Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shepherd'

English Word: shepherd

Key Russian Translations:

• пастух /pɐˈstukʰ/ - [Informal, Masculine, Used in everyday contexts related to animal husbandry]

Frequency: Medium (Common in rural or literary contexts, but not in everyday urban conversation)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary for basic learners of Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пастух: /pɐˈstukʰ/

Note on пастух: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'х' is a voiceless velar fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers unfamiliar with guttural sounds. Pronunciation can vary slightly in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who herds or takes care of sheep and other livestock.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пастух - Used in general contexts for a shepherd, especially in rural or traditional settings; informal and neutral in tone.

Usage Examples:

• В деревне живет старый пастух, который пасет овец на холмах.

  In the village lives an old shepherd who herds sheep on the hills.

• Пастух должен быть внимательным, чтобы защитить стадо от волков.

  The shepherd must be attentive to protect the flock from wolves.

• Молодой пастух учится у своего отца искусству ухода за скотом.

  The young shepherd is learning the art of livestock care from his father.

• В жаркий день пастух находит тень для овец у реки.

  On a hot day, the shepherd finds shade for the sheep by the river.

• Пастух с собакой управляет большим стадом в горах.

  The shepherd with his dog manages a large herd in the mountains.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пастух" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has specific changes for number and case. Below is a table outlining its singular and plural forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • скотник - Often used interchangeably, but implies a broader role in animal farming.
  • овцевод - Specifically for sheep herding, with a more professional connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • хищник - Refers to a predator, contrasting the protective role of a shepherd.
  • охотник - Means hunter, implying opposition in rural contexts.

Related Phrases:

• пастух овец - Shepherd of sheep; a common phrase for specifying the type of livestock (used in descriptions of rural life).
• стадо пастуха - The shepherd's flock; refers to a group of animals under care (often in stories or proverbs).
• пасти скот - To herd cattle; a verb phrase involving shepherding activities (implies daily routines).

Usage Notes:

"Пастух" directly corresponds to the English "shepherd" in most contexts, but it's more commonly used in informal or narrative settings rather than formal writing. Be mindful of its masculine gender, as Russian nouns require agreement in adjectives and verbs. For female shepherds, you might use "пастушка" in some dialects, though it's less common. When choosing between synonyms like "скотник" or "овцевод," opt for "пастух" in general contexts; use the others for more specialized discussions. This word often appears in idiomatic expressions related to guidance or protection, metaphorically extending beyond literal herding.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "пастух" with "пастухи" (plural) when referring to a single person. Incorrect: "Я видел пастухи" (wrong plural use). Correct: "Я видел пастуха" (for one shepherd). This error stems from not applying Russian case endings properly.

• Another mistake is gender agreement; for example, saying "хорошая пастух" instead of "хороший пастух" because "пастух" is masculine. Correct form: Use masculine adjectives like "хороший пастух" to match the noun's gender.

• Overgeneralizing to mean any animal caretaker; incorrect: Using "пастух" for a pet owner. Explanation: "Пастух" specifically implies large-scale herding, so use "собачник" for dog owners instead.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the image of a "пастух" is often romanticized in folklore and literature, such as in folk tales where shepherds symbolize simplicity, wisdom, and connection to nature. This draws from historical rural traditions in Russia, where herding was a common livelihood. For instance, in works by authors like Pushkin, shepherds appear as guardians, reflecting themes of protection and harmony with the environment.

Related Concepts:

• овца (sheep)
• стадо (herd)
• деревенский (rural)