Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lupine'

English Word: lupine

Key Russian Translations:

• волчий [vólʧʲɪj] - [Adjective, Formal, used for describing something wolf-like]
• люпин [lʲʊˈpʲin] - [Noun, Neutral, refers specifically to the plant]

Frequency: Medium for 'волчий' (commonly used in literary and descriptive contexts), Low for 'люпин' (more specialized in botanical or agricultural discussions).

Difficulty: B1 for 'волчий' (Intermediate, as it involves basic adjective declensions), A2 for 'люпин' (Beginner, as it's a straightforward noun with regular patterns).

Pronunciation (Russian):

волчий: [vólʧʲɪj] (The 'ч' sound is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to 'ch' in 'loch'. Stress on the first syllable.)

Note on волчий: This word may vary slightly in informal speech, where the ending softens further in connected speech.

Audio: []

люпин: [lʲʊˈpʲin] (The initial 'л' is palatalized, and stress is on the second syllable.)

Note on люпин: Pronunciation can vary regionally; in some dialects, the 'п' might be slightly aspirated.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: As an adjective, meaning 'wolf-like' or resembling a wolf.

Translation(s) & Context:

• волчий - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe animals, behaviors, or characteristics that evoke wolves, such as in nature documentaries or folklore.

Usage Examples:

• Волчий вой эхом разнёсся по лесу. (Volchiy voy ekhom raznyoslsya po lesu.)

  English: The lupine howl echoed through the forest. (This example shows the adjective in a descriptive, narrative context, highlighting animal sounds.)

• Его волчий взгляд пугал окружающих. (Yego volchiy vzglyad pugal okruzhayushchikh.)

  English: His lupine gaze frightened those around him. (Demonstrates use in describing human expressions metaphorically, in everyday or literary language.)

• Волчий инстинкт помог выжить в дикой природе. (Volchiy instinkt pomog vyzhit v dikoy prirode.)

  English: The lupine instinct helped survive in the wild. (Illustrates application in survival or psychological contexts, with attributive adjective placement.)

• Эта порода собак имеет волчий окрас. (Eta poroda sobak imeet volchiy okras.)

  English: This dog breed has a lupine coloration. (Shows use in zoological or pet-related discussions, emphasizing physical traits.)

Meaning 2: As a noun, referring to the lupin plant (a type of flowering plant).

Translation(s) & Context:

• люпин - Used in agricultural, botanical, or everyday contexts when discussing the plant, often in scientific or gardening settings.

Usage Examples:

• Люпин выращивают для улучшения почвы. (Lyupin vyrashchivayut dlya uluchsheniya pochvy.)

  English: Lupin is grown to improve the soil. (This example highlights the noun in an agricultural context, focusing on its practical uses.)

• В саду расцвели яркие люпины. (V sadu rascveli yarkie lyupiny.)

  English: Bright lupins bloomed in the garden. (Demonstrates plural form in a descriptive, everyday setting, like gardening conversations.)

• Люпин — это ценная кормовую культуру. (Lyupin — eto cennaya kormovuyu kul'turu.)

  English: Lupin is a valuable fodder crop. (Shows use in formal or educational contexts, emphasizing its economic importance.)

• Я посадил люпин вдоль забора. (Ya pasadil lyupin vdal' zabora.)

  English: I planted lupin along the fence. (Illustrates simple, personal usage in casual gardening narratives.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'волчий' (adjective): This is a first-declension adjective with regular patterns based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for hard-stem adjectives.

For 'люпин' (noun): This is a masculine noun of the second declension with regular inflections. It does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for волчий: звериный (zverinyy) - More general for animal-like; волкоподобный (volkopodobnyy) - Specifically wolf-resembling.
• Synonyms for люпин: None direct, but related: бобовые (bobovye) - For the plant family, with a broader context.
• Antonyms for волчий: кроткий (krotkiy) - Meaning gentle or meek, contrasting the fierce connotation.
• Antonyms for люпин: None specific, as it's a proper noun for a plant.

Related Phrases:

• Волчий аппетит (Volchiy appetit) - Meaning "voracious appetite" or extreme hunger, often used idiomatically in casual conversations.
• Люпин в саду (Lyupin v sadu) - Meaning "lupin in the garden," a common phrase in gardening contexts to describe planting.

Usage Notes:

When translating 'lupine' as 'волчий', ensure it matches the adjectival form in English sentences; it's ideal for formal or literary use but less common in everyday speech. For 'люпин', use it only for the plant to avoid confusion with animal-related meanings. Choose based on context: opt for 'волчий' in metaphorical descriptions and 'люпин' in scientific ones. Always consider gender agreement in Russian sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'волчий' without proper declension, e.g., saying "волчий глаз" incorrectly in genitive case. Correct: "волчьего глаза". Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in case, number, and gender, which English learners often overlook.
• Error: Confusing 'люпин' with other plants, leading to misuse in sentences. Correct example: "Я сажаю люпин" (I plant lupin), not "Я сажаю волчий" which is incorrect for the plant.

Cultural Notes:

The word 'волчий' often carries connotations from Russian folklore, where wolves symbolize cunning or danger, as in fairy tales like those by Pushkin. This adds a cultural layer beyond its literal meaning, making it a vivid descriptor in literature.

Related Concepts:

• волк (volk) - Wolf
• зверь (zver') - Beast or animal
• растение (rastenie) - Plant (for botanical connections)