Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'waddle'

English Word: waddle

Key Russian Translations:

• ковылять (/kɐˈvɨlʲɪtʲ/) - [Informal, used for unsteady or swaying movements, often describing animals or tired walking]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in descriptive contexts like animal movements or informal descriptions, but not in everyday formal speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it requires understanding of verb conjugation and contextual usage; learners at this level can grasp it with practice)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ковылять: /kɐˈvɨlʲɪtʲ/

Note on ковылять: The stress is on the second syllable (/vɨlʲ/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'л' sound. Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To walk with a swaying, unsteady motion (e.g., like a duck)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ковылять - Used in informal contexts to describe awkward or wobbling walks, such as those of animals or people who are tired or injured.

Usage Examples:

• Утка ковыляет по пруду, размахивая крыльями.

  The duck waddles across the pond, flapping its wings. (This example shows the word in a natural animal context, highlighting physical movement.)

• После долгой прогулки старик ковылял домой, опираясь на палку.

  After a long walk, the old man waddled home, leaning on his stick. (Here, it describes human fatigue in an everyday scenario.)

• Маленький ребенок ковыляет по комнате, пытаясь удержать равновесие.

  The little child waddles around the room, trying to keep balance. (This illustrates use with children or beginners in movement.)

• В зоопарке пингвин ковыляет по льду, привлекая внимание посетителей.

  In the zoo, the penguin waddles on the ice, drawing visitors' attention. (Demonstrates the word in a wildlife or observational context.)

• Под дождем человек в больших ботинках ковыляет по улице.

  In the rain, a person in big boots waddles down the street. (This shows the word in a weather-related or humorous situation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"ковылять" is a verb in the first conjugation group in Russian, which means it follows standard patterns for imperfective verbs. It is imperfective and can be conjugated based on tense, person, and number. Below is a table outlining key inflections:

Note: This verb does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners, but pay attention to the stem changes in certain tenses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шататься (shatatsya) - Similar but implies more instability; used for swaying or staggering.
  • семенить (semenit') - Focuses on quick, short steps, often for small animals or hurried walks.
• Antonyms:
  • идти ровно (idti rvno) - To walk steadily, without swaying.
  • бежать (bezhat') - To run smoothly, implying speed and stability.

Related Phrases:

• ковылять как утка (kovylit' kak utka) - Meaning: To waddle like a duck; used in humorous or descriptive contexts to emphasize awkward walking.
• ковылять по снегу (kovylit' po snegu) - Meaning: To waddle through snow; common in winter scenarios, highlighting difficulty in movement.

Usage Notes:

"ковылять" directly corresponds to the English "waddle" in contexts involving unsteady, swaying motion, but it's more versatile in Russian for describing human fatigue or animal behavior. It's typically informal, so avoid it in formal writing or professional settings. When choosing between synonyms like "шататься," opt for "ковылять" if the emphasis is on short, deliberate steps. Grammatically, ensure correct verb conjugation based on subject and tense for natural usage.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using "ковылять" interchangeably with "ходить" (to walk) without context. Incorrect: "Я хожу ковылять" (nonsensical mix). Correct: "Я ковыляю по улице" (I am waddling down the street). Explanation: "ковылять" implies a specific type of walk; always pair it with appropriate adverbs or contexts to avoid confusion.

• Common Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, e.g., saying /ˈkɐvɨlʲɪtʲ/ instead of /kɐˈvɨlʲɪtʲ/. Correct Pronunciation: Focus on the second syllable. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural and lead to misunderstandings in spoken Russian.

Cultural Notes:

Words like "ковылять" often appear in Russian folklore or literature to describe characters in humorous or pitiful situations, such as in fables where animals exhibit human-like traits. It reflects a cultural appreciation for observing everyday movements, but it doesn't carry deep historical connotations.

Related Concepts:

• шатание (shatanie) - Swaying or staggering.
• покачивание (pokachivanie) - Rocking or swinging motion.
• семя (semyá) - Related to small, quick steps in certain contexts.