Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tapir'

English Word: tapir

Key Russian Translations:

• тапир (/tɐˈpʲir/) - [Neutral, Singular, Used in general zoological or descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in educational, wildlife, or scientific discussions.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a straightforward loanword with basic pronunciation and usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тапир: /tɐˈpʲir/

Note on тапир: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'п' is pronounced softly as /pʲ/, which is a common feature in Russian palatalized consonants. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but this is the standard form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A large, herbivorous mammal native to tropical regions of South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia, known for its long snout.

Translation(s) & Context:

• тапир - Used in neutral, factual descriptions, such as in wildlife documentaries or biology texts. This is the direct equivalent and is commonly employed in educational contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В джунглях Амазонки можно увидеть тапира, который мирно пасётся у реки.

  In the Amazon jungles, you can see a tapir peacefully grazing by the river.

• Тапир — это редкое животное, которое нуждается в защите от браконьеров.

  The tapir is a rare animal that needs protection from poachers.

• Во время сафари мы наблюдали, как тапир пересекает дорогу в поисках пищи.

  During the safari, we observed a tapir crossing the road in search of food.

• В зоопарке дети с интересом разглядывали тапира через стекло.

  In the zoo, children were curiously looking at the tapir through the glass.

• Тапир обладает уникальным хоботом, который помогает ему собирать листья.

  The tapir has a unique snout that helps it gather leaves.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Тапир" is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard second declension pattern for loanwords. It inflects regularly based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Американский тапир (for specific species, e.g., in South American contexts) - Used when specifying the Brazilian tapir.
  • Малайский тапир (for the Asian variety) - Refers to regional differences.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific animal name. However, in broader contexts, words like "хищник" (predator) could contrast with its herbivorous nature.

Related Phrases:

• Тапир в дикой природе - Tapir in the wild; Used in discussions about animal habitats and conservation.
• Защита тапира от вымирания - Protection of the tapir from extinction; Common in environmental campaigns.
• Тапир как редкий вид - Tapir as a rare species; Employed in educational or zoological contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Тапир" directly corresponds to the English word "tapir" and is a loanword in Russian, maintaining its original meaning without significant shifts. It is typically used in formal or educational settings rather than casual conversation. When discussing specific species, modifiers like "бразильский тапир" (Brazilian tapir) are added. Learners should note that Russian nouns require agreement in case, number, and gender, so always check the context for proper inflection. If multiple translations exist (e.g., for different species), choose based on the regional context to ensure accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the word without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я видел тапир" instead of "Я видел тапира" (in accusative case).
  Correct: "Я видел тапира." Explanation: In Russian, the accusative case is required after verbs like "видеть" (to see), so the noun must change accordingly.
• Mistake: Pronouncing it as /ˈtæpɪr/ with English phonetics instead of the Russian /tɐˈpʲir/.
  Correct: Practice the soft 'п' sound and stress on the second syllable to sound natural. Explanation: Mispronunciation can lead to confusion, as Russian phonology differs from English.
• Mistake: Confusing it with similar-sounding words like "тигр" (tiger).
  Correct: Use "тапир" specifically for the animal in question. Explanation: This is a common lexical mix-up for beginners, so context clues are essential.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the tapir is not a native animal, so references to it are mostly found in scientific, educational, or travel contexts rather than folklore. However, it symbolizes biodiversity and the importance of rainforest conservation, often highlighted in Russian environmental literature and media as part of global wildlife discussions.

Related Concepts:

• Слон (elephant)
• Гипопотам (hippopotamus)
• Дикобраз (porcupine)