зайчик
zaychik
The English phrase "little bunny" is translated into Russian as зайчик (zaychik).
зайчик refers to a small or cute rabbit. Beyond describing an animal, it is frequently used as a term of endearment for children or romantic partners, similar to how one might use "sweetie" or "honey" in English.
Which one should you use?
зайчик is a diminutive form used to convey cuteness or smallness, whereas the standard Russian word for a rabbit or hare is заяц.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase as a direct object in a sentence (for example, in the sentence "I see a little bunny"), the form changes from зайчик to зайчика.
How do you pronounce it?
zaychik
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word зайчик is used to describe the shimmering spots of light that dance on a surface when a mirror reflects the sun.
- The term зайчик is grammatically masculine, yet it is used as a gender-neutral pet name for both men and women.
- Unlike many Western children's stories where rabbits are heroes, in Russian folklore, the 'little bunny' is traditionally a timid and easily frightened character.
Examples in context
- Ты мой зайчик.You're my little bunny.This sentence demonstrates how to use зайчик as a term of endearment.Tatoeba #3503016 by al_ex_an_der, translation #10624870 by AlanF_US
- Привет, мой маленький кролик. Как ты сегодня?Hello, my little bunny. How are you today?
- Спокойной ночи, маленький зайчик. Пусть твои сны будут мягкими.Good night, little bunny. May your dreams be soft.
- Смотри, какой милый зайчик!Smotri, kakoy milyy zaychik!Look, what a cute little bunny!
- Маленький зайчик прыгает по траве.Malen'kiy zaychik prygayet po trave.A little bunny is jumping through the grass.
Example conversation
Sergey is waking up their child.
- Сергей SergeyПросыпайся, зайчик!Prosypaysya, zaychik!Wake up, little bunny!
- Мария MariaЯ еще хочу спать.Ya eshche khochu spat.I still want to sleep.
- Сергей SergeyПора вставать и завтракать.Pora vstavat i zavtrakat.It is time to get up and have breakfast.
- Мария MariaХорошо, я иду.Khorosho, ya idu.Okay, I am coming.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
