zebra
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'zebra'
English Word: zebra
Key Russian Translations:
- зебра [ˈzʲe.brə] - Neutral
Frequency: Low (The word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in contexts related to animals or wildlife.)
Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a straightforward noun with no complex grammar rules.)
Pronunciation (Russian):
зебра: [ˈzʲe.brə]
Note on зебра: The initial 'з' is a voiced alveolar fricative, similar to 'z' in English 'zebra', but the 'е' is pronounced with a soft 'y' sound. Be cautious with the stress on the first syllable.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
A black and white striped African animal of the horse family.
Translation(s) & Context:
- зебра - Used in general, neutral contexts when referring to the animal in wildlife, zoos, or educational discussions.
Usage Examples:
В зоопарке есть зебра, которая очень популярна среди посетителей.
In the zoo, there is a zebra that is very popular among visitors.
Зебра в саванне прячется от хищников с помощью своей полосатой шкуры.
The zebra in the savanna hides from predators using its striped skin.
Дети любят рисовать зебру в своих школьных тетрадях.
Children love drawing a zebra in their school notebooks.
Во время сафари мы увидели стаю зебр, бегущих по равнине.
During the safari, we saw a herd of zebras running across the plain.
Зебра - это символ африканской дикой природы в многих документальных фильмах.
The zebra is a symbol of African wildlife in many documentary films.
Russian Forms/Inflections:
"Зебра" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table of its inflections:
Case | Singular | Plural |
---|---|---|
Nominative | зебра | зебры |
Genitive | зебры | зебр |
Dative | зебре | зебрам |
Accusative | зебру | зебр |
Instrumental | зеброй | зебрами |
Prepositional | зебре | зебрах |
Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for beginners.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms: None directly applicable, as "зебра" is a specific term. Related: африканский конь (African horse) - Used informally to describe zebras in broader animal contexts.
- Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a concrete noun without direct opposites.
Related Phrases:
- Африканская зебра - African zebra; Refers to the species native to Africa, often used in educational or wildlife discussions.
- Полосатая зебра - Striped zebra; Emphasizes the animal's distinctive appearance in descriptive contexts.
- Зебра в зоопарке - Zebra in the zoo; A common phrase for everyday references to captive animals.
Usage Notes:
This translation corresponds directly to the English "zebra" as a noun referring to the animal. It is neutral and can be used in formal or informal settings without restrictions. When discussing wildlife, pair it with adjectives for specificity (e.g., "африканская зебра"). Grammatically, ensure correct case agreement, as Russian requires nouns to change based on their role in the sentence. For multiple translations, "зебра" is the standard and most common choice, with no alternatives needed unless emphasizing regional varieties.
Common Errors:
Error: Mispronouncing as [zʲe'bra] with stress on the wrong syllable. Correct: [ˈzʲe.brə] with stress on the first syllable. Explanation: Russian stress patterns can be tricky for English speakers; always emphasize the first syllable to avoid confusion in spoken language.
Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу зебры" when it should be "Я вижу зебру" in accusative singular. Correct: Adjust for case based on context. Explanation: English learners often overlook Russian case systems, leading to grammatical errors; practice with sentence structures to master this.
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, "зебра" is not deeply tied to specific folklore or traditions, but it often appears in children's literature and educational media as a symbol of African wildlife. It may evoke images of safaris or documentaries, reflecting Russia's interest in global animal conservation, especially through programs like those in Moscow Zoo.
Related Concepts:
- лошадь (horse)
- антилопа (antelope)
- саванна (savanna)