Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flax'

English Word: flax

Key Russian Translations:

• лен [lʲɛn] - [Neutral, commonly used in formal and informal contexts for the plant or fiber]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions about agriculture, textiles, or botany, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to nature and materials)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лен: [lʲɛn]

Note on лен: The initial 'л' is palatalized (soft), which is a common feature in Russian; pronounce it like the 'l' in 'luxury' followed by a short 'e' sound. Variations may occur in dialects, but standard pronunciation is consistent.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A plant (Linum usitatissimum) used for its fibers and seeds

Translation(s) & Context:

• лен - Used in contexts related to agriculture, botany, or natural resources; neutral and widely applicable.

Usage Examples:

• В России лен выращивают на огромных полях для производства текстиля.

  In Russia, flax is grown on vast fields for textile production.

• Семена льна богаты полезными маслами и используются в здоровом питании.

  Flax seeds are rich in beneficial oils and are used in healthy nutrition.

• Лен – это древняя культура, которая помогала нашим предкам в изготовлении одежды.

  Flax is an ancient crop that helped our ancestors in making clothing.

• В современном сельском хозяйстве лен остается важным экспортным товаром.

  In modern agriculture, flax remains an important export commodity.

• Если вы посещаете ферму, обратите внимание на поля с льном во время цветения.

  If you visit a farm, pay attention to the flax fields during blooming.

Meaning 2: The fiber obtained from the flax plant, used to make linen

Translation(s) & Context:

• лен - Specifically refers to the fiber in contexts of textiles or manufacturing; can be used interchangeably with the plant in broader discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Из льна ткут прочную и дышащую ткань для летней одежды.

  From flax, they weave durable and breathable fabric for summer clothing.

• Лен обрабатывают специальным способом, чтобы получить нити для тканей.

  Flax is processed in a special way to obtain threads for fabrics.

• В традиционных русских домах лен использовали для постельного белья.

  In traditional Russian homes, flax was used for bed linens.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лен" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has some irregularities in the genitive plural. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and does not change for adjectives in basic forms, but always declines according to case requirements in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пенька (hemp fiber; differs as it's from a different plant but used similarly in textiles)
  • волокно (fiber; a more general term, applicable to various materials)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "лен" is a specific noun without common opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Льняная ткань – A fabric made from flax fibers; commonly used in clothing and home textiles.
• Масло из семян льна – Oil from flax seeds; refers to a health supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Выращивание льна – Growing flax; a phrase used in agricultural contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Лен" directly corresponds to the English "flax" as both a plant and its fiber, but in Russian, it's important to use the correct case based on the sentence structure. For example, in genitive constructions like "из льна" (from flax), the genitive form is required. It's neutral in register, suitable for formal reports or informal chats. When choosing between translations, "лен" is the most precise; avoid "пенька" if referring specifically to flax to prevent confusion with hemp.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "лен" in all cases, e.g., saying "из лен" instead of "из льна". Correct: "Из льна делают ткань" (From flax, they make fabric). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; this mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing "лен" with "пенька", leading to incorrect context, e.g., "пенька для одежды" when meaning flax. Correct: Use "лен" for flax specifically. Explanation: While both are fibers, they come from different plants, and mixing them can alter the meaning in textile discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, flax has historical significance as a staple crop in rural areas, symbolizing simplicity and tradition. It was a key material for linen clothing in pre-industrial times and is still associated with folk crafts and eco-friendly practices, reflecting Russia's agricultural heritage.

Related Concepts:

• ткань (fabric)
• волокно (fiber)
• семена (seeds)