Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grapevine'

English Word: grapevine

Key Russian Translations:

• виноградная лоза [vʲɪnɐˈɡradnəjə ˈlozə] - [Literal; used in botanical or everyday contexts]
• слухи по виноградной лозе [ˈslu.xʲi pə vʲɪnɐˈɡradnəjə ˈlozə] - [Informal; figurative for informal information networks]

Frequency: Medium - The literal meaning is common in agricultural or nature-related discussions, while the figurative sense appears in casual conversations about rumors.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for literal usage; B2 (Upper Intermediate) for figurative expressions, as they involve idiomatic language.

Pronunciation (Russian):

виноградная лоза: [vʲɪnɐˈɡradnəjə ˈlozə]

слухи по виноградной лозе: [ˈslu.xʲi pə vʲɪnɐˈɡradnəjə ˈlozə]

Note on виноградная лоза: The stress falls on the third syllable of "виноградная" (graD), which can be tricky for learners due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: A vine on which grapes grow

Translation(s) & Context:

• виноградная лоза - Typically used in agricultural, gardening, or descriptive contexts, referring to the physical plant.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт старая виноградная лоза, дающая обильный урожай.

  In the garden, an old grapevine is growing, yielding a bountiful harvest.

• Фермеры ухаживают за виноградной лозой, чтобы получить лучшие вина.

  Farmers tend to the grapevine to produce the best wines.

• Виноградная лоза обвивает забор, создавая естественный забор.

  The grapevine winds around the fence, creating a natural barrier.

• Под виноградной лозой мы устроили пикник в тени листьев.

  Under the grapevine, we set up a picnic in the shade of the leaves.

Figurative Meaning: An informal network for spreading information or rumors

Translation(s) & Context:

• слухи по виноградной лозе - Used in informal settings to describe gossip or unofficial news channels, similar to "through the grapevine" in English.

Usage Examples:

• Я услышал новости по виноградной лозе от коллеги.

  I heard the news through the grapevine from a colleague.

• В офисе слухи по виноградной лозе распространяются быстрее, чем официальные объявления.

  In the office, rumors through the grapevine spread faster than official announcements.

• Не верь всему, что передаётся по виноградной лозе; проверь факты.

  Don't believe everything that comes through the grapevine; verify the facts.

• По виноградной лозе ходит информация о предстоящем событии.

  Information about the upcoming event is circulating through the grapevine.

• Друзья делятся секретами по виноградной лозе, чтобы избежать формальных каналов.

  Friends share secrets through the grapevine to avoid formal channels.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Виноградная лоза" is a noun phrase where "лоза" is a feminine noun (feminine singular in nominative case). It follows standard Russian declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table for the inflections of "лоза" (the key word in the phrase):

For "слухи", it is a plural-only noun (neuter plural) and does not inflect further in most contexts, as it typically appears in plural form. "По виноградной лозе" is a prepositional phrase and remains relatively stable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • виноград (for the plant, more general)
  • плетень (for vine-like structures)
  • сплетни (for rumors, with a negative connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • официальный источник (official source, contrasting the informal grapevine)

Note: "сплетни" as a synonym for rumors implies malicious gossip, which is a subtle difference from neutral information sharing.

Related Phrases:

• Виноградная лоза в саду - A common phrase meaning "the grapevine in the garden," often used in descriptions of landscapes.
• Распространять слухи по виноградной лозе - Meaning "to spread rumors through the grapevine," highlighting informal communication.
• Под тенью виноградной лозы - Translates to "under the shade of the grapevine," used in poetic or literal contexts for relaxation.

Usage Notes:

The English word "grapevine" corresponds most directly to "виноградная лоза" in literal contexts, but in figurative use, "слухи по виноградной лозе" is an idiomatic equivalent. Be mindful of context: in formal writing, opt for more precise terms like "неофициальный канал" to avoid casual connotations. Grammatically, "лоза" requires agreement in gender and case, so ensure adjectives and verbs align accordingly. When choosing between translations, use "виноградная лоза" for physical descriptions and the figurative phrase for social or informal scenarios.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "виноград" alone to mean "grapevine," which actually refers more broadly to the grape plant or fruit. Correct: Specify "виноградная лоза" for the vine. Example: Incorrect - "Виноград растёт на заборе" (implies the fruit); Correct - "Виноградная лоза растёт на заборе."
• Mistake: Overusing the figurative phrase in formal contexts. Correct: In professional settings, say "через неофициальные каналы" instead of "по виноградной лозе" to maintain appropriateness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the grapevine symbolizes not only agriculture (especially in wine-producing regions like Krasnodar) but also the informal exchange of information, reflecting a historical reliance on oral traditions in rural communities. This ties into broader themes of community and folklore, where stories spread "по виноградной лозе" much like in English-speaking cultures.

Related Concepts:

• виноград
• сплетни
• неофициальные новости