Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grass'

English Word: grass

Key Russian Translations:

• трава [ˈtravə] - [Common, used for general plant life]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday conversation, literature, and descriptions of nature).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward usage in Russian language learning).

Pronunciation (Russian):

трава: [ˈtravə]

Note on трава: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'a' sounds are typically open and unrounded, which can be challenging for English speakers used to diphthongs. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Grass as a type of plant (e.g., lawn or vegetation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• трава - Used in contexts describing natural environments, gardening, or everyday observations. This is the most direct and neutral translation for 'grass' in its literal sense.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Трава на лугу зеленая и мягкая. (Trava na lugu zelenaya i myagkaya.)

  English Translation: The grass on the meadow is green and soft. (This example shows 'трава' in a descriptive, natural setting.)

• Русский пример: Дети играют на траве в парке. (Deti igrayut na trave v parke.)

  English Translation: The children are playing on the grass in the park. (Illustrates 'трава' in a recreational context.)

• Русский пример: После дождя трава становится свежее. (Posle dozhdya trava stanovitsya svezhye.)

  English Translation: After the rain, the grass becomes fresher. (Demonstrates 'трава' with adjectives and in a weather-related scenario.)

• Русский пример: В саду растет высокая трава. (V sadu rastet vysokaya trava.)

  English Translation: Tall grass is growing in the garden. (Shows 'трава' with modifiers in a domestic setting.)

• Русский пример: Трава покрывает холмы в деревне. (Trava pokryvayet kholmy v derevne.)

  English Translation: Grass covers the hills in the village. (Highlights 'трава' in a broader landscape description.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Трава' is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns, which are regular but require attention to case, number, and gender agreements. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners, but always ensure agreement with adjectives and verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • газон (gazoon) - Specifically for a manicured lawn; more formal and urban context.
  • зелень (zelen') - Refers to greenery in a broader sense, often poetic.
• Antonyms:
  • пустыня (pustyna) - Desert, implying a lack of vegetation.
  • бетон (beton) - Concrete, for man-made surfaces opposing natural grass.

Related Phrases:

• Зеленая трава (Zelenaya trava) - Green grass; a common phrase in descriptions of nature or poetry.
• Косить траву (Kosить travu) - To mow the grass; used in contexts of gardening or maintenance.
• Трава под ногами (Trava pod nogami) - Grass underfoot; an idiomatic expression for feeling grounded or in nature.

Usage Notes:

'Трава' directly corresponds to 'grass' in its literal sense but can also imply wild vegetation in Russian, unlike English where 'grass' might specify a lawn. It is neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using in sentences, ensure proper case agreement with verbs and adjectives; for example, choose this word over synonyms like 'газон' if referring to natural, untamed grass. If 'grass' means marijuana in slang, consider 'травка' for informal settings, but avoid it in formal writing.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the nominative form 'трава' in all cases, e.g., saying "на траве" as "на трава" (incorrect genitive).
  Correct: "На траве" (correct genitive). Explanation: Russian requires declension; English speakers often overlook this, leading to grammatical errors.
• Mistake: Confusing with plural forms, e.g., using 'травы' when singular is needed.
  Correct: Check context for number; for example, "Эта трава" (This grass, singular) vs. "Эти травы" (These grasses, plural). Explanation: Pay attention to article equivalents in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'трава' often evokes images of the vast Russian countryside or steppes, symbolizing simplicity and connection to nature. It appears frequently in folk songs and literature, such as in works by Pushkin, where it represents rural life and tranquility, contrasting with urban environments.

Related Concepts:

• цветы (cvety) - Flowers
• деревья (derev'ya) - Trees
• природа (priroda) - Nature