Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'savage'

English Word: savage

Key Russian Translations:

• дикий [ˈdʲikʲɪj] - [Informal, Adjective; Used for describing wild or untamed nature]
• дикарь [dʲiˈkarʲ] - [Noun; Used in contexts implying primitive or uncivilized humans]
• варвар [vɐrˈbar] - [Formal, Noun; Often used in historical or cultural contexts for barbarians]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, nature descriptions, and everyday discussions, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can grasp basic usage, but inflections and nuances require practice. For 'дикий' as an adjective: B1; For 'дикарь' as a noun: B2 due to gender and case variations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дикий: [ˈdʲikʲɪj]

Note on дикий: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'й' sound is a soft palatal approximant, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it like "dee-kee" with a soft 'k'.

дикарь: [dʲiˈkarʲ]

Note on дикарь: Stress on the second syllable; the final 'ь' indicates a soft consonant, affecting the preceding 'р' sound. It may sound like "dee-kar'" with a softened ending.

варвар: [vɐrˈbar]

Note on варвар: Stress on the second syllable; the 'в' is a voiced labiodental fricative, similar to English 'v' in "very".

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Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Wild, untamed, or uncivilized (as an adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дикий - Used in contexts describing animals, nature, or people in a primitive state; common in informal and descriptive language.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В африканских джунглях обитают дикие животные, такие как львы и слоны.

  English: In the African jungles, wild animals such as lions and elephants inhabit.

• Русский: Дикий ветер бушевал всю ночь, ломая деревья в саду.

  English: The savage wind raged all night, breaking trees in the garden.

• Русский: В старых фильмах часто показывают диких племена, живущие в отдаленных регионах.

  English: In old films, they often show savage tribes living in remote regions.

• Русский: Дикий огонь быстро распространился по сухой траве.

  English: The savage fire spread quickly through the dry grass.

Meaning 2: A primitive or uncivilized person (as a noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дикарь - Used metaphorically or literally for someone seen as uncultured; avoid in formal contexts due to potential offensiveness.
• варвар - Used in historical or literary contexts, often less derogatory, referring to ancient invaders or outsiders.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В приключенческих рассказах герой встречает дикаря в джунглях Амазонки.

  English: In adventure stories, the hero encounters a savage in the Amazon jungles.

• Русский: Древние варвары завоевали Римскую империю, изменив ход истории.

  English: The savages conquered the Roman Empire, altering the course of history.

• Русский: Некоторые антропологи изучают жизнь дикарей в изолированных обществах.

  English: Some anthropologists study the lives of savages in isolated societies.

• Русский: В современном мире термин "варвар" используется для описания культурных различий.

  English: In the modern world, the term "savage" is used to describe cultural differences.

• Русский: Он назвал его дикарем за отказ от цивилизованных обычаев.

  English: He called him a savage for rejecting civilized customs.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'дикий' (adjective): This is a standard Russian adjective with full inflection based on gender, number, and case. It follows the first declension pattern.

For 'дикарь' (noun, masculine): This is a first-declension masculine noun with standard endings.

For 'варвар' (noun, masculine): Similar to 'дикарь', it follows standard masculine noun inflections and does not have irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • нецивилизованный (necivilizovannyy) - More formal, emphasizing lack of civilization.
  • примитивный (primativnyy) - Used for primitive or basic states.
• Antonyms:
  • цивилизованный (civilizovannyy)
  • культурный (kulturnyy)

Related Phrases:

• Дикий Запад (Diky Zapad) - Meaning: The Wild West; A phrase referring to the American frontier in historical contexts.
• Дикарь в городе (Dikary v gorode) - Meaning: A savage in the city; Used metaphorically for someone out of place in urban settings.
• Варварские набеги (Varvarskiye nabegi) - Meaning: Savage raids; Refers to historical invasions by barbarians.

Usage Notes:

'Savage' translates variably in Russian based on context: 'дикий' is ideal for natural or animalistic descriptions, while 'дикарь' or 'варвар' fits noun forms but can carry negative connotations, so use cautiously in sensitive discussions. In formal writing, prefer 'варвар' for historical topics. Grammar-wise, adjectives like 'дикий' must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key difference from English. Choose translations based on tone: 'дикий' for everyday use, 'варвар' for literary or academic contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'дикий' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "дикий женщина" instead of "дикая женщина".
  Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "дикая женщина" for feminine nouns.
  Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; this is a common mistake for English speakers who treat adjectives as invariable.
• Error: Confusing 'дикарь' with 'дикий' in sentences, e.g., "Он дикарь человек" instead of "Он дикарь".
  Correct: Use 'дикарь' standalone as a noun or with proper cases, like "Этот дикарь опасен".
  Explanation: 'Дикарь' is a noun and doesn't need additional descriptors like in English; overcomplicating can lead to awkward phrasing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'варвар' often evoke historical references to ancient invaders like the Huns or Mongols, reflecting Russia's complex history with external threats. 'Дикарь' can carry colonial undertones from 19th-century literature, similar to Western portrayals of indigenous peoples, so it's important to use these words sensitively to avoid perpetuating stereotypes.

Related Concepts:

• природа (priroda) - Nature
• племя (plemya) - Tribe
• варварство (varvarstvo) - Barbarism