Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gourd'

English Word: gourd

Key Russian Translations:

• горлянка [ɡɐrˈlʲankə] - [Formal, typically used in botanical or rural contexts]
• калебас [kɐlʲɪˈbas] - [Informal, borrowed from other languages, used for specific types like bottle gourds]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized contexts like agriculture or folklore.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level, as it requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and less common vocabulary; for 'горлянка', it's straightforward, but 'калебас' may vary by regional dialect.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

горлянка: [ɡɐrˈlʲankə]

Note on горлянка: The stress falls on the second syllable ('lʲankə'). Pronounce the 'р' as a soft, rolled sound, common in Russian. Be cautious with the palatalized 'л' which can be tricky for beginners.

калебас: [kɐlʲɪˈbas]

Note on калебас: This is a loanword, so pronunciation may vary; the final 's' is often softened in casual speech. Stress is on the second-to-last syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The hard-shelled fruit of certain vines (e.g., a type of gourd plant)

Translation(s) & Context:

• горлянка - Used in formal or botanical discussions, often referring to wild or cultivated varieties in rural settings.
• калебас - Applied in informal contexts, especially for decorative or utilitarian gourds, like those used for containers.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт большая горлянка, которую мы используем для украшения.

  In the garden, a large gourd is growing, which we use for decoration.

• Крестьяне собирают калебас с поля, чтобы сделать из них посуду.

  Farmers harvest gourds from the field to make utensils out of them.

• Эта горлянка имеет яркую окраску и часто встречается в русских сказках.

  This gourd has a bright color and is often found in Russian folktales.

• В магазине продают сушёные калебас как сувениры для туристов.

  In the store, they sell dried gourds as souvenirs for tourists.

• Дети играют с горлянкой, pretending it’s a magic object из старых легенд.

  Children play with the gourd, pretending it's a magic object from old legends.

A vessel or container made from a gourd (e.g., for holding liquids)

Translation(s) & Context:

• горлянка - In historical or cultural contexts, referring to traditional uses in Russian folklore.
• калебас - More common in modern or exotic descriptions, like in travel or craft contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Старая горлянка служит в деревне как кувшин для воды.

  The old gourd serves as a pitcher for water in the village.

• Искусные мастера вырезают узоры на калебас для продажи на рынке.

  Skilled craftsmen carve patterns on gourds for sale at the market.

• В музее выставлена древняя горлянка, используемая в обрядах.

  In the museum, an ancient gourd used in rituals is on display.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'горлянка' and 'калебас' are feminine nouns in Russian. 'Горлянка' follows standard first-declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a, while 'калебас' is less common and may not inflect regularly in all dialects. Below is a table for 'горлянка' declensions:

For 'калебас', it is often treated as indeclinable in modern usage, meaning it remains the same in all cases: е.g., калебас (nominative), калебас (genitive), etc.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пузырчатый плод (puzrychatyy plod) - A more descriptive term for gourd-like fruits, used in scientific contexts.
  • бутылочное растение (butylochnoe rastenie) - Specifically for bottle gourds, with a slight emphasis on shape.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific noun. However, opposites might include synthetic materials like пластик (plastic) in container contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Горлянка для воды - A gourd used as a water container, often in traditional or rural settings.
• Сушёная калебас - Dried gourd, commonly referring to preserved items for crafts or decoration.
• Декоративная горлянка - Decorative gourd, used in festive or artistic contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'горлянка' is the more precise translation for 'gourd' in natural or botanical contexts, while 'калебас' is better for cultural or imported varieties. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like these require correct declension based on case (e.g., use genitive for possession). This word is formal and rare in everyday speech, so it's ideal for written or academic discussions. When choosing between translations, opt for 'горлянка' in native Russian contexts and 'калебас' for international influences. Always consider the gender and number for grammatical agreement.

Common Errors:

• English learners often forget to decline 'горлянка' properly, e.g., saying "Я вижу горлянка" instead of "Я вижу горлянку" (accusative case). Correct usage: Always adjust for case, as in "У меня есть горлянка" (nominative to genitive in certain phrases).

• Mixing up with similar words like 'огурец' (cucumber), leading to incorrect context, e.g., using 'огурец' for a gourd. Error: "Это огурец" for a gourd; Correct: "Это горлянка". Explanation: 'Огурец' refers to cucumbers, so context matters to avoid confusion in vegetable-related discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, gourds like 'горлянка' often appear in folklore and fairy tales, symbolizing abundance or magic, as in stories where they transform into treasures. Historically, they were used as practical items in rural life, reflecting resourcefulness in pre-industrial Russia, which adds a layer of cultural depth beyond their literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• Огурец (cucumber)
• Помидор (tomato)
• Бутылка (bottle, for container-related uses)