Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'meadow'

English Word: meadow

Key Russian Translations:

• луг [lʊk] - [Neutral, commonly used in everyday and literary contexts]
• поляна [pɐˈlʲanə] - [Informal, often for smaller or more specific areas like clearings in forests]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in general conversation, literature, and descriptions of nature, but not as frequently as basic everyday terms.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level in CEFR; straightforward for beginners, but understanding inflections may require basic grammar knowledge. For 'поляна', it remains A2.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

луг: [lʊk]

Note on луг: The 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in 'go', but ensure it's not devoiced at the end of a word in fast speech. Stress is on the first syllable.

поляна: [pɐˈlʲanə]

Note on поляна: The 'я' represents a palatalized 'l' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers; it's softer than in English. Stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An area of grassland, often used for grazing, recreation, or in natural settings.

Translation(s) & Context:

• луг - Used in neutral or formal contexts to describe open grassy areas, such as in rural or environmental discussions.
• поляна - Applied in informal or poetic contexts for smaller meadows, like those in forests, emphasizing a cozy or enchanting feel.

Usage Examples:

• Весной луг покрывается яркими цветами, привлекающими бабочек.

  In spring, the meadow is covered with bright flowers, attracting butterflies.

• Дети любят играть на поляне в лесу после школы.

  Children love to play on the meadow in the forest after school.

• Фермеры пасут скот на большом лугу за деревней.

  Farmers graze livestock on the large meadow outside the village.

• Летом поляна становится идеальным местом для пикника с друзьями.

  In summer, the meadow becomes an ideal spot for a picnic with friends.

• Путники отдохнули на лугу, наслаждаясь свежим воздухом.

  Travelers rested on the meadow, enjoying the fresh air.

Meaning 2: A metaphorical or poetic reference to a peaceful, idyllic space (e.g., in literature).

Translation(s) & Context:

• луг - Used in literary or figurative language to evoke serenity, as in poems or stories.
• поляна - Often in fairy tales or folklore for enchanted or hidden areas.

Usage Examples:

• В русской поэзии луг символизирует свободу и гармонию с природой.

  In Russian poetry, the meadow symbolizes freedom and harmony with nature.

• Герои сказки нашли волшебную поляну, где исполняются желания.

  The fairy tale heroes found a magical meadow where wishes come true.

• Её воспоминания о детстве были как зелёный луг в солнечный день.

  Her childhood memories were like a green meadow on a sunny day.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'луг' and 'поляна' are nouns. 'Луг' is a masculine noun in the third declension, while 'поляна' is a feminine noun. They follow standard Russian inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table for each:

Note: These are regular inflections; no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • поляна (similar to 'луг' but for smaller areas)
  • луговина (a variant, often used in dialects for a meadow-like area)
• Antonyms:
  • пустыня (desert - implies a barren, opposite environment)
  • город (city - contrasts with natural, rural settings)

Related Phrases:

• зелёный луг - A phrase for a lush, green meadow; used to describe vibrant natural scenes.
• лесная поляна - A forest clearing or meadow; common in adventure or nature contexts.
• цветущий луг - A blooming meadow; implies seasonal beauty and is often poetic.

Usage Notes:

Use 'луг' for general, neutral descriptions of meadows, as it directly corresponds to the English 'meadow' in rural or natural contexts. 'Поляна' is better for smaller, more intimate settings, like in stories or informal speech. Be mindful of case inflections in Russian sentences; for example, always adjust for prepositions (e.g., 'на лугу' means 'on the meadow'). In formal writing, 'луг' is preferred, while 'поляна' suits creative or casual language. Choose based on size and context to avoid awkward translations.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'луг' with 'поле' (field for agriculture): Incorrect: "Я иду на поле" when meaning a wild meadow. Correct: "Я иду на луг". Explanation: 'Поле' implies cultivated land, while 'луг' is natural grassland.
• Forgetting inflections: Incorrect: "В луг" (should be "В лугу" in prepositional case). Correct: "В лугу цветут цветы". Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case, so always check the sentence structure.
• Overusing 'поляна' in formal contexts: Incorrect: Using 'поляна' in scientific descriptions. Correct: Use 'луг' for broader applications. Explanation: 'Поляна' has a more whimsical connotation, which may not fit professional settings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, meadows like 'луг' or 'поляна' often symbolize freedom, simplicity, and connection to nature, as seen in folklore and literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin or folk tales). They represent idyllic rural life, contrasting with urban environments, and are frequently depicted in art and music as places of rest and reflection.

Related Concepts:

• лес (forest)
• река (river)
• поле (field)