Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Carnation'

English Word: Carnation

Key Russian Translations:

• гвоздика [ɡvɐˈzdʲikə] - [Common, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium (often used in contexts related to flowers, gardening, and celebrations)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate, due to straightforward usage but specific context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гвоздика: [ɡvɐˈzdʲikə]

Note on гвоздика: Stress falls on the second syllable. The initial 'гв' cluster can be challenging for non-native speakers; ensure the 'г' is voiced and followed by a clear 'в' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A type of flower (primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гвоздика - Refers to the carnation flower, often associated with beauty and celebrations in Russian culture.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил букет гвоздик для мамы на день рождения.

  I bought a bouquet of carnations for my mom on her birthday.

• Гвоздики часто дарят на праздники, особенно ветеранам.

  Carnations are often given during holidays, especially to veterans.

• В саду у нас растут красные и белые гвоздики.

  Red and white carnations grow in our garden.

• Она прикрепила гвоздику к своему платью как украшение.

  She pinned a carnation to her dress as a decoration.

• Гвоздика символизирует уважение и память в нашей культуре.

  The carnation symbolizes respect and remembrance in our culture.

2. Clove (spice) - Secondary and less common meaning

Translation(s) & Context:

• гвоздика - Can also mean 'clove' (spice), though context usually clarifies the meaning.

Usage Examples:

• Добавь гвоздику в глинтвейн для аромата.

  Add cloves to the mulled wine for flavor.

• Гвоздика часто используется в восточной кухне.

  Cloves are often used in Eastern cuisine.

• У тебя есть гвоздика для этого рецепта?

  Do you have cloves for this recipe?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

гвоздика is a feminine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in '-а'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for гвоздика (flower):

• нет точных синонимов, но может упоминаться как "цветок" (generic term for flower)

Antonyms for гвоздика (flower):

• нет прямых антонимов

Note: Synonyms are limited as 'гвоздика' is a specific term for carnation or clove. Context determines the meaning.

Related Phrases:

• букет гвоздик - A bouquet of carnations (common gift for celebrations or memorials).
• красная гвоздика - Red carnation (symbol of remembrance, especially for veterans in Russia).
• гвоздика в петлице - Carnation in the lapel (worn as a decorative element).

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word 'гвоздика' can mean both 'carnation' (flower) and 'clove' (spice). Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.
• In the context of flowers, 'гвоздика' is often associated with respect, memory, and celebrations, especially in post-Soviet countries where red carnations are given to veterans on Victory Day (May 9th).
• When referring to the spice, it is more common in culinary contexts, so pairing it with food-related terms clarifies the meaning.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing the two meanings of 'гвоздика' without context. For example, saying "Я купил гвоздику" could be ambiguous without clarification.
• Correction: Specify the context, e.g., "Я купил гвоздику (цветок)" for flower or "гвоздику (специю)" for clove.
• Error: Incorrect stress placement. Non-native speakers might stress the first syllable ('гвоз') instead of the second ('ди').
• Correction: Always stress the second syllable: [ɡvɐˈzdʲikə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian and post-Soviet culture, the carnation (гвоздика), especially the red variety, holds significant symbolic meaning. It is often associated with remembrance and respect, particularly for veterans of World War II. On Victory Day (May 9th), red carnations are commonly given to veterans or placed on memorials as a tribute to their sacrifices. Understanding this cultural context is crucial when using the word in social or commemorative settings.

Related Concepts:

• цветы (flowers)
• праздник (holiday)
• память (memory/remembrance)
• ветеран (veteran)