морская свинка
morskaya svinka
The English phrase 'guinea pig' is translated into Russian as морская свинка (morskaya svinka).
The term морская свинка refers specifically to the animal. However, if you are using the English idiom 'guinea pig' to describe a human being used as an experimental subject, Russians typically use the phrase подопытный кролик, which means 'experimental rabbit'.
Meaning: experimental subject (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase морская свинка literally translates to 'sea pig'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes its form depending on its role in a sentence. Use морской свинки for the genitive case, such as when saying 'without a guinea pig' (без морской свинки). Use морскую свинку for the accusative case, such as for a direct object in 'I see a guinea pig' (Я вижу морскую свинку).
How do you pronounce it?
morskaya svinka
What mistakes should you avoid?
When referring to a person used for experimentation, avoid using морская свинка and use подопытный кролик instead.
Did you know?
- The term морская свинка is a direct translation of the German word 'Meerschweinchen' via the Polish language.
- The word свинка is a diminutive, more affectionate form of the word for pig. This gives the Russian name for the animal a slightly cuter, more domestic connotation than the English 'guinea pig'.
Examples in context
- У вас морская свинка?Do you have a guinea pig?This sentence is useful for asking if someone owns the animal.Tatoeba #13865783 by marafon, translation #13865762 by Simoon
- У меня есть морская свинка.I have a guinea pig.This sentence is useful for stating that you own the animal.Tatoeba #10097566 by Selena777, translation #8155347 by CM
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry asks Olga to try a new recipe.
- Дмитрий DmitryОльга, попробуй этот новый соус!Olga, poprobuy etot novyy sous!Olga, try this new sauce!
- Ольга OlgaЯ что, для тебя морская свинка?Ya shto, dlya tebya morskaya svinka?Am I a guinea pig to you?
- Дмитрий DmitryНет, просто он очень вкусный.Net, prosto on ochen' vkusnyy.No, it's just very tasty.
- Ольга OlgaЛадно, я попробую кусочек.Ladno, ya poprobuyu kusochek.Fine, I'll try a piece.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries морская свинка, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
