Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'green'

English Word: green

Key Russian Translations:

• зелёный [zɪˈlʲonɨj] - [Adjective, Formal/Informal, Singular]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in everyday language for colors and metaphors)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as basic color vocabulary is introduced early in language learning)

Pronunciation (Russian):

зелёный: [zɪˈlʲonɨj]

Note on зелёный: The stress falls on the second syllable ("lʲon"). Pay attention to the soft "l" sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. The "ё" is pronounced as a distinct "yo" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Color: The color of grass, leaves, or similar shades

Translation(s) & Context:

• зелёный - Used to describe objects or items that have a green hue, in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as nature or traffic lights.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Этот дом зелёный, как летний луг. (This house is green, like a summer meadow.)

  This house is green, like a summer meadow.

• Русский пример: Зелёный свет на перекрестке разрешает движение. (The green light at the intersection allows traffic to proceed.)

  The green light at the intersection allows traffic to proceed.

• Русский пример: В саду растут зелёные яблоки. (In the garden, green apples are growing.)

  In the garden, green apples are growing.

• Русский пример: Её глаза зелёные, как изумруд. (Her eyes are green, like an emerald.)

  Her eyes are green, like an emerald.

• Русский пример: Зелёный чай полезен для здоровья. (Green tea is beneficial for health.)

  Green tea is beneficial for health.

Idiomatic: Representing inexperience or youth (e.g., "green" as in inexperienced)

Translation(s) & Context:

• зелёный - In informal contexts, used metaphorically to mean inexperienced or naive, often in phrases like "зелёный новичок" (green beginner).

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Он ещё зелёный в этой работе, но учится быстро. (He is still green in this job, but he is learning quickly.)

  He is still green in this job, but he is learning quickly.

• Русский пример: Не будь зелёным и проверь всё дважды. (Don't be green and check everything twice.)

  Don't be green and check everything twice.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

зелёный is an adjective in Russian, which follows standard adjectival inflection patterns. It changes based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its common forms:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • зеленый (a variant spelling, less common in modern usage)
  • бирюзовый (for a bluish-green shade, with a subtle difference in hue)
• Antonyms:
  • красный (red)
  • синий (blue)

Related Phrases:

• Зелёный свет - A common phrase meaning "go-ahead" or permission in contexts like traffic or decisions; literally translates to "green light."
• Зелёный чай - Refers to "green tea," a popular beverage with health benefits.
• Зелёный уголок - Means "green corner," often used for a small garden or eco-friendly space in urban settings.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "зелёный" directly corresponds to the English "green" as a color but can also carry metaphorical meanings like inexperience, similar to English slang. It is versatile across formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with idiomatic uses—always consider the audience. For example, in formal writing, stick to literal descriptions, while in casual conversation, metaphorical uses are common. When choosing between translations, "зелёный" is the most precise for general purposes, but regional variations in pronunciation might occur in dialects.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "зеленый" without the letter "ё," which is incorrect in standard Russian and can lead to mispronunciation. Correct: Always use "зелёный" for accuracy. Example of error: "Зеленый дом" (wrong spelling); Correct: "Зелёный дом."
• Mistake: Forgetting to inflect the adjective based on gender and case, e.g., saying "зелёный" for a feminine noun. Correct: Use "зелёная" for feminine subjects. Example of error: "Эта машина зелёный" (incorrect); Correct: "Эта машина зелёная."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "green" (зелёный) often symbolizes nature, renewal, and youth, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works. However, it can also evoke envy in some contexts, similar to English, but is prominently featured in eco-friendly movements and folklore, where green landscapes represent the vast Russian countryside.

Related Concepts:

• синий (blue)
• красный (red)
• природа (nature)