Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Alga'

English Word: alga

Key Russian Translations:

• водоросль [vədɐˈroslʲ] - [Singular, Neutral]
• водоросли [vədɐˈroslʲɪ] - [Plural, Common]

Frequency: Medium (used in scientific and educational contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

водоросль: [vədɐˈroslʲ]

Note on водоросль: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'л' sound is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian.

водоросли: [vədɐˈroslʲɪ]

Note on водоросли: Similar to the singular form, but with a plural ending. Stress remains on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A simple, non-flowering aquatic plant (Scientific/Biological Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• водоросль / водоросли - Used in scientific discussions, textbooks, or when referring to algae in general (singular for one type, plural for multiple).

Usage Examples:

• В озере растёт зелёная водоросль.

  A green alga grows in the lake.

• Водоросли играют важную роль в экосистеме океана.

  Algae play an important role in the ocean ecosystem.

• Мы изучаем водоросли на уроке биологии.

  We are studying algae in biology class.

• Эта водоросль используется в косметике.

  This alga is used in cosmetics.

• Водоросли могут быть источником питания.

  Algae can be a source of food.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

водоросль (Singular, Feminine Noun): Follows the standard feminine declension pattern in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular form:

водоросли (Plural, Feminine Noun): Declension table for plural form:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• ламинария (specific type of algae, often seaweed)

Note: "ламинария" is more specific and usually refers to kelp or seaweed, unlike the general term "водоросль".

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (as "alga" lacks a clear opposite in biological terms).

Related Phrases:

• морские водоросли - Marine algae (often used in food or cosmetics contexts).
• зелёные водоросли - Green algae (used in scientific classification).
• водоросли для аквариума - Aquarium algae (common in pet care discussions).

Usage Notes:

• The singular form "водоросль" is less common in everyday speech and is typically used when referring to a specific type or instance of algae. The plural "водоросли" is far more frequent, especially in general or scientific discussions.
• These terms are neutral in register and can be used in both formal (scientific papers) and informal (casual conversation about nature) contexts.
• Be aware of the grammatical gender (feminine) when using adjectives or verbs with these nouns.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular form "водоросль" when referring to algae in general. Incorrect: "В озере много водоросль." Correct: "В озере много водорослей." (Explanation: The genitive plural form "водорослей" is required after "много".)
• Error: Mispronouncing the stress. Many learners stress the first syllable, but the correct stress is on the second syllable: [vədɐˈroslʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "водоросли" (algae) often appear in discussions about health and nutrition, as seaweed and other algae are used in traditional dishes (e.g., in Far Eastern Russian cuisine) and modern health products. Additionally, algae are a common topic in environmental discussions, especially concerning water pollution in lakes and rivers.

Related Concepts:

• ламинария (kelp/seaweed)
• фитопланктон (phytoplankton)
• экосистема (ecosystem)