Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cherry'

English Word: Cherry

Key Russian Translations:

• вишня [ˈvʲiʂnʲə] - [Common, Singular, Refers to the fruit or tree]
• черешня [tɕɪˈrʲeʂnʲə] - [Common, Singular, Refers specifically to sweet cherry]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вишня: [ˈvʲiʂnʲə]

Note on вишня: The stress falls on the first syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

черешня: [tɕɪˈrʲeʂnʲə]

Note on черешня: The stress is on the second syllable. The initial "ч" is softer than English "ch".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Cherry as a Fruit or Tree (General Term)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вишня - Used for both the fruit and the tree, often refers to sour cherries.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил вишню на рынке.

  I bought cherries at the market.

• Вишня цветёт весной.

  The cherry tree blooms in spring.

• Из вишни делают вкусное варенье.

  Delicious jam is made from cherries.

2. Cherry as a Sweet Cherry (Specific Variety)

Translation(s) & Context:

• черешня - Refers specifically to sweet cherries, often eaten fresh.

Usage Examples:

• Черешня слаще, чем вишня.

  Sweet cherries are sweeter than sour cherries.

• На столе лежит спелая черешня.

  There are ripe sweet cherries on the table.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

вишня (Feminine Noun, 1st Declension):

черешня (Feminine Noun, 1st Declension): Follows the same declension pattern as вишня.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for вишня/черешня:

• нет прямых синонимов, но различие между вишня и черешня важно (see Usage Notes)

Antonyms:

• нет прямых антонимов

Related Phrases:

• вишнёвый сад - "cherry orchard" (often refers to Chekhov's famous play or a literal orchard)
• вишнёвый компот - "cherry compote" (a traditional Russian drink made from cherries)
• черешневый сезон - "sweet cherry season" (refers to the time when sweet cherries are ripe)

Usage Notes:

• The distinction between "вишня" (often sour cherries) and "черешня" (sweet cherries) is important in Russian. Use "вишня" as the general term unless specifically referring to sweet varieties.
• "Вишня" can refer to both the fruit and the tree, while "черешня" typically refers only to the fruit.
• Both terms are used in everyday speech, but "вишня" is more common in literature and idiomatic expressions (e.g., Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard").

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "вишня" and "черешня" without regard to the type of cherry.
  Incorrect: Я купил черешню для варенья. (Sweet cherries are rarely used for jam.)
  Correct: Я купил вишню для варенья. (Sour cherries are typically used for jam.)
• Error: Incorrect stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the wrong syllable in "черешня").
  Tip: Practice stressing the second syllable: че-РЕШ-ня.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cherries (especially "вишня") are often associated with nostalgia and rural life. Anton Chekhov's play "The Cherry Orchard" (Вишнёвый сад) is a cultural cornerstone, symbolizing loss and change. Cherries are also a popular ingredient in traditional Russian cuisine, such as in compotes and pies.

Related Concepts:

• ягоды (berries)
• фрукты (fruits)
• сад (orchard/garden)