Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lemon'

English Word: lemon

Key Russian Translations:

• лимон (/lʲɪˈmon/) - [Neutral, Common noun, Used in everyday contexts for the fruit]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in daily conversations, recipes, and general vocabulary related to food and fruits.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun in Russian vocabulary and requires minimal grammatical complexity to learn.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лимон: /lʲɪˈmon/ (The "л" is palatalized, pronounced with a soft "l" sound, which is a common feature in Russian; stress falls on the second syllable.)

Note on лимон: Pay attention to the palatalization of the "л" sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it’s softer than in English. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A yellow citrus fruit known for its sour taste.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лимон - Used in neutral, everyday contexts for referring to the fruit in cooking, descriptions, or shopping scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил лимон для чая. (Ya kupil limon dlya chaya.)

  I bought a lemon for tea. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, common in daily routines.)

• Лимон добавляет кислинку салату. (Limon dobavlyayet kislinku salatu.)

  Lemon adds sourness to the salad. (Here, the word is used in a context involving food preparation, highlighting its role as an ingredient.)

• В саду растут апельсины и лимоны. (V sadu rastut apelsiny i limony.)

  Oranges and lemons grow in the garden. (This demonstrates plural usage in a descriptive setting, showing the word in a list of fruits.)

• Сок из лимона очень полезен. (Sok iz limona ochen polezen.)

  Lemon juice is very healthy. (This example illustrates the word in a phrase related to health benefits, common in nutritional discussions.)

• Лимон лежит на столе. (Limon lezhit na stole.)

  The lemon is on the table. (A basic locative sentence, useful for practicing simple present tense and object placement.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лимон" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • цитрус (citrus) - A broader term, used when referring to the fruit family, but less specific.
  • кислинка (kislinka) - Informal, poetic reference to the sour aspect, not a direct synonym.
• Antonyms:
  • сладкий фрукт (sladkiy frukt) - Not a direct antonym, but implies something sweet like "яблоко" (yabloko, apple), contrasting the sour taste.

Related Phrases:

• Лимонный сок (Limonnýy sok) - Lemon juice; a common ingredient in drinks and cooking.
• Чай с лимоном (Chay s limonóm) - Tea with lemon; a popular beverage in Russian households, especially in winter.
• Лимонная цедра (Limonnaya tsedra) - Lemon zest; used in baking or for flavoring, highlighting culinary applications.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "лимон" directly corresponds to the English "lemon" as a noun for the citrus fruit. It is gender-neutral in English but masculine in Russian, so always use masculine adjectives and pronouns with it (e.g., "этот лимон" for "this lemon"). In formal contexts, it's straightforward, but in informal speech, it may appear in idiomatic expressions. When choosing between translations, "лимон" is the most accurate and versatile; avoid using broader terms like "цитрус" unless discussing the fruit family. Grammatically, ensure proper declension based on sentence structure to avoid errors.

Common Errors:

• Mispronouncing the palatalized "л" as a hard "l" (e.g., saying /lɪˈmon/ instead of /lʲɪˈmon/): Correct usage is /lʲɪˈmon/; this soft sound is key in Russian and can make the word sound unnatural if omitted.
• Using the wrong case, such as saying "Я ем лимон" (incorrect for "I eat the lemon" in some contexts) when it should be "Я ем лимон" (actually correct here, but learners often forget accusative forms like "лимона" in genitive phrases, e.g., "без лимона" for "without lemon"). Explanation: Russian cases are essential; practice with tables to master them.
• Confusing with similar words like "лимон" vs. "лимонка" (a slang term for a grenade): Stick to "лимон" for the fruit to avoid unintended meanings in military or informal contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, lemons are not native to the region but are widely imported and used, especially in tea during cold winters. They symbolize freshness and health, often featured in traditional recipes like "чай с лимоном" (tea with lemon), which is a staple for hospitality. Historically, lemons were a luxury item in Russia before the 20th century, adding a layer of cultural significance to their use in literature and folklore.

Related Concepts:

• апельсин (apelsin)
• грейпфрут (greypfrut)
• цитрусовые (tsitrusovyye)