Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bloom'

English Word: bloom

Key Russian Translations:

• цвести [tsvʲeˈtʲi] - [Verb, Used for flowering or blooming of plants]
• расцвет [rɐsˈt͡svʲet] - [Noun, Used metaphorically for peak or flourishing]
• цветение [tsvʲeˈtʲenʲɪje] - [Noun, Refers to the act or period of blooming]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "цвести" and "цветение"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for metaphorical use of "расцвет"

Pronunciation (Russian):

цвести: [tsvʲeˈtʲi]

Note on цвести: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "ц" sound is a distinct Russian affricate, similar to "ts" in "cats."

расцвет: [rɐsˈt͡svʲet]

Note on расцвет: Stress on the second syllable; ensure the "р" is rolled slightly.

цветение: [tsvʲeˈtʲenʲɪje]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal Meaning (Flowering of plants)

Translation(s) & Context:

• цвести - Used as a verb to describe plants or flowers blooming.
• цветение - Used as a noun to describe the process or period of blooming.

Usage Examples:

• Розы начали цвести в мае.

  The roses started to bloom in May.

• Цветение сакуры привлекает туристов.

  The blooming of cherry blossoms attracts tourists.

• Этот куст будет цвести всё лето.

  This bush will bloom all summer.

2. Figurative Meaning (Flourishing or Peak)

Translation(s) & Context:

• расцвет - Used as a noun to describe a peak or flourishing, often for culture, career, or personal growth.

Usage Examples:

• Её карьера находится в расцвете.

  Her career is in full bloom.

• Расцвет культуры пришёлся на XVIII век.

  The bloom of culture occurred in the 18th century.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

цвести (Verb, Imperfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ти. Below is the present tense conjugation:

расцвет (Noun, Masculine): Follows standard masculine declension rules. Singular nominative: расцвет; Genitive: расцвета; etc.

цветение (Noun, Neuter): Follows standard neuter declension rules. Singular nominative: цветение; Genitive: цветения; etc.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for цвести:

• распускаться (to open up, blossom)
• процветать (to thrive, often figurative)

Note: "распускаться" is more specific to the physical opening of flowers, while "процветать" is often used metaphorically.

Antonyms for цвести/расцвет:

• увядать (to wither, to fade)
• угасать (to die out, often figurative)

Related Phrases:

• цвести и пахнуть - Literally "to bloom and smell," meaning to look healthy and vibrant.
• в полном расцвете сил - "In the full bloom of strength," meaning at the peak of one’s abilities.
• время цветения - "Blooming time," referring to the season or period of blooming.

Usage Notes:

• "цвести" is primarily used for literal blooming of plants or flowers and is a verb. It is the most direct translation for the action of blooming.
• "расцвет" is a noun and often used metaphorically to describe a peak or flourishing in non-literal contexts, such as personal or cultural growth.
• "цветение" is a noun referring to the process or state of blooming, often used in scientific or descriptive contexts.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they are not interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "расцвет" as a verb. Incorrect: *Я расцветаю (I bloom). Correct: Я цвету (I bloom).

  Explanation: "расцвет" is a noun and cannot be conjugated as a verb. Use "цвести" for the verb form.

• Error: Using "цветение" to describe a person’s flourishing. Incorrect: *Его цветение в карьере. Correct: Его расцвет в карьере.

  Explanation: "цветение" refers to literal blooming, while "расцвет" is appropriate for metaphorical flourishing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the imagery of blooming, especially through expressions like "цвести и пахнуть" (to bloom and smell), is often associated with vitality and good health. Additionally, the blooming of certain flowers, like lilacs or cherry blossoms, holds symbolic importance in literature and seasonal celebrations.

Related Concepts:

• рост (growth)
• процветание (prosperity)
• весна (spring, often associated with blooming)