Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'maize'

English Word: maize

Key Russian Translations:

• кукуруза [kʊkʊˈruzə] - [Formal, commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions about food, agriculture, and daily life, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "bread").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should be able to recognize and use it in simple sentences, as per CEFR standards).

Pronunciation (Russian):

кукуруза: [kʊkʊˈruzə]

Note on кукуруза: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ru-"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers. Pronounce the "у" sounds as short, unstressed vowels, similar to the "oo" in "book".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A cereal plant that yields large grains set in rows on a cob (the primary meaning of 'maize' in English, referring to corn).

Translation(s) & Context:

• кукуруза - Used in general contexts for the plant, grain, or food product; suitable for formal and informal settings, especially in agricultural, culinary, or everyday conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Я ем кукурузу на ужин, потому что она полезная и вкусная.

  I eat maize for dinner because it is healthy and tasty. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence about daily habits.)

• В саду мы выращиваем кукурузу для продажи на рынке.

  In the garden, we grow maize to sell at the market. (Illustrates the word in an agricultural context with a verb of action.)

• Кукуруза в консервах часто используется в салатах.

  Canned maize is often used in salads. (Demonstrates the word with a modifier, showing product variations.)

• Дети любят попкорн, сделанный из кукурузы.

  Children love popcorn made from maize. (This highlights the word in a processed food context, linking to cultural products.)

• В России кукуруза импортируется из других стран для производства продуктов.

  In Russia, maize is imported from other countries for product manufacturing. (Shows the word in a broader economic or geographical context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кукуруза" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used unless referring to multiple types or items, as "maize" is often discussed in singular contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • зерно (zerno) - A general term for grain; less specific than кукуруза, often used in broader agricultural contexts.
  • кукурузное зерно (kukuru znoye zerno) - Emphasizes the grain aspect; used when distinguishing types of grain.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "кукуруза" is a specific noun. However, in food contexts, it could contrast with non-grain items like овощи (ovoshchi, vegetables).

Related Phrases:

• Консервированная кукуруза - Canned maize; commonly used in salads or as a side dish.
• Попкорн из кукурузы - Popcorn made from maize; a popular snack, especially in entertainment settings.
• Кукуруза на початок - Maize on the cob; refers to fresh, unprocessed corn.

Usage Notes:

"Кукуруза" directly corresponds to "maize" in English, emphasizing the plant or grain, rather than the American English "corn" which can mean various grains. It is neutral in register and can be used in both formal (e.g., scientific or agricultural texts) and informal contexts (e.g., everyday conversation). When choosing between translations, stick with "кукуруза" for precision in food-related topics. Be mindful of grammatical gender: as a feminine noun, it pairs with feminine adjectives (e.g., свежая кукуруза - fresh maize).

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "pшeница" (wheat): English learners might mistakenly use "pшeница" for any grain. Error: "Я ем pшeницу" (meaning "I eat wheat" but intending maize). Correct: "Я ем кукурузу". Explanation: "Pшeница" specifically means wheat, so always verify the exact grain type.

• Improper inflection: Forgetting case changes, e.g., using nominative "кукуруза" in genitive contexts. Error: "Я купил хлеб с кукуруза" (incorrect genitive). Correct: "Я купил хлеб с кукурузой". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so pay attention to sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "кукуруза" is not a native crop but was introduced through trade and agriculture, often associated with American or global influences. It symbolizes modern dietary imports and is popular in processed foods like canned goods or snacks, reflecting Russia's diverse culinary landscape influenced by international trade.

Related Concepts:

• пшеница (wheat)
• рис (rice)
• овощи (vegetables)