Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flower'

English Word: flower

Key Russian Translations:

• цветок (/ˈt͡svʲetək/) - [Informal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversations about nature, gardening, or descriptions)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun introduced early in Russian language learning)

Pronunciation (Russian):

цветок: /ˈt͡svʲetək/

Note on цветок: The 'ц' sound is a voiceless alveolar affricate, similar to 'ts' in 'cats', and the stress is on the first syllable. Be mindful of the soft sign 'ь' which palatalizes the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A part of a plant that is often brightly colored and produces seeds.

Translation(s) & Context:

• цветок - Used in general contexts for describing flowers in nature, gardens, or floral arrangements (Informal or Formal).

Usage Examples:

• В саду растут красивые цветки. (V sadu rastut krasivye tsvetki.)

  In the garden, beautiful flowers are growing. (This example shows the noun in a plural context, describing a collection of flowers.)

• Я подарил ей свежий цветок. (Ya podaril ey svezhiy tsvetok.)

  I gave her a fresh flower. (Illustrates the singular form in a gift-giving scenario, common in romantic or everyday interactions.)

• Цветок в вазе уже завял. (Tsvetok v vaze uzhe zavyl.)

  The flower in the vase has already wilted. (Demonstrates the noun with a verb, showing a state of change over time.)

• Дети любят собирать цветки в парке. (Deti lyubyat sobirat' tsvetki v parke.)

  Children love to pick flowers in the park. (Highlights the noun in a playful, outdoor activity context.)

• Этот цветок символизирует любовь. (Etot tsvetok simvoliziruet lyubov'.)

  This flower symbolizes love. (Used in metaphorical or symbolic contexts, such as in poetry or cultural expressions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Цветок is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows regular inflection patterns for Russian nouns. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: There are no irregular forms for this noun, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • цветочек (tsvetochek) - A diminutive form, implying something small or endearing, often used in affectionate contexts.
  • букет (buket) - Refers to a bunch of flowers, but not an exact synonym; used for collections.
• Antonyms:
  • сорняк (sorn'yak) - Weed, implying something unwanted or invasive in a garden.

Related Phrases:

• Свежий цветок (Svezhiy tsvetok) - Fresh flower; often used in contexts of floristry or daily life to emphasize quality.
• Цветок в горшке (Tsvetok v gorshke) - Flower in a pot; common in discussions about indoor plants or home decoration.
• Дикий цветок (Dikiy tsvetok) - Wildflower; refers to flowers growing in natural, untamed environments.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "цветок" directly corresponds to the English "flower" in most contexts, but it is a masculine noun, so articles and adjectives must agree in gender (e.g., "красивый цветок" for "beautiful flower"). It is versatile across formal and informal settings, but in poetic or literary Russian, diminutives like "цветочек" add emotional nuance. When choosing between translations, use "цветок" for standard references and opt for synonyms based on context to avoid repetition.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу цветок" when it should be "Я вижу цветка" in genitive contexts (e.g., "I see the flower of..."). Correct: Ensure proper declension based on sentence structure. For example, incorrect: "Без цветок" (Wrong case). Correct: "Без цветка" (Without the flower).

• Error: Confusing with feminine nouns, leading to gender agreement mistakes, such as using a feminine adjective. Correct: Always pair with masculine adjectives like "красивый" instead of "красивая".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, flowers like the red rose or sunflower hold symbolic meanings, often linked to holidays such as International Women's Day (March 8th), where giving flowers is a tradition. "Цветок" can evoke themes of beauty and transience in Russian literature, as seen in works by Pushkin, reflecting the cultural appreciation for nature's ephemerality.

Related Concepts:

• букет (bouquet)
• сад (garden)
• растение (plant)