Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'seagull'

English Word: seagull

Key Russian Translations:

• чайка [ʧaɪkə] - [Common, used in everyday and formal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in discussions about nature, wildlife, and literature, but not in daily casual conversations.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary for basic learners, with simple pronunciation and no complex grammar rules.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

чайка: [ʧaɪkə]

Note on чайка: The initial sound [ʧ] is similar to the 'ch' in "church" in English. Stress falls on the first syllable, and the vowel [aɪ] is a diphthong pronounced like 'eye'. Be mindful of the soft 'k' sound at the end.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The bird known as a seagull, typically found near coasts and bodies of water.

Translation(s) & Context:

• чайка - Used in general contexts to refer to the bird, such as in descriptions of wildlife, literature, or everyday observations. It is neutral and applies to both singular and plural forms in appropriate contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я видел чайку на пляже, она летала над волнами.

  I saw a seagull on the beach; it was flying over the waves.

• Чайки часто собираются в стаи у морского берега.

  Seagulls often gather in flocks near the seashore.

• В парке дети кормили чаек хлебными крошками.

  In the park, children were feeding seagulls bread crumbs.

• Зимой чайки мигрируют на юг в поисках пищи.

  In winter, seagulls migrate south in search of food.

• Художник нарисовал чайку в полёте над океаном.

  The artist drew a seagull in flight over the ocean.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Чайка" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This is a regular feminine noun, so it does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: морская чайка (more specific, implying a sea-related seagull), прибрежная птица (coastal bird) - "Морская чайка" is used when emphasizing the marine habitat, while "прибрежная птица" is a broader term.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific animal term.

Related Phrases:

• Стая чаек - A flock of seagulls; used in contexts describing groups of birds in nature.
• Крик чайки - The cry of a seagull; often evokes imagery of coastal environments or solitude.
• Чайка в полёте - A seagull in flight; common in poetic or descriptive language.

Usage Notes:

"Чайка" directly corresponds to the English "seagull" and is used in neutral, everyday contexts. It is a feminine noun, so ensure agreement with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "большая чайка" for "big seagull"). In formal or literary settings, it may carry symbolic meanings, as in Russian literature. When choosing between translations, "чайка" is the most straightforward and common; avoid "птица" alone, as it means "bird" generally and lacks specificity. Be aware of regional variations in bird names, but "чайка" is standard across Russian-speaking areas.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел чайка" instead of "Я видел чайку" (accusative case for direct object). Correct: "Я видел чайку" - Remember to adjust for case based on sentence structure to maintain grammatical agreement.
• Error: Treating it as a masculine noun, e.g., "Этот чайка" (incorrect gender). Correct: "Эта чайка" - Always use feminine adjectives and pronouns with "чайка" to avoid gender mismatches.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "чайка" is famously referenced in Anton Chekhov's play "Чайка" (The Seagull), symbolizing themes of unrequited love, artistic struggle, and the fleeting nature of life. This has made the word culturally significant, often evoking literary or emotional connotations beyond its literal meaning as a bird.

Related Concepts:

• птица (bird)
• океан (ocean)
• пляж (beach)