Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'safari'

English Word: safari

Key Russian Translations:

• сафари (/sɐˈfarʲi/) - [Neutral, Borrowed term, Used in modern contexts like travel and wildlife]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts related to travel, tourism, and wildlife, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; As a borrowed word, it's straightforward for learners familiar with loanwords, but requires understanding of Russian noun inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сафари: /sɐˈfarʲi/

Note on сафари: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled, which is a common feature in Russian pronunciation. Variations may occur in regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: An overland journey to observe or hunt animals, often in Africa.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сафари - Used in contexts of wildlife tourism, adventure travel, or historical expeditions (e.g., in formal writing or travel guides).

Usage Examples:

• Мы отправились в сафари по африканским саваннам, чтобы увидеть диких животных.

  We went on a safari through the African savannas to see wild animals.

• Сафари – это не просто поездка, а настоящее приключение с элементами риска.

  A safari is not just a trip, but a real adventure with elements of risk.

• В современном сафари часто используют джипы для наблюдения за фауной.

  In modern safaris, jeeps are often used to observe wildlife.

• Организованное сафари в национальном парке включает ночёвки в палатках.

  An organized safari in a national park includes camping overnight.

• Исторически сафари ассоциировалось с колониальными охотами, но сейчас оно экологически ориентировано.

  Historically, safaris were associated with colonial hunts, but now they are environmentally focused.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сафари" is a neuter noun in Russian, borrowed from English/Swahili, and follows the standard patterns for third-declension nouns. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, meaning it does not change form in different cases. However, it can take plural forms if needed.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, it remains unchanged across cases, which is common for modern loanwords in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • охота (hunting) - More general term, often implies actual hunting rather than observation.
  • экспедиция (expedition) - Used for organized trips, but broader in scope.
• Antonyms:
  • городская прогулка (urban walk) - Contrasts with wilderness adventure.

Related Phrases:

• Африканское сафари - African safari; Refers to safaris specifically in Africa, often involving wildlife viewing.
• Фотоохота в сафари - Photohunt in safari; Common in eco-tourism contexts.
• Организованное сафари - Organized safari; Implies structured tours with guides.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сафари" directly corresponds to the English "safari" as a borrowed term, primarily used in neutral or formal contexts like travel literature or documentaries. It does not carry strong informal connotations, so avoid using it in casual everyday speech. When choosing between synonyms like "охота," ensure the context is accurate—use "сафари" for tourism-focused activities rather than actual hunting. Grammatically, as an indeclinable noun, it simplifies usage but remember to pair it with appropriate prepositions, such as "в сафари" (in a safari).

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "сафари" as a fully declinable noun and changing its form, e.g., saying "сафарию" instead of "сафари" in the dative case.

  Correct: В сафари мы видели львов. (In the safari, we saw lions.)

  Explanation: As an indeclinable loanword, it remains "сафари" in all cases to maintain its original form.

• Error: Confusing it with "охота" and using it interchangeably, leading to misuse in contexts where hunting is implied but not intended.

  Correct: Для фотоохоты используйте сафари. (Use a safari for photohunting.)

  Explanation: "Сафари" emphasizes observation and tourism, while "охота" means actual hunting, which could misrepresent the activity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сафари" often evokes images of African adventures popularized through Western media, but it's not deeply rooted in Russian history. It reflects global tourism trends and environmental awareness, sometimes critiqued for colonial undertones in literature or films. Learners should note that in Russia, similar concepts might involve domestic wildlife tours, like in Siberia, adapting the term to local contexts.

Related Concepts:

• охота
• экспедиция
• национальный парк