Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'apple'

English Word: apple

Key Russian Translations:

• яблоко /jɪˈblokə/ - [Noun, Singular, Informal; Used in everyday contexts for the fruit]
• яблоки /jɪˈblokʲɪ/ - [Noun, Plural, Informal; Used when referring to multiple apples]

Frequency: Medium (Common in daily conversations, especially in food-related topics)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; Basic vocabulary that is straightforward for new learners, though inflection rules may introduce slight challenges)

Pronunciation (Russian):

яблоко: /jɪˈblokə/ (The stress is on the second syllable; the 'я' sound is a palatalized 'ya' as in 'yard')

яблоки: /jɪˈblokʲɪ/ (Note the plural ending; the final 'и' is pronounced as a short 'ee' sound, common in Russian nouns)

Note on яблоко: Be cautious with the initial 'я' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers as it combines 'y' and 'a'. It softens the following consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fruit of the apple tree (primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• яблоко - Used in casual, everyday conversations when referring to a single apple in contexts like shopping or eating.
• яблоки - Applied in plural forms for multiple apples, such as in recipes or descriptions of orchards.

Usage Examples:

• Я ем яблоко за завтраком. (I eat an apple for breakfast.)

  This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, illustrating daily routine usage.

• На рынке продают свежие яблоки. (They sell fresh apples at the market.)

  Here, the plural form is used in a commercial or descriptive context, common in shopping scenarios.

• Это красное яблоко очень сладкое. (This red apple is very sweet.)

  Demonstrates the word with an adjective, highlighting descriptive language in everyday speech.

• Дети собирают яблоки в саду. (The children are picking apples in the garden.)

  This shows the word in an action-oriented sentence, often used in narratives or stories.

• Я купил яблоко для десерта. (I bought an apple for dessert.)

  Illustrates the singular form in a purposeful context, like meal planning.

Metaphorical or extended meaning (e.g., in literature or idioms)

Translation(s) & Context:

• яблоко - Sometimes used metaphorically, as in "яблоко раздора" (apple of discord), in formal or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Это яблоко раздора между семьями. (This is the apple of discord between the families.)

  An idiomatic expression showing how the word extends to conflict or dispute in cultural references.

• В сказке упало золотое яблоко. (In the fairy tale, a golden apple fell.)

  Used in storytelling to represent something valuable or magical.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Яблоко" is a neuter noun in Russian, following the second declension pattern. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The inflections are regular, but learners should pay attention to the vowel changes in certain cases, such as from "яблоко" to "яблока".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фрукт (frukt) - A general term for fruit, less specific than яблоко.
  • плод (plod) - Used in botanical contexts, implying a broader category.
• Antonyms:
  • овощ (ovoshch) - Vegetable, contrasting with fruits in dietary discussions.

Related Phrases:

• Красное яблоко (Krasnoye yabloko) - Red apple; A common descriptive phrase used in shopping or descriptions.
• Яблоко от яблони (Yabloko ot yabloni) - The apple doesn't fall far from the tree; An idiom meaning children resemble their parents.
• Свежие яблоки (Svezhiye yabloki) - Fresh apples; Often used in market contexts to emphasize quality.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "яблоко" directly corresponds to the English "apple" in its literal sense, making it a straightforward translation for beginners. However, always consider the context: use the singular form for one item and plural for multiple. In formal writing, inflect correctly based on case (e.g., genitive for possession). If multiple translations exist, choose "яблоко" for everyday use and "фрукт" for more general references. Be mindful of gender agreements in sentences, as "яблоко" is neuter.

Common Errors:

• English speakers often misuse the case endings, e.g., saying "у меня яблоко" instead of the correct genitive "у меня яблоко" (which is actually correct here, but errors occur in other cases like dative: incorrectly saying "я даю яблоко" instead of "я даю яблоку" for "I give to the apple"). Correct usage: Always check the preposition's required case.

• Pronunciation errors, such as pronouncing it as /ˈæpl/ like English, instead of /jɪˈblokə/. This can lead to misunderstandings; practice with native audio to master the palatalized sounds.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, apples symbolize health, freshness, and even folklore elements, as seen in fairy tales like those by Pushkin. The phrase "яблоко раздора" references ancient Greek mythology adapted into Russian literature, highlighting how everyday words can carry historical connotations in storytelling and proverbs.

Related Concepts:

• груша (grusha) - Pear
• вишня (vishnya) - Cherry
• фруктовый сад (fruktovyy sad) - Fruit orchard