Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lawn'

English Word: lawn

Key Russian Translations:

• газон [ɡɐˈzon] - [Formal, Singular, Typically used for manicured grass areas]
• лужайка [lʊˈʐajkə] - [Informal, Singular, Used for smaller, natural grassy patches]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday contexts like gardening or urban descriptions)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary; straightforward for beginners, but requires basic noun declension knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

газон: [ɡɐˈzon]

лужайка: [lʊˈʐajkə]

Note on газон: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the 'з' sound, which is voiced and similar to the English 'z'.

Note on лужайка: The 'ж' is a soft, palatalized sound; practice it to avoid sounding overly harsh.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A well-maintained area of grass, often in a garden, park, or yard.

Translation(s) & Context:

• газон - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as urban planning or landscaping.
• лужайка - Applied in more casual, poetic, or rural settings for smaller grass areas.

Usage Examples:

• В парке есть красивый газон, где дети играют в футбол.

  In the park, there is a beautiful lawn where children play soccer.

• Мы посадили цветы вокруг лужайки, чтобы сделать сад более живописным.

  We planted flowers around the lawn to make the garden more picturesque.

• Городской газон требует регулярного полива в жаркую погоду.

  The urban lawn requires regular watering in hot weather.

• На этой лужайке часто устраивают пикники по выходным.

  On this lawn, picnics are often held on weekends.

• Зимой газон покрывается снегом, превращаясь в каток для детей.

  In winter, the lawn is covered with snow, turning into an ice rink for children.

Secondary Meaning: A metaphorical or extended use, e.g., in literature for a peaceful area.

Translation(s) & Context:

• газон - In figurative language, to describe serene or idealized spaces.

Usage Examples:

• Его воспоминания о детстве — как зеленый газон в солнечный день.

  His childhood memories are like a green lawn on a sunny day.

• Поэма описывает лужайку как символ покоя и гармонии.

  The poem describes the lawn as a symbol of peace and harmony.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "газон" and "лужайка" are masculine nouns in Russian, following the first declension pattern. They change based on case, number, and gender agreement. "газон" is more common and regular, while "лужайка" has some diminutive features.

Note: These nouns do not change for gender but must agree with adjectives and verbs in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • поляна [pɐˈlʲanə] - Often used for a clearing in a forest, slightly more natural than газон.
  • травяной покров [trɐˈvʲanɨj pɐˈkrov] - Literal for grass cover, more technical.
• Antonyms:
  • пустыня [ˈpustɨnʲə] - Desert, implying barrenness.
  • бетон [bʲɪˈton] - Concrete, for urban non-green areas.

Related Phrases:

• ухоженный газон - Well-maintained lawn; implies care and aesthetics.
• зеленая лужайка - Green lawn; often used in poetic or descriptive contexts.
• газон с цветами - Lawn with flowers; common in gardening discussions.

Usage Notes:

"газон" is the most direct translation for "lawn" in formal contexts, such as describing public parks, while "лужайка" suits informal or diminutive uses. Be mindful of declension: always adjust the ending based on the sentence case. For example, use "на газоне" (on the lawn) in prepositional case. When choosing between translations, opt for "газон" in urban or maintained settings and "лужайка" for natural, smaller areas. This word doesn't have strong idiomatic restrictions but pairs well with verbs like "стричь" (to mow) or "поливать" (to water).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "газон" without proper declension, e.g., saying "в газон" instead of "в газоне" (in the lawn). Correct: "в газоне" – This mistakes the prepositional case, which requires the correct ending for agreement.

• Error: Confusing "газон" with "газ" (gas), leading to mispronunciation or misspelling. Correct: Ensure the full word is used; "газон" has a distinct meaning and pronunciation.

• Error: Overusing "лужайка" in formal contexts, where "газон" is more appropriate. Correct: In official descriptions, stick with "газон" to maintain a professional tone.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "газон" often symbolizes public spaces in cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, where manicured lawns in parks reflect national pride in nature and urban planning. Historically, during the Soviet era, communal lawns were emphasized in housing developments to promote community and outdoor activities, adding a layer of social connotation to the word.

Related Concepts:

• парк [park]
• сад [sad]
• травянистый [trɐˈvʲanʲistɨj]