Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hemlock'

English Word: hemlock

Key Russian Translations:

• болиголов /bɐlʲɪɡɐˈɫof/ - [Formal, used in botanical, historical, or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversation; it appears primarily in specialized texts like botany, history, or toxicology.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires familiarity with specific vocabulary related to plants and history, but no advanced grammatical structures.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

болиголов: /bɐlʲɪɡɐˈɫof/

Note on болиголов: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ɡɐˈɫof"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'л' sound. Pronounce it with a clear rolling 'r' and a palatalized 'l'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The poisonous plant Conium maculatum (a highly toxic herbaceous plant)

Translation(s) & Context:

• болиголов - Used in formal or scientific discussions about botany, pharmacology, or historical events, such as ancient executions.

Usage Examples:

• Болиголов — это ядовитое растение, которое часто встречается в диких полях Европы.

  Translation: "Hemlock is a poisonous plant that is often found in the wild fields of Europe."

• В древней Греции Сократ был приговорён к смерти и выпил отвар из болиголова.

  Translation: "In ancient Greece, Socrates was sentenced to death and drank an infusion made from hemlock."

• Болиголов содержит алкалоиды, которые делают его смертельно опасным для людей и животных.

  Translation: "Hemlock contains alkaloids that make it deadly to humans and animals."

• В ботанических садах болиголов выращивают с осторожностью из-за его токсичности.

  Translation: "In botanical gardens, hemlock is grown with caution due to its toxicity."

• Если вы заметите болиголов в лесу, не трогайте его руками, чтобы избежать отравления.

  Translation: "If you spot hemlock in the forest, do not touch it with your hands to avoid poisoning."

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Болиголов" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections for cases and numbers:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once the basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ядовитый болиголов (more descriptive, emphasizing toxicity; used in medical contexts)
  • цикута (a related poisonous plant, sometimes used interchangeably in informal discussions)
• Antonyms:
  • безвредное растение (harmless plant; a general term, not a direct antonym)

Related Phrases:

• Отвар из болиголова (Infusion of hemlock) - Refers to a liquid extract used historically as poison; often in historical or literary contexts.
• Ядовитый болиголов в природе (Poisonous hemlock in nature) - A phrase used in educational or warning materials about wild plants.
• Болиголов и его алкалоиды (Hemlock and its alkaloids) - Discusses the chemical components in scientific writing.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "болиголов" directly corresponds to the English "hemlock" as a specific plant, but it's rarely used in casual conversation. It's most appropriate in formal, academic, or professional settings like botany, history, or toxicology. English speakers should note that Russian often pairs this word with adjectives for emphasis (e.g., "ядовитый болиголов" for "poisonous hemlock"). When choosing translations, stick to "болиголов" for precision; avoid "паслен" as it refers to a different plant. Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on sentence structure to match cases properly.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "болиголов" with "паслен" (which means nightshade, another poisonous plant). Incorrect: "Паслен — это hemlock." Correct: "Болиголов — это hemlock." Explanation: These are distinct plants; mixing them up can lead to misinformation in botanical discussions.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я боюсь болиголов" (should be genitive). Correct: "Я боюсь болиголова." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust based on the preposition or verb.

Cultural Notes:

"Болиголов" carries significant historical connotations in Russian culture, often linked to ancient Greek philosophy. It is famously associated with the death of Socrates, who was forced to drink hemlock as a death sentence in 399 BC. In Russian literature and education, this reference symbolizes intellectual martyrdom or the conflict between state and individual thought, reinforcing themes in works like Plato's dialogues.

Related Concepts:

• цикута (another poisonous plant, similar in toxicity)
• ядовитые растения (poisonous plants, a broader category)
• алкалоиды (alkaloids, the chemical compounds in hemlock)