Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tiger'

English Word: tiger

Key Russian Translations:

• тигр [tʲigr] - [Formal, used in general contexts for the animal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday language, literature, and wildlife discussions)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

тигр: [tʲigr]

Note on тигр: The initial 'т' is palatalized (softened) due to the following 'и', which is a common feature in Russian phonetics. Pronounce it with a soft 't' sound, similar to the 't' in "tune" in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A large wild cat native to Asia, known for its stripes and strength

Translation(s) & Context:

• тигр - Used in formal and informal contexts to refer to the animal in wildlife, zoos, or metaphorical expressions (e.g., symbolizing power or danger).

Usage Examples:

• В зоопарке мы увидели большого тигра, который рычал на посетителей.

  In the zoo, we saw a large tiger that was roaring at the visitors.

• Сибирский тигр считается одним из самых редких животных в мире.

  The Siberian tiger is considered one of the rarest animals in the world.

• В русской сказке тигр олицетворяет смелость и хитрость.

  In Russian folktales, the tiger symbolizes bravery and cunning.

• Охотники в тайге должны быть осторожны с тигром, так как он очень опасен.

  Hunters in the taiga must be careful with the tiger, as it is very dangerous.

• Дети в школе рисовали тигра для урока биологии.

  The children drew a tiger for their biology class.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"тигр" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The plural form is used for multiple tigers, and the word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • хищник (predator) - More general term, often used in contexts of animal classification.
  • кот (cat) - Informal and broader, but less specific; used when emphasizing feline traits.
• Antonyms:
  • травоядное (herbivore) - Refers to animals that eat plants, contrasting with the carnivorous nature of a tiger.
  • добыча (prey) - Not a direct antonym but used in contexts where the tiger is the hunter.

Related Phrases:

• Сибирский тигр - Refers to the Siberian tiger, a subspecies; used in discussions about endangered species.
• Тигр в клетке - Means "a tiger in a cage," often metaphorically for something restricted or dangerous.
• Гнев тигра - Translates to "the wrath of the tiger," used in literary contexts to describe intense anger.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "тигр" directly corresponds to the English "tiger" as a noun, making it a one-to-one translation in most contexts. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both everyday conversations and formal writing. Be mindful of its gender (masculine), which affects adjective agreements and verb conjugations in sentences. For example, when describing a tiger, use masculine forms like "большой тигр" (big tiger). If multiple translations exist, "тигр" is the most precise; avoid using synonyms like "хищник" unless emphasizing broader categories. In cultural or idiomatic expressions, it may carry symbolic meanings of strength or wilderness.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing the palatalized 'т' as a hard 't' (e.g., saying [tigr] instead of [tʲigr]). Correct: Practice the soft 't' sound, as in "тюрьма" (prison). Explanation: This is a common mistake for English speakers due to the absence of palatalization in English, leading to misunderstandings in pronunciation.

• Error: Using the wrong case, such as saying "Я вижу тигр" instead of "Я вижу тигра" (in accusative case). Correct: "Я вижу тигра." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so the accusative form changes based on the verb and context.

• Error: Confusing it with feminine nouns in sentences, e.g., "Эта тигр" (using feminine adjective). Correct: "Этот тигр" (using masculine adjective). Explanation: Always treat "тигр" as masculine to maintain grammatical agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the tiger, particularly the Siberian tiger, holds symbolic significance as a representation of the wild, untamed nature of Siberia. It appears in folklore and literature, such as in stories by Russian authors, where it embodies strength, mystery, and danger. Historically, tigers were part of the Russian imperial hunts and are now a focus of conservation efforts, reflecting national pride in protecting endangered species.

Related Concepts:

• лев (lion)
• волк (wolf)
• хищник (predator)
• дикий зверь (wild animal)