Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'berry'

English Word: berry

Key Russian Translations:

• ягода [ˈjaɡədə] - [General, Singular]
• ягоды [ˈjaɡədɨ] - [Plural]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday speech)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

ягода: [ˈjaɡədə]

Note on ягода: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'я' sounds like 'ya' in 'yard'.

ягоды: [ˈjaɡədɨ]

Note on ягоды: Stress remains on the first syllable; the plural ending '-ы' sounds like 'i' in 'bit'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small, pulpy fruit (literal meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ягода - Used for a single berry, often in a general or scientific context.
• ягоды - Refers to multiple berries, common in everyday speech (e.g., picking berries).

Usage Examples:

• На кусте выросла спелая ягода.

  A ripe berry grew on the bush.

• Мы собрали много ягод в лесу.

  We picked a lot of berries in the forest.

• Эта ягода очень сладкая.

  This berry is very sweet.

• Ягоды полезны для здоровья.

  Berries are good for health.

• Она купила ягоды на рынке.

  She bought berries at the market.

2. Figurative or colloquial use (e.g., term of endearment)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ягода - Occasionally used as a term of endearment, similar to "sweetie" in English, though less common.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, моя ягода!

  Hello, my berry! (term of endearment)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ягода (singular) - Feminine noun, follows the first declension pattern in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• плод (fruit, in a broader sense)

Note: "плод" is broader and can refer to any fruit, while "ягода" specifically means berry.

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms exist for "ягода".

Related Phrases:

• лесные ягоды - Forest berries (refers to wild berries like blueberries or raspberries).
• ягода малина - Raspberry berry (specifically refers to raspberries, often used affectionately).
• собирать ягоды - To pick berries (a common activity in rural areas).

Usage Notes:

• The word "ягода" is used for small fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. However, in Russian, some fruits classified as berries in English (e.g., tomatoes) are not called "ягода".
• Use the singular "ягода" when referring to one berry or the concept in general, and the plural "ягоды" when talking about multiple berries.
• In informal contexts, "ягода" can sometimes be used as a playful or affectionate term, though this is rare.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ягода" for fruits that are not berries in Russian (e.g., calling a tomato "ягода"). Correction: A tomato is "помидор" in Russian, not "ягода".
• Error: Incorrect case usage, such as saying "ягоды" in a singular context. Correction: Use "ягода" for singular and ensure proper declension based on the sentence structure (see table above).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, picking wild berries (лесные ягоды) in forests during summer is a cherished tradition, especially in rural areas. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and lingonberries are often used in jams, pies, and traditional drinks like "морс" (a berry-based beverage).

Related Concepts:

• фрукт (fruit)
• плод (fruit, in a broader or scientific sense)
• варенье (jam, often made from berries)