Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mildew'

English Word: mildew

Key Russian Translations:

• плесень [ˈplʲesʲɪnʲ] - [Common usage, refers to fungal growth on damp surfaces]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday contexts like home maintenance or agriculture, but not in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic vocabulary related to environmental issues, suitable for learners with a grasp of everyday nouns and descriptions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

плесень: [ˈplʲesʲɪnʲ]

Note on плесень: The stress falls on the first syllable ("плэ"), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Pronounce the "л" softly as a palatalized sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fungal growth on damp surfaces, such as mold in homes or on plants.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плесень - Typically used in contexts involving moisture-related issues, such as household cleaning or gardening; formal or neutral language.

Usage Examples:

• В ванной комнате появилась плесень из-за высокой влажности.

  Mildew appeared in the bathroom due to high humidity. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting environmental causes.)

• Чтобы избавиться от плесени, нужно проветривать помещение регулярно.

  To get rid of mildew, you need to ventilate the room regularly. (Illustrates the noun in an imperative or advisory context, common in practical advice.)

• Плесень на стенах может быть опасной для здоровья.

  Mildew on the walls can be dangerous to health. (Demonstrates the noun with possessive structures, emphasizing risks.)

• Летом плесень часто поражает урожай в саду.

  In summer, mildew often affects the harvest in the garden. (Shows the noun in a seasonal or agricultural context, with verb agreement.)

• Из-за плесени пришлось ремонтировать всю квартиру.

  Because of the mildew, we had to renovate the entire apartment. (Uses the noun in a causal clause, illustrating broader implications.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Плесень" is a feminine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular inflection patterns for most cases, but like many nouns ending in -ень, it has specific changes in plural forms. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners, but pay attention to the soft sign (ь) which affects pronunciation in inflected forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: грибок (gribok) - Often used interchangeably but implies a smaller or more specific fungal spot; плесневелый налёт (plesnevelyy nalyot) - More descriptive, emphasizing the coating aspect.
• Antonyms: чистота (chistota) - Cleanliness, as it represents the opposite state; свежесть (svezhest') - Freshness, contrasting with decay.

Related Phrases:

• Борьба с плесенью (Bor'ba s plesen'yu) - Fight against mildew; refers to efforts to eliminate mold in homes or gardens.
• Плесень на продуктах (Plesen' na produktakh) - Mildew on products; commonly used for spoiled food items.
• Профилактика плесени (Profilaktika plesen'i) - Prevention of mildew; discusses measures to avoid fungal growth.

Usage Notes:

"Плесень" directly corresponds to "mildew" in English, focusing on visible fungal growth due to dampness. It is a neutral, everyday term suitable for both formal (e.g., medical or scientific contexts) and informal use (e.g., casual home discussions). Be cautious with word order in Russian sentences, as the noun often follows prepositions like "из-за" (because of). When choosing between synonyms like "грибок," opt for "плесень" if emphasizing widespread mold rather than isolated spots. Grammatically, it requires feminine agreement in adjectives and verbs.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "плесень" with "гриб" (mushroom): Learners might incorrectly use "гриб" for mildew, thinking it's the same as edible fungi. Error example: "В доме есть гриб" (incorrect for mildew). Correct: "В доме есть плесень." Explanation: "Гриб" refers to mushrooms, while "плесень" specifically denotes harmful mold; always check the context for environmental vs. culinary references.

• Improper inflection: Non-native speakers often forget case changes, e.g., saying "из плесень" instead of "из плесени" in genitive contexts. Error: "Я боюсь плесень" (should be "плесени" in certain phrases). Correct: "Я боюсь плесени." Explanation: Russian requires accurate case agreement for grammatical flow.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "плесень" is particularly relevant due to the country's often humid climate and older housing structures, which can lead to frequent mold issues. It symbolizes neglect or poor maintenance in homes, and culturally, it's tied to proverbs about cleanliness, such as those emphasizing the importance of a tidy environment to prevent health problems.

Related Concepts:

• грибок
• влажность
• гниение