Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sheep'

English Word: sheep

Key Russian Translations:

• овца /ˈov.tsə/ - [Formal, Singular, Refers to a female sheep or generally]
• баран /bɐˈran/ - [Formal, Singular, Refers specifically to a male sheep]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in rural or agricultural contexts)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it involves basic vocabulary and simple noun forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

овца: /ˈov.tsə/

баран: /bɐˈran/

Note on овца: The stress is on the first syllable; pronounce the "ts" sound as in "tsar." This word may vary slightly in dialects.

Note on баран: The stress is on the second syllable; the "r" is rolled in standard Russian.

Audio: Play pronunciation for овца | Play pronunciation for баран (Audio files would be linked here for playback).

Meanings and Usage:

The animal sheep (general reference)

Translation(s) & Context:

• овца - Used in contexts describing farm animals, livestock, or wildlife; common in formal and informal settings.
• баран - Used specifically for male sheep, often in idiomatic expressions or when gender is relevant.

Usage Examples:

• В поле пасётся овца.

  In the field, a sheep is grazing. (Demonstrates basic sentence structure with a singular noun.)

• Овцы на ферме дают много шерсти.

  The sheep on the farm provide a lot of wool. (Shows plural form and possessive context.)

• Баран возглавляет стадо овец.

  The ram leads the flock of sheep. (Illustrates gender-specific usage in a hierarchical context.)

• Дети кормят овцу в зоопарке.

  The children are feeding the sheep at the zoo. (Context of interaction and present tense.)

• В русской сказке баран символизирует упрямство.

  In Russian folktales, the ram symbolizes stubbornness. (Cultural or metaphorical usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "овца" and "баран" are feminine and masculine nouns, respectively, and follow standard Russian declension patterns. "Овца" is a first-declension feminine noun, while "баран" is a second-declension masculine noun.

Note: These forms are regular; no irregularities in standard Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Козочка (for a young or small sheep, similar to a lamb) - Often used in informal or affectionate contexts.
  • Овечка (a diminutive form of овца, implying endearment).
• Antonyms:
  • Волк (wolf) - Represents a predator, contrasting with sheep as prey.
  • Лев (lion) - Symbolizes strength, opposite to the perceived meekness of sheep.

Related Phrases:

• Черная овца - The black sheep (refers to a family outcast or misfit).
• Стадо овец - A flock of sheep (common in agricultural or metaphorical contexts, meaning a group following blindly).
• Бараний рог - Ram's horn (used in idiomatic expressions for strength or in cultural references).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "овца" is the most direct translation for "sheep" and is used neutrally in everyday language, while "баран" specifies a male sheep and can carry connotations in idioms. Choose "овца" for general references to avoid gender assumptions. Be mindful of context: in formal writing or speech, these words maintain their literal meanings, but in proverbs, they might symbolize innocence or folly. Grammatically, always decline according to case for correct sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "овца" for a male sheep. Correct: Use "баран" instead. Example of error: "Этот баран - овца." (Incorrect mixing). Correct: "Этот баран - самец овец." Explanation: Russian nouns have gender, so matching the correct term prevents confusion in descriptions.

• Error: Forgetting declension in sentences. Example of error: "Я вижу овца." (Incorrect). Correct: "Я вижу овцу." (Accusative case). Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change form based on their role in the sentence, unlike English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sheep and rams often appear in folktales and proverbs, symbolizing innocence, obedience, or sometimes foolishness (e.g., "овца в волчьей шкуре" - a wolf in sheep's clothing). Historically, sheep farming was vital in rural Russia, influencing traditional clothing and economy, which adds depth to these words beyond their literal meanings.

Related Concepts:

• Коза (goat)
• Корова (cow)
• Стадо (flock or herd)