Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'compost'

English Word: compost

Key Russian Translations:

• компост [kɐmˈpost] - [Formal, Technical; Used in contexts like agriculture, gardening, or environmental discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specialized fields like farming and ecology, but less frequent in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; As a borrowed word, it's straightforward for learners familiar with basic Russian vocabulary, but requires understanding of noun inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

компост: [kɐmˈpost]

Note on компост: The stress is on the second syllable ("post"), which is typical for many Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the soft "o" sound, which can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Organic matter that has been decomposed to produce a nutrient-rich soil enhancer, often used in gardening or waste management.

Translation(s) & Context:

• компост - Used in formal and technical contexts, such as describing eco-friendly practices or agricultural techniques in Russian-speaking regions.

Usage Examples:

• В саду мы используем компост для обогащения почвы натуральными веществами.

  In the garden, we use compost to enrich the soil with natural substances.

• Компост из пищевых отходов помогает уменьшить объем мусора в городе.

  Compost from food waste helps reduce the volume of garbage in the city.

• Для успешного выращивания овощей важно правильно приготовить компост.

  For successful vegetable growing, it's important to prepare compost correctly.

• Экологи рекомендуют делать компост дома, чтобы защитить окружающую среду.

  Ecologists recommend making compost at home to protect the environment.

• В компост добавляют листья и траву, чтобы ускорить процесс разложения.

  Leaves and grass are added to compost to speed up the decomposition process.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Компост" is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from English/French, and it follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for words ending in a consonant. It is not highly irregular but does change based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple types or piles of compost. If the word is used in compounds, it may not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • перегной [pʲɪrʲɪˈɡnoj] - Similar to humus, often used interchangeably in gardening contexts, but implies a more decomposed state.
  • удобрение [ʊdɐˈbrʲenʲɪje] - More general term for fertilizer, applicable when compost is used as a soil amendment.
• Antonyms:
  • отходы [ɐtˈxɔdɨ] - Waste, implying undecomposed materials, contrasting with the processed nature of compost.

Related Phrases:

• Домашний компост [Domestic compost] - Refers to composting at home for personal use, often in eco-friendly households.
• Компостная куча [Compost heap] - A pile or bin for decomposing organic matter, commonly used in gardening.
• Переработка в компост [Recycling into compost] - The process of turning waste into compost, emphasizing environmental sustainability.

Usage Notes:

"Компост" directly corresponds to the English "compost" as a noun and is most accurate in formal or technical English-Russian translations. It is typically used in singular form unless specifying multiple instances. Be aware of its formal register; in casual speech, Russians might opt for more descriptive phrases. When choosing between synonyms like "перегной," select based on context: use "компост" for modern, imported concepts in urban or scientific settings. Grammatically, always ensure proper case agreement, as Russian requires nouns to inflect with prepositions (e.g., "в компосте" for "in the compost").

Common Errors:

• Confusing "компост" with "компостировать" (to compost): English learners often misuse the noun as a verb. Incorrect: "Я компост овощи" (I compost vegetables). Correct: "Я компостирую овощи" or more naturally, "Я делаю компост из овощей." Explanation: "Компост" is only a noun; use the verb form for actions.

• Overlooking inflections: Beginners might say "в компост" instead of "в компосте" when using the prepositional case. Incorrect: "Работа в компост" (Work in compost). Correct: "Работа в компосте." Explanation: This ensures grammatical agreement in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "компост" reflects growing environmental awareness, especially in urban areas like Moscow, where composting initiatives promote sustainability amid climate change discussions. Historically, it ties to Soviet-era agriculture, but today it's more associated with modern eco-movements, symbolizing a shift towards green living in post-Soviet societies.

Related Concepts:

• удобрение
• переработка
• экология