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животное — meaning in English: animal

zhivotnoye · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for pet
неделю
nedelyu
ткани
tkani
животное
zhivotnoye
медицина
meditsina
инженерная
inzhenernaya
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'животное' in various contexts, such as discussing pets, wildlife, or in educational settings about biology. For instance, one might say, 'В зоопарке много животных,' meaning 'There are many animals in the zoo,' when talking about a visit to a zoo or a wildlife reserve.
Synonyms & nuances
'Животное' is a general term for 'animal', while 'зверь' specifically refers to a wild or fierce animal. You would choose 'животное' for broader discussions about any type of animal, but 'зверь' would be more appropriate when emphasizing a wild nature.
Culture
'Животное' stems from the root 'живот', which translates to 'belly' or 'stomach', reflecting how animals are often perceived in relation to their physical bodies. In Russian culture, animals play a significant role in folklore and literature, symbolizing various traits and characteristics, from loyalty in dogs to cunning in foxes.
FAQ
Q.What is the plural form of животное?
The plural form of 'животное' is 'животные'. This is commonly used when referring to multiple animals.
Q.Can животное be used in scientific contexts?
'Животное' can certainly be used in scientific contexts, such as biology, to refer to animals as a major category in taxonomy. However, more specific terms might be preferred depending on the focus of the discussion.
Q.Is there a common mistake when using животное?
A common mistake is confusing the word 'животное' with 'живой' (alive). While 'животное' refers to animals in general, 'живой' is used to describe something that is alive. Make sure to use 'животное' when specifically talking about animals.
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