Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grape'

English Word: grape

Key Russian Translations:

• виноград /vʲɪnɐˈgrat/ - [Formal, Singular; Informal in everyday speech]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in daily conversations, literature, and culinary contexts in Russian-speaking regions)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic; Suitable for beginners, as it involves straightforward vocabulary with simple inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

виноград: /vʲɪnɐˈgrat/

Note on виноград: The stress falls on the third syllable (-'grat). Be mindful of the palatalized 'н' sound (/nʲ/), which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The fruit of the grapevine, often referring to the edible berries.

Translation(s) & Context:

• виноград - Used in general contexts for fresh fruit, such as in markets or meals; common in both formal writing and informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• Я ем свежий виноград за завтраком.

  I eat fresh grapes for breakfast. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting everyday consumption.)

• Виноград в этом саду очень сладкий.

  The grapes in this garden are very sweet. (Demonstrates the noun in a descriptive context, with an adjective modifying it.)

• Мы купили килограмм винограда на рынке.

  We bought a kilogram of grapes at the market. (Illustrates quantity and transactional usage in a plural context.)

• Виноград используется для приготовления вина.

  Grapes are used for making wine. (Shows the noun in a process-oriented sentence, linking to production or cultural contexts.)

• Дети любят виноград из-за его вкуса.

  Children love grapes because of their taste. (This example places the noun in a relational sentence, emphasizing preferences.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Виноград" is a masculine noun of the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender but changes regularly across cases. No irregular forms are present.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: гроздь (grozd' - specifically for a bunch of grapes, with a more poetic connotation); ягода (yagoda - general term for berries, but less specific)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "виноград" is a specific noun without common opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Виноградный сок - Grape juice; A common beverage in Russian households, often served at meals.
• Свежий виноград - Fresh grapes; Refers to unprocessed fruit, typically used in health or dietary contexts.
• Виноград на ветке - Grapes on the vine; An idiomatic phrase implying something in its natural state or growth process.

Usage Notes:

"Виноград" directly corresponds to the English "grape" as a noun, but it's important to note its singular form often implies the fruit in general, while plural is used for multiple items. In formal Russian, it's preferred in written contexts like recipes or agriculture. English speakers should be aware of case agreements; for example, use genitive for possession (e.g., "сока винограда" for "juice of grapes"). When choosing between synonyms like "гроздь," opt for it in literary or descriptive settings for nuance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form in all cases, e.g., saying "Я ем виноград" when meaning "I eat of grapes" (incorrect for genitive contexts).
  Correct: "Я ем винограда" (in genitive for possession or partitive sense).
  Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on sentence structure, which English speakers might overlook, leading to grammatical errors.
• Error: Confusing with "вино" (wine), assuming they are interchangeable.
  Correct: Use "виноград" for the fruit itself, not the fermented product.
  Explanation: This mix-up can alter meaning; "виноград" is raw, while "вино" is processed, so context is key.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "виноград" holds significance in regions like the Caucasus and Crimea, where grape cultivation is tied to winemaking traditions. It symbolizes abundance in folklore and is featured in festivals like the Grape Harvest Festival, reflecting historical ties to agriculture and hospitality in Slavic societies.

Related Concepts:

• вино (wine)
• виноградник (vineyard)
• ягоды (berries)