Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'zoo'

English Word: zoo

Key Russian Translations:

• зоопарк /zɐˈopark/ - [Formal, Singular, Used for public animal enclosures]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversation, especially in contexts like family outings or education, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "дом" for house.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers due to phonetic similarities, but requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

зоопарк: /zɐˈopark/

Note on зоопарк: The stress is on the third syllable ('park'), which can be tricky for beginners. Pronounce the 'з' as a voiced 'z' sound, similar to English, and roll the 'р' slightly if speaking in a standard Russian accent.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A place where wild animals are kept for public viewing and study.

Translation(s) & Context:

• зоопарк - Used in formal and informal contexts for zoos in urban or educational settings, such as city parks or wildlife reserves.

Usage Examples:

• Я вчера ходил в зоопарк с семьёй. (I went to the zoo with my family yesterday.)

  This example shows the word in a simple past tense sentence, highlighting everyday leisure activities.

• В зоопарке есть слоны, тигры и другие редкие животные. (In the zoo, there are elephants, tigers, and other rare animals.)

  Here, it demonstrates the word in a descriptive context, often used in conversations about wildlife or educational visits.

• Дети любят посещать зоопарк в выходные. (Children love visiting the zoo on weekends.)

  This illustrates the word in a habitual action context, emphasizing its role in family or recreational language.

• Зоопарк в Москве один из самых больших в Европе. (The zoo in Moscow is one of the largest in Europe.)

  This example places the word in a comparative or geographical context, suitable for travel or factual discussions.

• Мы планируем построить новый зоопарк в нашем городе. (We are planning to build a new zoo in our city.)

  This shows future tense usage, often in planning or developmental conversations.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"зоопарк" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "зоопарк" typically refers to a single entity, but they apply in contexts discussing multiple zoos.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • зоосад (zoological garden; often used interchangeably, but implies a more garden-like setting with less emphasis on enclosures)
  • животноводческий парк (animal husbandry park; more formal and scientific, used in professional contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • дикий лес (wild forest; implies untamed nature, contrasting with controlled environments)
  • свободная природа (free nature; used to denote areas without human intervention)

Related Phrases:

• пойти в зоопарк - To go to the zoo (Common for leisure activities, e.g., family outings).
• зоопарк для детей - Zoo for children (Refers to child-friendly zoos, often with educational programs).
• посетить зоопарк в выходные - To visit the zoo on weekends (Emphasizes recreational use in casual contexts).

Usage Notes:

"Зоопарк" directly corresponds to the English "zoo" and is the most accurate translation in standard Russian. It is versatile across formal and informal settings but is more common in spoken language for everyday topics like travel or education. When choosing between synonyms like "зоосад," opt for it if the context emphasizes botanical elements. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., большой зоопарк for "big zoo"). In regional dialects, variations might occur, but standard Russian uses this form universally.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misplace the stress, saying /zoˈopark/ instead of /zɐˈopark/, which can make the word sound unnatural. Correct usage: Always stress the third syllable. Example of error: "Я хожу в zo'опарк" (incorrect pronunciation); Correct: "Я хожу в зоо'парк".

• Confusing it with "зоопарковый" (adjectival form), leading to incorrect sentence structures. Example of error: "Зоопарк животные" (awkward and incorrect); Correct: "Животные в зоопарке". This error stems from not understanding noun cases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, zoos like the Moscow Zoo hold cultural significance as family-friendly destinations that promote education about wildlife. They often tie into national pride, with exhibits showcasing local fauna, reflecting Russia's vast natural heritage. Historically, zoos emerged in the 19th century as symbols of modernization and scientific progress, making them more than just entertainment—they embody a connection to Russia's environmental legacy.

Related Concepts:

• животные (animals)
• сафари (safari)
• национальный парк (national park)