Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vixen'

English Word: vixen

Key Russian Translations:

• лисица (/lʲɪˈsʲit͡sə/) - [Formal; used for the animal or figurative sense]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in literature, wildlife discussions, and idioms, but not in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners need familiarity with feminine noun declensions and basic animal vocabulary, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лисица: /lʲɪˈsʲit͡sə/

Note on лисица: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'л' is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like a soft 'l' as in 'luxury'. Pronounce it with a clear 's' sound in the middle.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A female fox (animal sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лисица - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as wildlife, biology, or storytelling.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу мы увидели лисицу, которая ловко охотилась за добычей.

  In the forest, we saw a vixen that skillfully hunted for prey.

• Лисица в зоопарке была очень активной и игривой.

  The vixen in the zoo was very active and playful.

• Молодые лисицы учатся у матери выживать в дикой природе.

  Young vixens learn from their mother how to survive in the wild.

• Лисица спряталась в норе, чтобы защитить своих детёнышей.

  The vixen hid in her den to protect her cubs.

Meaning 2: A spiteful or quarrelsome woman (figurative sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лисица - Used metaphorically in informal or literary contexts to describe cunning or temperamental behavior, often with a negative connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Она настоящая лисица в переговорах, всегда выходит победительницей.

  She's a real vixen in negotiations, always coming out on top.

• В офисе коллеги считают её лисицей из-за её хитрых манёвров.

  In the office, colleagues see her as a vixen because of her cunning maneuvers.

• Эта лисица в фильме манипулирует всеми вокруг себя.

  This vixen in the movie manipulates everyone around her.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лисица" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has specific changes based on number and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • хитрюга (khitryuga) - More informal, emphasizes trickery in a playful way.
  • плутовка (plutovka) - Used for a mischievous or cunning female, with a lighter connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • ангел (angel) - Implies innocence or kindness, contrasting the cunning nature.
  • тихоня (tikhonya) - Suggests a quiet, unassuming person, opposite to quarrelsome behavior.

Related Phrases:

• Лисица в курятнике (Lisitsa v kuriatnike) - Meaning: A fox in the henhouse; refers to a situation where a cunning person is in a vulnerable environment, often leading to trouble.
• Хвост лисицы (Khvost lisitsy) - Meaning: The fox's tail; used in idioms to describe something deceptive or a clever escape tactic.
• Лисичка-сестричка (Lisichka-sestrichka) - Meaning: Little fox sister; a term from Russian folktales, implying a clever or tricky character in storytelling.

Usage Notes:

"Лисица" directly corresponds to the English "vixen" in both literal and figurative senses, but in Russian, the figurative use often carries a stronger cultural connotation of folklore trickery. It is typically used in formal writing or storytelling for the animal sense and informally in conversations for people. Be cautious with gender-specific applications, as Russian nouns are inherently gendered; avoid it in sensitive contexts to prevent stereotyping. When choosing between translations, opt for "лисица" in most cases, but "хитрюга" for a more playful tone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "лиса" instead of "лисица" for the female fox. Incorrect: "Мы видели лиса." Correct: "Мы видели лисицу." Explanation: "Лиса" is not a standard word; "лисица" is the proper feminine form. English learners often confuse it with masculine forms like "лис" (male fox).

• Error: Overusing in figurative contexts without context. Incorrect: Calling someone "лисица" in a professional setting without irony. Correct: Use in literary or casual discussions. Explanation: This can come across as rude; ensure the context supports metaphorical language.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the fox (лисица) is a iconic figure in folklore, often portrayed as clever and deceptive, as seen in tales like those of Ivan the Fool. This reflects historical associations with survival in harsh environments, symbolizing wit over strength, which adds depth to its use as a metaphor for a "vixen" in English.

Related Concepts:

• лис (lis) - Male fox
• волк (volk) - Wolf, another cunning animal in folklore
• хитрец (khitrets) - A crafty person