Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'skunk'

English Word: skunk

Key Russian Translations:

• скунс [/skuns/] - [Formal, typically used in general or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation, as it refers to a specific animal not native to most Russian-speaking regions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; learners need basic knowledge of Russian nouns and pronunciation, but the word is straightforward once introduced.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скунс: /skuns/ (The "с" is pronounced as a soft "s" sound, similar to the English "s" in "see", and the word is stressed on the first syllable.)

Note on скунс: Be mindful of the soft consonant at the end; it's a common feature in Russian that can trip up learners. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small black-and-white mammal known for its foul-smelling spray (primary meaning in English).

Translation(s) & Context:

• скунс - Used in contexts related to wildlife, zoology, or North American fauna; common in formal writing or educational discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу мы увидели скунса, который быстро скрылся в кустах.

  In the forest, we saw a skunk that quickly hid in the bushes. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, describing an encounter.)

• Скунс известен своим защитным спреем, который отпугивает хищников.

  The skunk is known for its defensive spray, which deters predators. (Here, the word is used in a descriptive context, highlighting its characteristics.)

• В зоопарке дети с интересом наблюдали за скунсом через стекло.

  In the zoo, children watched the skunk with interest through the glass. (This demonstrates the word in a plural or observational setting, though "скунс" remains singular here.)

• Исследователи изучают, как скунс использует свои навыки выживания в дикой природе.

  Researchers are studying how the skunk uses its survival skills in the wild. (This example places the word in a scientific or academic context.)

• Если вы встретите скунса ночью, лучше не приближайтесь, чтобы избежать неприятного запаха.

  If you encounter a skunk at night, it's best not to approach to avoid the unpleasant smell. (This shows the word in an advisory or cautionary sentence.)

2. Slang meaning: A complete defeat or failure (e.g., in games or sports, though less common).

Translation(s) & Context:

• скунс - Informally borrowed in some contexts, but more commonly expressed as "полный провал" or "разгром"; use "скунс" only in specialized slang, such as in gaming communities influenced by English.

Usage Examples:

• В покере это был настоящий скунс – мы проиграли все раунды.

  In poker, it was a real skunk – we lost all the rounds. (This adapts the slang meaning, showing it in a gaming context.)

• Команда потерпела скунс в финале, не забив ни одного гола.

  The team suffered a skunk in the final, not scoring a single goal. (This example uses it metaphorically in sports.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Скунс" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its basic forms:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively easy for learners to conjugate once the pattern is memorized.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • американский барсук (American badger) - Often used interchangeably in informal descriptions, but less precise.
  • мускусный хорёк (musk ferret) - Highlights the odor aspect in some contexts.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific animal term. However, in slang contexts, antonyms might include words for "victory" like "победа" (victory).

Related Phrases:

• американский скунс - American skunk; refers to the species in a geographical context. (Used when specifying origin in wildlife discussions.)
• защитный спрей скунса - Skunk's defensive spray; common in educational or survival topics. (Emphasizes the animal's defense mechanism.)
• встретить скунса в дикой природе - To encounter a skunk in the wild; a phrase for adventure or cautionary tales. (Often in travel or nature guides.)

Usage Notes:

"Скунс" directly corresponds to the English "skunk" as an animal, but it's not a native Russian word, so it's often used in borrowed or specialized contexts like biology or imports from English media. Stick to formal settings for accuracy; in everyday speech, Russians might use descriptive phrases instead. For slang meanings, choose "скунс" only in English-influenced environments, such as online gaming, to avoid confusion. Grammatically, remember it's a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree (e.g., "большой скунс" for "big skunk").

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "барсук" (badger): Learners might mistakenly use "барсук" thinking it's a synonym, but it's a different animal. Correct usage: Say "скунс" for accuracy. Error example: "Я видел барсука" (I saw a badger) when meaning skunk; instead, use "Я видел скунса".
• Incorrect inflection: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., using "скунс" in genitive as "скунс" instead of "скунса". Error example: "У меня есть скунс" (I have skunk) should be "У меня есть скунса" in certain constructions; always check the case for proper agreement.

Cultural Notes:

"Скунс" is not deeply rooted in Russian culture, as the animal is native to North America. However, it appears in Russian translations of American literature, films, or wildlife documentaries, often symbolizing clever defense mechanisms or as a humorous element in stories. In Russian folklore, similar roles might be played by native animals like the fox, so learners should note the cultural borrowing from English-speaking contexts.

Related Concepts:

• барсук (badger)
• лиса (fox)
• мускус (musk)