Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'clover'

English Word: clover

Key Russian Translations:

• клевер [ˈklʲevʲɪr] - [Formal, Common noun]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in everyday contexts related to nature, botany, or idioms, but not as frequently as basic everyday words.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; suitable for early learners as it is a straightforward noun with regular inflections, based on CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

клевер: [ˈklʲevʲɪr]

Note on клевер: The stress falls on the first syllable. The 'к' is a hard 'k' sound, and the 'лʲ' represents a palatalized 'l', which can be tricky for English speakers. Practice the soft 'л' as in 'luxury'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small plant with trifoliate leaves, often associated with luck or agriculture.

Translation(s) & Context:

• клевер - Used in formal and informal contexts for the plant itself, such as in botanical discussions or everyday descriptions of nature.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт клевер, который привлекает пчёл.

  In the garden, clover grows, which attracts bees.

• Клевер часто символизирует удачу в фольклоре.

  Clover often symbolizes luck in folklore.

• Фермеры сеют клевер для улучшения почвы.

  Farmers plant clover to improve the soil.

• На лугу я увидел поле клевера под солнечным светом.

  On the meadow, I saw a field of clover under the sunlight.

• Дети собирают четырёхлистный клевер в поисках счастья.

  Children pick four-leaf clover in search of happiness.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Клевер is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases, but like many nouns, it has specific inflections based on number and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: трилистник (trilistic; specifically for three-leaf varieties) - Often used interchangeably but more poetic in contexts like literature.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "клевер" is a specific plant name. However, in broader contexts, words like сорняк (sornjak; weed) might contrast in agricultural discussions.

Related Phrases:

• Четырёхлистный клевер - Four-leaf clover; a phrase symbolizing good luck, often used in superstitious or cultural contexts.
• Поле клевера - Field of clover; refers to a large area of clover, commonly in descriptions of rural landscapes.
• Клевер в фольклоре - Clover in folklore; a phrase discussing its cultural significance, e.g., in Russian traditions.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "клевер" directly corresponds to the English "clover" as a botanical term and is used across formal and informal settings, such as in scientific texts, everyday conversation, or idiomatic expressions. Be mindful of its declensions based on case and number, as Russian grammar requires agreement. For example, choose "клевер" in nominative singular for general references, but adjust for contexts like possession (e.g., genitive "клевера"). If multiple translations exist, "клевер" is the most neutral and widely accepted; opt for synonyms like "трилистник" only in poetic or specific cultural discussions to avoid redundancy.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Forgetting to decline the noun properly, e.g., using "клевер" in all cases instead of "клевера" in genitive. Correct: Say "цветок клевера" (the flower of clover) instead of "цветок клевер". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so this error can make sentences sound unnatural to native speakers.
• Mistake: Confusing it with similar words like "клев" (which means "key" in some contexts or a type of fish). Correct: Use "клевер" specifically for the plant. Explanation: Pay attention to spelling and context to avoid semantic mix-ups, especially for beginners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "клевер" (clover) is often linked to folklore and superstitions, much like in other Slavic traditions. A four-leaf clover is seen as a symbol of good fortune, luck, and protection against evil, appearing in Russian fairy tales and proverbs. This reflects broader Eastern European beliefs in nature's mystical properties, making it a fun word for learners to explore in cultural contexts.

Related Concepts:

• трилистник
• сорняк
• полевой цветок