золотая рыбка
zolotaya rybka
The English phrase goldfish is translated into Russian as золотая рыбка (zolotaya rybka).
Meaning: fish (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective золотая (golden) and the diminutive form of the noun рыбка (little fish).
How does it change in a sentence?
While золотая рыбка is the default nominative form, it changes based on its role in a sentence. When the phrase is the direct object of a verb, such as in 'I see a goldfish', use the accusative form золотую рыбку. The genitive form золотой рыбки is used to indicate possession or after a negation, such as in 'I don't have a goldfish'.
How do you pronounce it?
zolotaya rybka
Did you know?
- In Russian folklore, a золотая рыбка is a magical creature that grants three wishes to whoever catches it, similar to a genie in a lamp.
- In some Russian contexts, calling a person a рыбка is a common term of endearment for a romantic partner, regardless of whether they like fish.
- The word рыбка uses the suffix -ка to create a diminutive, which in Russian is often used to express affection or cuteness rather than just a small size.
Examples in context
- У меня умерла золотая рыбка.My goldfish died.This sentence is useful for stating that a золотая рыбка has died.Tatoeba #5584978 by sharptoothed, translation #2806269 by Hybrid
- Сколько может прожить золотая рыбка?How long can a goldfish live?This sentence is useful for asking about the lifespan of a золотая рыбка.Tatoeba #8556299 by marafon, translation #13715834 by zogwarg
- В пруду плавает большая золотая рыбка.A large goldfish swims in the pond.This sentence is useful for describing a large золотая рыбка swimming in a pond.Tatoeba #12426825 by marafon, translation #5141189 by Catriona
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dmitry are at a pet store.
- Мария MariaСмотри, какая красивая золотая рыбка!Smotri, kakaya krasivaya zolotaya rybka!Look, what a beautiful goldfish!
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, но нам нужен аквариум побольше.Da, no nam nuzhen akvarium pobol'she.Yes, but we need a larger aquarium.
- Мария MariaТы хочешь купить эту золотую рыбку?Ty khochesh' kupit' etu zolotuyu rybku?Do you want to buy this goldfish?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, давай возьмём её.Da, davay voz'mëm ye-yo.Yes, let's take her.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries рыбка, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
