or specialized texts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian adjective declensions and scientific vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рептильный: /rʲɪpˈtʲilʲnɨj/ (The stress is on the third syllable; the 'р' is rolled, and the 'ы' sound is a back unrounded vowel, which can be challenging for English speakers.)

Note on рептильный: Be cautious with the palatalized consonants; the 'тʲ' and 'лʲ' require a soft pronunciation. Variations may occur in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Relating to or resembling reptiles (e.g., lizards, snakes) in characteristics, appearance, or biology.

Translation(s) & Context:

• рептильный - Used in formal scientific descriptions, such as in biology or paleontology, to describe traits associated with reptiles.

Usage Examples:

• Этот ящер имеет рептильный облик, с чешуйчатой кожей и длинным хвостом.

  This lizard has a reptilian appearance, with scaly skin and a long tail.

• В эволюционной биологии рептильные черты часто обсуждаются в контексте адаптации к сухопутной среде.

  In evolutionary biology, reptilian traits are often discussed in the context of adaptation to a terrestrial environment.

• Фильм показывает рептильных существ, которые эволюционировали из древних динозавров.

  The film depicts reptilian creatures that evolved from ancient dinosaurs.

• Её глаза имеют рептильный блеск, что придаёт ей загадочный вид.

  Her eyes have a reptilian gleam, giving her a mysterious appearance.

• Исследования показывают, что рептильные виды обладают уникальными механизмами терморегуляции.

  Studies show that reptilian species have unique mechanisms for thermoregulation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

As an adjective, "рептильный" follows the standard Russian adjective declension patterns. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. There are no irregular forms.

Note: This is a regular first-declension adjective; always ensure agreement with the noun for correct usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • плазунный (plazunnyy) - Similar, but more specific to creeping or crawling creatures; often used interchangeably in casual contexts.
  • ящерный (yashcher-nyy) - Refers to lizard-like qualities, with a slight connotation of ancient or mythical elements.
• Antonyms:
  • млекопитающий (mlekopitayushchiy) - Mammalian, contrasting with cold-blooded reptilian traits.
  • птичий (ptichiy) - Avian, highlighting differences in biological characteristics.

Related Phrases:

• Рептильный хвост (Reptilian tail) - Refers to a tail structure typical of reptiles; used in descriptions of animals or fictional characters.
• Рептильные черты (Reptilian traits) - Common in biology to discuss evolutionary features; implies adaptation for survival.
• Рептильный мир (Reptilian world) - A phrase for ecosystems dominated by reptiles, often in documentaries or literature.

Usage Notes:

"Рептильный" directly corresponds to the English "reptilian" as an adjective, but it's primarily used in formal or scientific contexts rather than everyday speech. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, which is a key grammatical difference. For example, choose this word when discussing biology or nature, but opt for more common synonyms in casual conversations. If multiple translations exist, select based on the specific context—e.g., "ящерный" for more lizard-focused descriptions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "рептильный" without proper declension, e.g., saying "рептильный женщина" instead of "рептильная женщина" (for a feminine noun).

  Correct: "Её кожа имеет рептильную текстуру." (Her skin has a reptilian texture.)

  Explanation: Russian requires adjective-noun agreement; this mistake often stems from English word order and lack of declension practice.

• Error: Confusing it with nouns like "рептилия" (reptile), leading to incorrect sentence structure.

  Correct: "Рептильный вид" (Reptilian species) vs. Incorrect: "Рептилия вид".

  Explanation: "Рептильный" is an adjective and must modify a noun appropriately; misuse can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "рептильный" often appear in scientific literature or popular media about paleontology, such as discussions of dinosaurs in museums like the Moscow Paleontological Institute. It can also carry a metaphorical connotation in literature, evoking ideas of ancient, primal forces, as seen in folklore where reptiles symbolize mystery or danger, reflecting broader Slavic myths.

Related Concepts:

• плазун (plazun) - Referring to reptiles in general.
• динозавр (dinozavr) - Dinosaur, often linked evolutionarily.
• амфибия (amfibiya) - Amphibian, for comparative biological studies.