Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lily'

English Word: lily

Key Russian Translations:

• лилия [ˈlʲilʲɪjə] - [Formal, commonly used in botanical, literary, and everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in discussions about flowers, gardens, and literature, but not as frequently as basic everyday vocabulary.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner, as it is a straightforward noun with regular inflections, making it accessible for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лилия: [ˈlʲilʲɪjə]

Note on лилия: The initial 'л' is palatalized (soft), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable; misplacing it can alter the word's natural flow. Variations in regional accents may slightly soften the 'л' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The flower lily (referring to the plant or bloom)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лилия - Used in contexts related to botany, gardening, or symbolic representations, such as in literature or art; suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• В саду расцветают лилии ранней весной.

  Lilies bloom in the garden early in the spring. (This example shows the noun in a descriptive, seasonal context.)

• Она подарила мне букет лилий на день рождения.

  She gave me a bouquet of lilies for my birthday. (Illustrates the noun in a personal, gift-giving scenario.)

• Лилии символизируют чистоту в русской поэзии.

  Lilies symbolize purity in Russian poetry. (Demonstrates usage in a cultural or literary context.)

• В оранжерее выращивают разные сорта лилий.

  Different varieties of lilies are grown in the greenhouse. (Shows the plural form in a horticultural setting.)

• Белые лилии часто используются в свадебных букетах.

  White lilies are often used in wedding bouquets. (Highlights the noun with an adjective in a traditional context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

лилия is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular inflection patterns for most cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The inflections are regular, but learners should be cautious with the vowel changes in certain cases, such as the accusative singular (лилию). There are no irregular forms for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Лилия (no direct synonyms, but related terms like "цветок" [flower] for general reference; "лилия" is specific and often interchangeable with poetic variants in literature)
  • Кувшинка (for water lilies, with a slight difference in context as it refers to aquatic varieties)
• Antonyms:
  • Шиповник (wild rose, contrasting as a thorny flower)
  • Роза (rose, often symbolizing different emotions like passion, as opposed to lily's purity)

Related Phrases:

• Белая лилия - White lily (A common phrase used in floral arrangements or symbolic contexts, often denoting innocence or purity.)
• Лилия долины - Lily of the valley (Refers to a specific flower type, commonly associated with spring and used in perfumes or weddings.)
• Цветущая лилия - Blooming lily (Used to describe a flower in full bloom, in gardening or metaphorical language.)

Usage Notes:

lily translates directly to "лилия" in Russian, which is a feminine noun. It is versatile and can be used in both formal (e.g., scientific texts) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations about flowers). Be mindful of its inflections when constructing sentences; for instance, use the genitive case for possession, as in "цвет лилии" (the color of the lily). When choosing among translations, "лилия" is the most accurate for the flower, but if referring to water lilies specifically, "кувшинка" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it agrees with adjectives and verbs based on its feminine gender.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу лилия" instead of "Я вижу лилию" (accusative case). Correct: "Я вижу лилию." Explanation: In Russian, the accusative case changes the ending for direct objects, so learners must adjust based on sentence structure to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "лилия" and "лилия долины," leading to misuse in contexts. Correct: Specify "лилия долины" for lily of the valley. Explanation: These are distinct phrases; mixing them can alter the meaning, especially in botanical or cultural discussions.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "красивый лилия" instead of "красивая лилия." Correct: "Красивая лилия." Explanation: As a feminine noun, adjectives must end in -ая or appropriate forms to match, which is a common pitfall for English speakers unfamiliar with Russian gender rules.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the lily (лилия) often symbolizes purity, innocence, and renewal, drawing from Christian traditions where it represents the Virgin Mary. It appears frequently in Russian literature, such as in the works of poets like Pushkin, where it evokes themes of beauty and transience. Additionally, lilies are popular in floral arrangements for weddings and funerals, reflecting their dual role in celebrations and memorials.

Related Concepts:

• Роза (rose)
• Тюльпан (tulip)
• Цветок (flower, general term)
• Букет (bouquet)