Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lotus'

English Word: lotus

Key Russian Translations:

• лотос [ˈɫotəs] - [Formal, Singular; Used in botanical or literary contexts]

Frequency: Low (Not a commonly used word in everyday Russian conversation; more prevalent in specialized fields like botany, literature, or cultural discussions)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; Requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to nature, but no irregular forms make it accessible)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лотос: [ˈɫotəs]

Note on лотос: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'л' is a dark 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio to distinguish it from a standard 'l'. Variations in pronunciation may occur regionally, but [ˈɫotəs] is standard in Moscow Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The lotus flower (plant; referring to the aquatic plant with symbolic or botanical significance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лотос - Used in formal, scientific, or poetic contexts to describe the lotus plant; common in discussions of flora, mythology, or Eastern influences in Russian culture.

Usage Examples:

• В саду расцветает лотос, символизирующий чистоту и возрождение.

  In the garden, the lotus blooms, symbolizing purity and rebirth.

• Лотос часто упоминается в русских сказках как магический цветок.

  The lotus is often mentioned in Russian folktales as a magical flower.

• Ботаники изучают лотос для его адаптации к водным условиям.

  Botanists study the lotus for its adaptation to aquatic conditions.

• В парке я увидел лотос, плывущий по пруду.

  In the park, I saw a lotus floating on the pond.

• Лотос используется в русской кухне для приготовления экзотических блюд.

  The lotus is used in Russian cuisine for preparing exotic dishes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лотос" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кувшинка (water lily; similar aquatic plant, but with a more everyday connotation)
  • водяной цветок (water flower; a general term, less specific than лотос)
  Note: "Кувшинка" is often used interchangeably in poetic contexts but refers to a different plant.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "лотос" is a specific noun without clear opposites. However, in symbolic contexts, words like "терние" (thorn) could contrast its purity.

Related Phrases:

• Цветок лотоса - The flower of the lotus; Refers to the bloom in botanical or decorative contexts.
• Лотос в мифологии - Lotus in mythology; Used when discussing cultural or literary symbolism.
• Разведение лотоса - Growing lotus; Common in gardening or agricultural discussions.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "лотос" directly corresponds to the English "lotus" in its botanical sense, but it's less common in everyday speech and more often appears in formal, scientific, or artistic contexts. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like "лотос" must be declined according to case, which affects sentence structure (e.g., use genitive for possession: "цветок лотоса"). It's neutral in terms of formality but leans toward written or educated language. When choosing between translations, "лотос" is the most precise; avoid using it in casual conversations where a more general term like "цветок" might suffice. Grammatically, pay attention to gender agreement in adjectives and verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "Я вижу лотос" in a context requiring genitive like "Я думаю о лотос" (incorrectly as "Я думаю о лотос" instead of "Я думаю о лотосе").

  Correct: Use the proper case, e.g., "Я думаю о лотосе" (prepositional case). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so English learners often overlook this, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing "лотос" with "кувшинка," assuming they are identical.

  Correct: "Лотос" specifically means lotus, while "кувшинка" means water lily. Explanation: This mix-up can alter the meaning in descriptive texts; always verify the exact plant being referenced.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лотос" carries symbolic weight borrowed from Eastern traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, where it represents purity and enlightenment. Although not native to traditional Russian folklore, it appears in modern literature and art influenced by global cultures. For instance, in 19th-century Russian poetry, the lotus might symbolize exotic beauty, reflecting Russia's historical interactions with Asia.

Related Concepts:

• кувшинка
• водяные растения
• цветок