Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'herb'

English Word: herb

Key Russian Translations:

• трава [ˈtravə] - [Formal, Singular; used for general herbaceous plants or medicinal herbs]
• травка [ˈtravkə] - [Informal, Diminutive; used affectionately or for smaller herbs]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday contexts like gardening, medicine, or cooking, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "дом" for house).

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner; straightforward for English speakers due to phonetic similarities, but requires basic understanding of Russian noun genders and cases).

Pronunciation (Russian):

трава: [ˈtravə]

травка: [ˈtravkə]

Note on трава: The stress is on the first syllable, and the "a" sounds like the 'a' in "father." Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) which affects pronunciation subtly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, medicine, or other purposes (e.g., culinary or herbal medicine).

Translation(s) & Context:

• трава - Used in formal or scientific contexts, such as discussing botany or traditional medicine.
• травка - Used in informal, everyday conversations, like talking about home gardening or casual remedies.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт свежая трава, которую мы используем для чая.

  In the garden, fresh herb grows, which we use for tea.

• Эта травка имеет лечебные свойства и помогает от простуды.

  This little herb has medicinal properties and helps with colds.

• В рецепте супа указана трава для придания аромата.

  The soup recipe calls for herb to add flavor.

• Летом мы собираем травку для засолки на зиму.

  In summer, we gather the herb for pickling to last through winter.

• Травка в горшке на подоконнике – мой любимый способ украсить кухню.

  The herb in a pot on the windowsill is my favorite way to decorate the kitchen.

Meaning 2: In a broader sense, referring to wild plants or vegetation (less common in English "herb" usage, but applicable in Russian).

Translation(s) & Context:

• трава - Used in natural or environmental contexts, such as describing meadows or fields.

Usage Examples:

• По лугу растёт высокая трава, привлекающая бабочек.

  Tall herb grows in the meadow, attracting butterflies.

• Трава на поляне была покрыта росой утром.

  The herb on the clearing was covered in dew in the morning.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Трава" is a feminine noun in the first declension, which means it follows standard patterns for Russian nouns. It has regular inflections based on case, number, and gender. "Травка" is a diminutive form and also feminine.

For "травка," the inflections are similar but with the diminutive suffix: Nominative Singular: травка; Genitive Singular: травки, etc. These words do not have irregular forms, making them relatively easy for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • зелье (zelye) - More poetic or archaic, often implying a magical or medicinal herb.
  • растение (rastenie) - General term for plant, but less specific to herbs.
• Antonyms:
  • яйцо (yaytso) - Not a direct antonym, but used metaphorically for something non-plant-based; in contexts of food, it contrasts with herbal ingredients.
  • камень (kamen') - Represents inorganic matter, opposing living plants like herbs.

Related Phrases:

• Лечебная трава - Medicinal herb; used in health contexts, e.g., for traditional remedies.
• Ароматная травка - Fragrant herb; common in culinary discussions, like in spice blends.
• Дикая трава - Wild herb; refers to uncultivated plants in nature, often in environmental or foraging contexts.

Usage Notes:

The English word "herb" most closely aligns with "трава" in Russian, especially for culinary or medicinal uses, but English speakers should note that Russian nouns are gendered (feminine here) and require case agreement. For informal settings, opt for "травка" to sound more natural. Be cautious with context: in scientific writing, use "трава" with appropriate adjectives, and in everyday speech, it pairs well with verbs like "собирать" (to gather). If multiple translations exist, choose based on tone—formal vs. informal.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "трава" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я ем трава" instead of "Я ем траву" (I eat herb).
  Correct: "Я ем траву" – Explanation: Russian requires accusative case for direct objects, so change to "траву" after verbs like "есть" (to eat).
• Mistake: Confusing with "травма" (trauma, injury), which sounds similar but means something entirely different.
  Correct: Use "трава" only for plants; always double-check spelling and context to avoid mix-ups.
• Mistake: Overusing the diminutive "травка" in formal contexts.
  Correct: Reserve "травка" for casual conversations; in professional settings, stick with "трава."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, herbs like "трава" hold significant historical and folkloric value, often featured in traditional medicine (e.g., in Siberian herbalism) and literature. For instance, herbs are central to Russian fairy tales and proverbs, symbolizing healing and nature's bounty, which reflects the country's vast rural heritage and connection to the land.

Related Concepts:

• цветок (tsvetok) - Flower
• корень (koren') - Root
• лечебные растения (lechebnye rasteniya) - Medicinal plants