Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vole'

English Word: vole

Key Russian Translations:

• полевка [pɐˈlʲefkə] - [Common noun, used in general contexts for small rodents; Informal/Neutral]

Frequency: Medium - The word is encountered in contexts like biology, nature discussions, or wildlife descriptions, but not in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and animal vocabulary; suitable for learners with some intermediate proficiency in CEFR standards.

Pronunciation (Russian):

полевка: [pɐˈlʲefkə]

Note on полевка: The 'л' is a soft 'l' sound (palatalized), which can be challenging for English speakers; pronounce it as in "million" in English. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small rodent similar to a mouse, often found in fields or forests.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полевка - Used in neutral or scientific contexts to describe the animal, especially in wildlife, ecology, or everyday observations of nature.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу часто встречается полевка, которая роет норы в земле.

  In the forest, you often encounter a vole that digs burrows in the ground.

• Полевка — это маленькое животное, которое может наносить ущерб урожаю в поле.

  A vole is a small animal that can damage crops in the field.

• Дети наблюдали за полевкой в саду, изучая её повадки.

  The children observed the vole in the garden, studying its habits.

• В зоопарке полевка живёт в специальном вольере, чтобы защитить её от хищников.

  In the zoo, the vole lives in a special enclosure to protect it from predators.

• Полевка иногда путается с мышкой, но она имеет более короткий хвост.

  A vole is sometimes confused with a mouse, but it has a shorter tail.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Полевка" is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard noun inflections for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • рыжая полевка (refers to a specific type, like the red-backed vole; used in more precise biological contexts)
  • полевой мышонок (a colloquial variant, implying a field mouse; less formal)
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific animal name without direct opposites. However, related concepts might include larger predators like "лиса" (fox).

Related Phrases:

• Полевка в саду - A vole in the garden; refers to common sightings in residential areas and the potential for crop damage.
• Рыться как полевка - To dig like a vole; an idiomatic expression for someone who digs or searches frantically.
• Полевка и её норы - The vole and its burrows; used in educational or nature contexts to describe animal behavior.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "полевка" directly corresponds to the English "vole" as a neutral term for this rodent. It is most commonly used in informal or educational settings, such as wildlife discussions, and can be adapted to formal contexts like scientific writing. When choosing this word, ensure it fits the context—avoid confusion with "мышь" (mouse). Grammatically, always treat it as a feminine noun, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "малая полевка" for "small vole"). If multiple translations exist, opt for "полевка" in general scenarios and specify subtypes for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "полевка" with "мышь" (mouse) and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Это мышь в поле." (This is a mouse in the field, implying a house mouse). Correct: "Это полевка в поле." (This is a vole in the field). Explanation: While both are rodents, "полевка" specifically denotes field-dwelling voles, so misuse can lead to inaccuracy in descriptions.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly in sentences. Incorrect: "Я видел полевка." (I saw vole, without proper case). Correct: "Я видел полевку." (I saw a vole, accusative case). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must pay attention to sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, voles like "полевка" are often referenced in folklore and literature as symbols of rural life and resilience. For instance, in classic works by authors like Tolstoy, small animals such as voles represent the interconnectedness of nature and human activities in the countryside, emphasizing themes of survival in harsh environments.

Related Concepts:

• мышь (mouse)
• кролик (rabbit)
• белка (squirrel)