Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'squid'

English Word: squid

Key Russian Translations:

• кальмар /kæl'mɑr/ - [Formal, Singular, Refers to the marine animal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions about marine life, cuisine, and biology, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to animals)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кальмар: /kæl'mɑr/

Note on кальмар: The stress is on the second syllable ('mɑr). Be careful with the 'л' sound, which is a soft 'l' in Russian, making it distinct from English 'l'. Pronunciation may vary slightly in different dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The marine animal known as a squid

Translation(s) & Context:

• кальмар - Used in formal and informal contexts to refer to the cephalopod mollusk, especially in scientific, culinary, or everyday descriptions of seafood.

Usage Examples:

• В океане плавает кальмар. (V okeane plavaet kal'mar.)

  In the ocean, a squid swims. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, illustrating its use in describing marine environments.)

• Я вчера ел жареного кальмара в ресторане. (Ya vchera yel zharennogo kal'mara v restorane.)

  I ate fried squid at the restaurant yesterday. (Demonstrates the noun in the genitive case after an adjective, common in food-related contexts.)

• Кальмары — это полезные морские обитатели. (Kal'mary — eto poleznye morskije obitateli.)

  Squid are beneficial marine inhabitants. (Shows the plural form in a general statement about the species, emphasizing nutritional or ecological aspects.)

• В музее есть экспонат гигантского кальмара. (V muzee yest' ekspozat gigantskogo kal'mara.)

  In the museum, there is an exhibit of a giant squid. (Illustrates use with adjectives and in cultural or educational settings.)

• Дети боятся кальмара в фильме. (Deti boyatsya kal'mara v fil'me.)

  Children are afraid of the squid in the movie. (Depicts the noun in a narrative context, such as in stories or media.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Кальмар is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases, but like many nouns, it changes based on grammatical case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender but requires attention to case endings in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: морской кальмар (morskoy kal'mar) - Often used interchangeably but specifies it's a sea squid; гигантский кальмар (gigantskiy kal'mar) for a specific type.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "кальмар" is a specific noun. However, in a broader context, opposites might include land animals like "сушеед" (susheed), though this is not standard.

Related Phrases:

• Жареный кальмар - Fried squid; a popular dish in Russian cuisine, often served as an appetizer.
• Гигантский кальмар - Giant squid; refers to large species and is common in scientific or adventurous contexts.
• Кальмар в чернильном соусе - Squid in ink sauce; a traditional preparation method highlighting seafood flavors.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "кальмар" directly corresponds to the English "squid" and is used across various contexts, from culinary to biological. It is neutral in tone but can be formal or informal depending on the setting. Always ensure correct declension based on the sentence structure; for example, use the genitive case after quantities or possessives. When choosing between translations, "кальмар" is the most straightforward and widely accepted term. Be aware that in casual speech, Russians might use it metaphorically in expressions related to agility or elusiveness, akin to how English uses "squid" in idioms.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я ем кальмар" instead of "Я ем кальмара" in accusative contexts. Correct: "Я ем кальмара" (I eat squid). Explanation: Russian requires accusative for direct objects, so learners must adjust the ending.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "кальций" (calcium). Correct usage: Ensure context clarifies; for example, "кальмар" for the animal versus "кальций" for the mineral. Explanation: These are homophones in some accents, leading to mix-ups in written or spoken language.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, squid is a staple in seafood dishes, especially in coastal regions like the Far East. It symbolizes fresh, healthy eating and is featured in festivals and traditional recipes. Historically, squid has been part of Russian folklore as a mysterious sea creature, similar to legends in other cultures, adding a layer of intrigue beyond its literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• рыба (fish)
• медузы (jellyfish)
• окунь (perch)