Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spaniel'

English Word: spaniel

Key Russian Translations:

• спаниель [spɐˈnʲiɛl] - [Formal, used in contexts related to dog breeds]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in specialized contexts like animal husbandry or pet discussions.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward borrowing from English with minimal inflection, suitable for early learners of Russian vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

спаниель: [spɐˈnʲiɛl]

Note on спаниель: The stress falls on the third syllable (ˈnʲi), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized 'n' sound. Pronounce it with a soft, rolling 'r' if emphasizing in formal settings.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The meaning: A breed of dog, typically with long ears and a friendly temperament, often used for hunting or as a companion.

Translation(s) & Context:

• спаниель - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as veterinary discussions, pet shows, or literature about animals. This translation is direct and commonly employed in modern Russian.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть спаниель, который любит гулять в парке.

  I have a spaniel that loves walking in the park. (This example shows the noun in a simple possessive sentence, highlighting everyday pet ownership.)

• Этот спаниель выиграл приз на выставке собак.

  This spaniel won a prize at the dog show. (Demonstrates use in a competitive or formal context, with the noun as a subject.)

• Спаниели известны своей дружелюбностью и энергией.

  Spaniels are known for their friendliness and energy. (Illustrates the noun in a plural form, discussing general characteristics.)

• Я купил щенка спаниеля для своей семьи.

  I bought a spaniel puppy for my family. (Shows the word in relation to derivatives like 'щенок' for puppy, in a familial context.)

• В старом фильме был спаниель, который помогал главному герою.

  In the old movie, there was a spaniel that helped the main character. (Uses the noun in a narrative context, emphasizing its role in storytelling.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Спаниель" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian, borrowed from English. It follows standard noun inflection patterns but is relatively invariable in casual use. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: As a loanword, it may not always follow strict rules in informal speech, but the above represents standard literary Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • охотничья собака (hunting dog) - More general term, often used interchangeably in contexts of breeds.
  • декоративная собака (ornamental dog) - Emphasizes aesthetic aspects, with subtle differences in connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "spaniel" is a specific breed. However, contrasting terms like волк (wolf) could imply wild vs. domesticated animals in broader contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Английский спаниель - English spaniel; Refers to a specific variant, often used in breed discussions.
• Спаниель для охоты - Spaniel for hunting; A common phrase highlighting its traditional role.
• Домашний спаниель - Domestic spaniel; Implies a pet context, contrasting with working dogs.

Usage Notes:

"Спаниель" directly corresponds to the English "spaniel" as a loanword, making it an easy match for learners. It is typically used in formal or specialized language, such as veterinary science or pet-related media, rather than everyday conversation. Be mindful of gender agreement in Russian sentences—treat it as masculine. When choosing between translations, opt for "спаниель" in precise contexts to avoid ambiguity with more general terms like "собака" (dog). Grammar note: Always decline it according to the sentence case for natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел спаниель" instead of "Я видел спаниеля" in accusative case.

  Correct: "Я видел спаниеля" (I saw a spaniel). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must adjust the ending based on the sentence structure to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing it with similar-sounding words like "спаниш" (a misspelling or confusion with Spanish-related terms).

  Correct: Stick to "спаниель" for dog breeds. Explanation: This mix-up can occur due to phonetic similarities, but context clarifies; always verify with reliable sources.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "спаниель" often evokes images from literature and media, such as in stories by Russian authors who reference hunting dogs. It symbolizes loyalty and companionship, reflecting a broader cultural appreciation for pets in post-Soviet societies, where dog breeds like spaniels are popular in urban settings for their affectionate nature.

Related Concepts:

• лабрадор (Labrador)
• ретривер (Retriever)
• терьер (Terrier)