Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cactus'

English Word: cactus

Key Russian Translations:

• кактус [ˈkaktʊs] - [Neutral, Singular]
• кактусы [ˈkaktʊsɨ] - [Neutral, Plural]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

кактус: [ˈkaktʊs]

Note on кактус: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'у' is pronounced like the 'oo' in 'book'.

кактусы: [ˈkaktʊsɨ]

Note on кактусы: Stress remains on the first syllable. The ending '-ы' indicates plural form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A type of desert plant with spines

Translation(s) & Context:

• кактус - Used to refer to a single cactus plant in any context (botanical, decorative, etc.).
• кактусы - Refers to multiple cacti, often in general discussions or descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• У меня дома растёт кактус.

  I have a cactus growing at home.

• Кактусы могут выживать без воды месяцами.

  Cacti can survive without water for months.

• Этот кактус цветёт раз в год.

  This cactus blooms once a year.

• В пустыне растут разные виды кактусов.

  Different types of cacti grow in the desert.

• Осторожно, у кактуса острые колючки!

  Be careful, the cactus has sharp spines!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кактус is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Нет точных синонимов (No direct synonyms, as "кактус" is a specific term)

Antonyms:

• Нет прямых антонимов (No direct antonyms, as it is a concrete noun)

Note: Synonyms or related terms may exist in specific botanical contexts but are not commonly used in everyday language.

Related Phrases:

• цветущий кактус - A blooming cactus (refers to a cactus in flower).
• колючки кактуса - Cactus spines (refers to the sharp parts of a cactus).
• выращивать кактусы - To grow cacti (used in the context of gardening or hobbies).

Usage Notes:

• The word "кактус" is a direct borrowing from Latin via other European languages, so it sounds similar to "cactus" and is easy for English speakers to recognize.
• Use "кактус" for a single plant and "кактусы" for multiple plants. The plural form is more common in general discussions about the species.
• This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal (e.g., scientific texts) and informal (e.g., casual conversation) contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect plural form. English speakers might mistakenly say "кактуса" instead of "кактусы" for plural.

  Incorrect: У меня есть два кактуса. (Wrong plural form)

  Correct: У меня есть два кактусы.

  Explanation: "Кактуса" is the genitive singular form, not plural. Use "кактусы" for nominative plural.

• Error: Misplacing stress. Some learners stress the second syllable ([kakˈtʊs]) instead of the first ([ˈkaktʊs]).

  Explanation: Always stress the first syllable for correct pronunciation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cacti are often associated with resilience and survival due to their ability to thrive in harsh conditions. They are popular houseplants in Russia, especially among those who appreciate low-maintenance greenery. The word "кактус" does not carry significant idiomatic or symbolic meaning beyond its literal sense.

Related Concepts:

• пустыня (desert)
• колючка (spine/thorn)
• суккулент (succulent)