Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'swordfish'

English Word: swordfish

Key Russian Translations:

• меч-рыба (/mʲet͡ɕ ˈrɨbə/) - [Standard, used in formal and informal contexts for marine biology or everyday discussion]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in contexts like fishing, cuisine, or educational materials.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR standards; learners at this level should be familiar with compound nouns and basic marine vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

меч-рыба: /mʲet͡ɕ ˈrɨbə/

Note on меч-рыба: The initial 'м' is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like 'myetch'. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'р' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A large predatory fish with a long, sword-like upper jaw, often found in warm oceans.

Translation(s) & Context:

• меч-рыба - Used in general contexts like marine biology, fishing, or culinary discussions; appropriate for both formal reports and informal chats about seafood.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В океане мы видели огромную меч-рыбу, которая плыла рядом с лодкой.

  English: In the ocean, we saw a huge swordfish swimming next to the boat.

• Русский: Меч-рыба часто используется в средиземноморской кухне для приготовления стейков.

  English: Swordfish is often used in Mediterranean cuisine for making steaks.

• Русский: Ученые изучают миграцию меч-рыбы в Атлантическом океане.

  English: Scientists are studying the migration of swordfish in the Atlantic Ocean.

• Русский: В зоопарке есть экспозиция, где показывают модель меч-рыбы.

  English: In the zoo, there's an exhibit featuring a model of a swordfish.

• Русский: Меч-рыба может достигать скорости до 100 км/ч во время охоты.

  English: Swordfish can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h during hunting.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Меч-рыба is a compound noun (feminine, derived from 'меч' meaning sword and 'рыба' meaning fish). It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -а. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This word is invariable in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: рыба-меч (a less common variant, essentially interchangeable but sometimes used in poetic or archaic contexts)
• Antonyms: N/A (This term does not have direct antonyms, as it is a specific noun referring to a type of fish.)

Related Phrases:

• Атлантическая меч-рыба - Refers to the Atlantic swordfish, commonly used in scientific or fishing contexts.
• Охота на меч-рыбу - Means "swordfish hunting," often discussed in sports fishing or wildlife documentaries.
• Меч-рыба в меню - Translates to "swordfish on the menu," used in restaurant or culinary settings to indicate availability.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "меч-рыба" directly corresponds to the English "swordfish" and is the most accurate translation for both literal and metaphorical uses. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in everyday speech or technical writing. Be mindful of declension when using it in sentences; for example, in genitive case, it becomes "меч-рыбы" to indicate possession. If multiple translations exist, "меч-рыба" is preferred over variants like "рыба-меч" due to its prevalence. English learners should note that Russian compound words like this are often hyphenated, which helps in pronunciation and understanding.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misdeclining the noun, e.g., using "меч-рыба" in genitive as "меч-рыбу" instead of "меч-рыбы". Correct: Always follow the standard feminine noun patterns. Explanation: This mistake arises from confusing it with masculine nouns; remember, it's feminine, so endings change accordingly.

• Error: Pronouncing it as /mɛtʃ 'rɪbə/ without palatalization. Correct: Use /mʲet͡ɕ ˈrɨbə/ with the palatalized 'м'. Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian palatalization, which alters the sound significantly and can make the word harder to understand for native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "меч-рыба" is not particularly laden with cultural symbolism, but it appears in contexts related to Russian fisheries in the Black Sea or Pacific regions. It may evoke ideas of adventure in literature or media, similar to how swordfish is depicted in Western stories, but it lacks deep historical connotations in Russian folklore.

Related Concepts:

• тунец (tuna)
• акулa (shark)
• морской окунь (sea bass)