Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grey'

English Word: grey

Key Russian Translations:

• серый /ˈsʲerɨj/ - [Adjective, Common for describing the color grey]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian language for describing colors in various contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic adjective and easy to learn for English speakers familiar with colors.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

серый: /ˈsʲerɨj/

Note on серый: The initial 'с' is soft, pronounced as /sʲ/, which can be challenging for beginners. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Referring to the color grey, often used for objects, weather, or descriptions.

Translation(s) & Context:

• серый - Used in formal and informal contexts for literal color descriptions, such as in art, fashion, or nature.

Usage Examples:

• Русское предложение: Небо сегодня серое, как в осенний день.

  English Translation: The sky is grey today, like on an autumn day.

• Русское предложение: Он носит серый костюм на работу.

  English Translation: He wears a grey suit to work.

• Русское предложение: Серый цвет успокаивает, особенно в интерьере.

  English Translation: The grey color is soothing, especially in interior design.

• Русское предложение: В дождливую погоду всё кажется серым и унылым.

  English Translation: In rainy weather, everything seems grey and dreary.

• Русское предложение: Её глаза серые, как дождевые тучи.

  English Translation: Her eyes are grey, like rain clouds.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Серый is an adjective in Russian, which means it changes based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard first-declension adjective pattern. Below is a table showing its inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сероватый - A lighter, more subtle shade of grey; often used for informal or descriptive nuances.
  • стальной - Implies a metallic grey, commonly in contexts like metal or modern design.
• Antonyms:
  • белый - White; used when contrasting with grey in brightness or purity.
  • чёрный - Black; for opposite ends of the color spectrum.

Related Phrases:

• Серый волк - A common phrase meaning "grey wolf," often used in folklore or literally in wildlife contexts; refers to the animal in Russian culture.
• Серый кардинал - Means "grey eminence," a metaphorical phrase for someone who holds power behind the scenes.
• Серый день - Translates to "grey day," used to describe dull or overcast weather, with connotations of monotony.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "серый" directly corresponds to the English "grey" as a color adjective and must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, unlike English where adjectives remain unchanged. For example, use "серый" for masculine singular nouns, but "серая" for feminine. It's versatile across formal and informal settings but avoid it in poetic contexts where more vivid descriptions might be preferred. When choosing between translations like "серый" and "сероватый," opt for "серый" for pure grey and "сероватый" for shades.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "серый" without proper agreement, e.g., saying "серая дом" instead of "серый дом" for "grey house."

  Correct Usage: Серый дом (The adjective must match the masculine noun "дом"). Explanation: Russian adjectives inflect, so learners from non-inflected languages like English often forget this.

• Error: Confusing "серый" with "синий" (blue), especially in low-light descriptions.

  Correct Usage: Use "серый" for grey tones, not "синий." Explanation: This mix-up can occur due to similar perceptions in dim light, but context clarifies the difference.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "серый" often symbolizes neutrality, monotony, or urban life, as seen in literature like Chekhov's works where grey weather reflects emotional states. It's not as culturally loaded as in English but can evoke ideas of the vast, colorless Russian winters.

Related Concepts:

• синий (blue)
• чёрный (black)
• белый (white)
• серый кардинал (as a phrase, relating to influence and subtlety)