Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'algae'

English Word: algae

Key Russian Translations:

• водоросли [vədɐˈroslʲɪ] - [Plural, Formal, Scientific or everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, environmental, and biological discussions, but less frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and scientific vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

водоросли: [vədɐˈroslʲɪ]

Note on водоросли: The stress is on the third syllable ("ros-"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'l' sound (palatalized). Pronounce it with a clear 'v' at the start and a rolling 'r' if possible.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological organisms (e.g., simple aquatic plants or seaweeds)

Translation(s) & Context:

• водоросли - Used in contexts discussing marine life, ecology, or biology; appropriate for formal writing, scientific reports, or educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• В океане обитают разнообразные водоросли, которые являются основой морской цепи питания.

  In the ocean, various algae inhabit, serving as the foundation of the marine food chain.

• Учёные изучают, как водоросли влияют на качество воды в реках.

  Scientists are studying how algae affect the water quality in rivers.

• Морские водоросли часто используются в кулинарии для приготовления салатов.

  Marine algae are often used in cooking for making salads.

• Из-за загрязнения водоросли быстро размножаются в озёрах.

  Due to pollution, algae multiply rapidly in lakes.

• Водоросли могут производить кислород, помогая поддерживать экосистему.

  Algae can produce oxygen, helping to sustain the ecosystem.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Водоросли" is a feminine plural noun in Russian, derived from "водоросль" (singular form, though less commonly used). It follows standard first-declension patterns for feminine nouns but is typically used in plural form. The word is invariable in some contexts but can inflect based on case and number.

Note: The singular form "водоросль" is less common and may not inflect regularly in all dialects, but the plural is standard and follows predictable patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • морские растения (morskije rastenija) - More general term for sea plants, often interchangeable in casual contexts.
  • альги (algi) - Borrowed from English/Greek, used in scientific contexts with slight nuance toward microscopic forms.
• Antonyms:
  • сухопутные растения (suhoputnyje rastenija) - Land plants, contrasting with aquatic environments.

Related Phrases:

• Морские водоросли (Morskije vodorasli) - Meaning: Marine algae; Used in discussions about ocean ecosystems or cuisine.
• Зелёные водоросли (Zeljonyje vodorasli) - Meaning: Green algae; Refers to a specific type, often in biological studies.
• Водоросли в аквариуме (Vodorasli v akvariume) - Meaning: Algae in an aquarium; Common in hobbyist contexts for fish tanks.

Usage Notes:

"Водоросли" directly corresponds to the English "algae" as a plural noun, emphasizing its role in aquatic environments. It is neutral in tone and can be used across formal and informal settings, but prefer it in scientific or educational contexts. When translating, ensure agreement with Russian case structures; for example, use the genitive form "водорослей" after prepositions like "из" (from). If multiple translations exist, choose "водоросли" for general purposes and "альги" for highly technical discussions to avoid confusion.

• In sentences, it often pairs with verbs like "расти" (to grow) or "влияет" (affects).
• Be mindful of gender agreement: as a feminine noun, adjectives must agree (e.g., "зелёные водоросли").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular "водоросль" incorrectly when referring to multiple algae. Correct: "Водоросли в океане" instead of "Водоросль в океане." Explanation: Russian defaults to plural for "algae," so singular might imply a specific type and sound unnatural.

• Error: Mispronouncing as [voh-doh-ROS-lee] without the soft 'l'. Correct Pronunciation: [vədɐˈroslʲɪ], with palatalization. Explanation: This can alter meaning or make the word harder to understand for native speakers.

• Error: Confusing with "водороди" (a misspelling or confusion with "водород" meaning hydrogen). Correct: Always use "водоросли" for algae. Explanation: This is a common mix-up for beginners due to similar-sounding roots.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "водоросли" often appears in contexts related to environmental conservation, as Russia has vast aquatic resources like the Black Sea and Lake Baikal. Additionally, algae are integral to traditional cuisine in coastal regions, such as in salads or as a health supplement, reflecting a broader appreciation for natural resources in Russian folklore and modern ecology movements.

Related Concepts:

• планктон (plankton)
• морские организмы (marine organisms)
• экосистема (ecosystem)