Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flag'

English Word: flag

Key Russian Translations:

• флаг /flak/ - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday contexts like national symbols or events)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

флаг: /flak/

Note on флаг: The "ф" is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to "f" in English, but ensure the stress is on the first syllable. Common variation in fast speech may soften the final consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A piece of cloth or similar object used as a symbol, signal, or decoration

Translation(s) & Context:

• флаг - Used in formal or official contexts, such as national flags or signaling in sports.

Usage Examples:

• На здании поднимают национальный флаг.

  On the building, they raise the national flag.

• Во время парада флаг развевается на ветру.

  During the parade, the flag waves in the wind.

• Флаг страны символизирует её историю и ценности.

  The flag of the country symbolizes its history and values.

• В спортивных соревнованиях флаг используется для старта.

  In sports competitions, the flag is used for the start.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Флаг" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The noun is invariable in terms of gender but changes based on case and number as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • знамя (znan'ye) - Often used in historical or poetic contexts, implying a banner or standard.
  • стяг (st'yag) - More archaic, typically for military flags.
• Antonyms:
  • нет (net) - Not directly antonymous, as "flag" is a noun; conceptually, something like "absence of symbol."

Related Phrases:

• Национальный флаг (Natsional'nyy flag) - National flag; Refers to a country's official emblem.
• Поднимать флаг (Podnimat' flag) - To raise the flag; Used in ceremonial contexts, such as flag-raising ceremonies.
• Флаг мира (Flag mira) - Flag of peace; A phrase for symbols representing peace movements, with connotations of international harmony.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "флаг" directly corresponds to the English "flag" as a noun, but it's important to note its formal tone, especially in official or patriotic settings. Unlike English, Russian nouns must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence. For English speakers, choose "флаг" over synonyms like "знамя" unless the context is historical. It's commonly used in singular form for specific flags but can be pluralized for general references.

• Always consider the grammatical case; for example, use the genitive "флага" after prepositions like "of."
• In informal speech, it's straightforward, but in writing, pair it with adjectives for precision, e.g., "красный флаг" for "red flag."

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the case endings. For example, they might incorrectly say "Я вижу флаг" when describing possession, leading to errors like "Я вижу флага" instead of the correct accusative "Я вижу флаг." The right way is to use the nominative for direct subjects and adjust accordingly. Another common mistake is confusing it with "флаги" in singular contexts; always check if plurality is needed. Correct example: "Это флаг России" (This is the flag of Russia) vs. Incorrect: "Это флаги России."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the national flag (e.g., the Russian tricolor) holds deep symbolic meaning, representing national pride and historical events like the end of the Soviet era. It's often raised during holidays such as Victory Day, evoking emotions tied to patriotism and unity, which can differ from more casual uses in English-speaking countries.

Related Concepts:

• герб (gerb) - Coat of arms
• символ (simvol) - Symbol
• знамя (znan'ye) - Banner