Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'absinth'

English Word: absinth

Key Russian Translations:

• абсент /ɐˈbsʲent/ - [Formal, refers to the alcoholic beverage]
• полынь /pɐˈlɨnʲ/ - [Informal, primarily for the plant; Plural forms exist]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions of beverages or botany, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to drinks or herbs; For 'абсент', it's straightforward, but 'полынь' may vary by context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

абсент: /ɐˈbsʲent/

полынь: /pɐˈlɨnʲ/ (Note on полынь: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'ы' sound can be challenging for English speakers as it doesn't have a direct equivalent; Pronounce it with a short, centralized vowel.)

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The alcoholic beverage made from wormwood and other herbs

Translation(s) & Context:

• абсент - Used in formal or culinary contexts, such as describing drinks in bars or historical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я предпочитаю абсент в чистом виде, без добавок.

  I prefer absinth neat, without additives. (This example shows the noun in a nominative case in a simple declarative sentence.)

• В этом баре подают настоящий абсент из Франции.

  In this bar, they serve real absinth from France. (Demonstrates usage in a locative context, emphasizing origin.)

• Абсент может быть опасным, если злоупотреблять.

  Absinth can be dangerous if abused. (Illustrates the noun with a warning, in a genitive context implying possession or association.)

• Он заказал абсент с сахаром и водой.

  He ordered absinth with sugar and water. (Shows the noun in an instrumental case, common in recipes or drink preparations.)

Meaning 2: The wormwood plant or herb

Translation(s) & Context:

• полынь - Used in informal, botanical, or medicinal contexts, often in plural forms when referring to types of the plant.

Usage Examples:

• Полынь растет в диких полях и используется в народной медицине.

  Wormwood grows in wild fields and is used in folk medicine. (This example highlights the noun in a nominative case within a descriptive sentence.)

• Из полыни делают отвары для лечения желудка.

  From wormwood, they make decoctions for treating the stomach. (Demonstrates genitive case in a process-oriented context.)

• Эта полынь имеет горький вкус, как в абсенте.

  This wormwood has a bitter taste, like in absinth. (Shows comparative usage, linking to the first meaning.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Абсент' is a masculine inanimate noun, following the standard second declension pattern with regular inflections. 'Полынь' is a feminine noun, also with regular inflections but can vary in plural forms.

Note: 'Абсент' is less commonly used in plural, as it often refers to a specific drink.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: горькая настойка (slightly less formal, emphasizes bitterness), артишоковый ликер (for similar herbal liqueurs)
• Antonyms: безалкогольный напиток (non-alcoholic drink, as it contrasts with the intoxicating nature)

Related Phrases:

• Зеленый абсент - Green absinth (Refers to the traditional variety, often associated with its color from herbs.)
• Абсент с огнем - Absinth with fire (A preparation method involving flaming, common in mixology contexts.)
• Полынь в чае - Wormwood in tea (Used in herbal remedies, implying medicinal use.)

Usage Notes:

'Абсент' directly corresponds to the English 'absinth' as a beverage and is used in formal settings like bars or literature, but avoid it in casual talk unless specifying drinks. 'Полынь' is more versatile for the plant and can appear in both singular and plural forms depending on context. When choosing between translations, use 'абсент' for alcoholic contexts and 'полынь' for botanical ones. Grammatically, always decline according to Russian cases for accurate sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'абсент' without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я пью абсент" incorrectly in certain cases. Correct: In dative, it should be "Я пью абсенту" in specific contexts like "to absinth." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; English speakers often forget this, leading to grammatical errors.
• Error: Confusing 'абсент' with 'полынь' in beverage contexts, e.g., saying "Этот напиток сделан из полыни" when referring to absinth. Correct: Use 'абсент' for the drink. Explanation: This mix-up stems from their shared ingredient, but they are distinct; precision avoids misunderstanding.

Cultural Notes:

'Абсент' carries a rich cultural history in Russia, often linked to 19th-century European bohemian culture, as popularized by artists like Van Gogh. In Russian contexts, it's associated with forbidden or exotic drinks, symbolizing rebellion or creativity, though modern regulations have made it safer and more accessible.

Related Concepts:

• вермут
• травяные настои
• горькие травы