Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'unicorn'

English Word: unicorn

Key Russian Translations:

• единорог /jɪ.dʲɪ.nɐˈrok/ - [Formal, typically used in literary or mythical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's mostly encountered in literature, folklore, or educational contexts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level on CEFR scale; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to mythology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

единорог: /jɪ.dʲɪ.nɐˈrok/

Note on единорог: The stress is on the third syllable ("ro̞k"), and the 'й' sound is a palatal approximant, which may be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'dʲ' similar to 'j' in "jump".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Mythical creature with a single horn

Translation(s) & Context:

• единорог - Used in formal, literary, or fantastical contexts to describe a legendary animal with a single horn, often symbolizing purity or magic in Russian folklore.

Usage Examples:

• В древних сказках единорог считается символом чистоты и силы.

  In ancient fairy tales, the unicorn is considered a symbol of purity and strength.

• Дети любят читать истории про единорога, который охраняет волшебный лес.

  Children love reading stories about the unicorn that guards the magical forest.

• В современном искусстве единорог часто изображается как мифическое существо с рогом на лбу.

  In modern art, the unicorn is often depicted as a mythical creature with a horn on its forehead.

• Единорог появляется в русских народных преданиях как защитник невинных.

  The unicorn appears in Russian folk legends as a protector of the innocent.

• Художник нарисовал единорога, чтобы показать его грациозность и загадочность.

  The artist drew a unicorn to show its gracefulness and mystery.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

единорог is a masculine noun in Russian, and it follows the standard third declension pattern for most masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • рогатое существо (rogatoe sushchestvo) - A more general term for horned creatures, but less specific to unicorns.
  • мифический зверь (mificheskiy zver') - Used for any mythical animal, with a broader application in folklore.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "единорог" is a specific mythical entity. However, in a broader mythical context, opposites might include ordinary animals like волк (volk, wolf) for something more common or fearsome.

Related Phrases:

• Мифический единорог (Mificheskiy edinorog) - Mythical unicorn; used in storytelling to emphasize its legendary status.
• Единорог с рогом (Edinorog s rogom) - Unicorn with a horn; a redundant but emphatic phrase in descriptive contexts, meaning the standard unicorn.
• Легенда о единороге (Legenda o edinoroge) - Legend of the unicorn; common in folk tales to refer to stories about it.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "единорог" directly corresponds to the English "unicorn" as a mythical creature, but it's primarily used in formal, literary, or educational contexts rather than everyday speech. Be mindful of its declensions when constructing sentences; for example, use the genitive form "единорога" after prepositions like "о" (about). When choosing between translations, "единорог" is the most precise and idiomatic option for "unicorn," especially in cultural or fantastical discussions. Avoid using it in casual conversations, as it may sound overly poetic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /ɛ.dɪ.nəˈrɒk/ (influenced by English phonetics). Correct: /jɪ.dʲɪ.nɐˈrok/. Explanation: English speakers often overlook the soft 'dʲ' sound; practice with native audio to master the palatalization.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "Я видел единорог" in accusative contexts where it should be "Я видел единорога." Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "О единороге в сказках" (About the unicorn in fairy tales). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which is a common pitfall for beginners.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "единорог" vs. "единорогий" (which isn't standard). Correct: Stick to "единорог" for the noun form. Explanation: This word doesn't have common homophones, but learners might invent variations, leading to non-standard usage.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the unicorn (единорог) is often depicted in folklore and fairy tales as a symbol of purity, grace, and protection, similar to Western traditions. It appears in Slavic myths as a guardian of forests or a bringer of good fortune, drawing from ancient pagan influences. This contrasts with more ominous creatures in Russian lore, highlighting the unicorn's positive connotations in literature like Russian folktales and modern fantasy.

Related Concepts:

• дракон (drakon) - Dragon
• феникс (feniks) - Phoenix
• эльф (elf) - Elf