Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nut'

English Word: nut

Key Russian Translations:

• орех [ˈorʲɪx] - [Informal, Common for edible nuts]
• гайка [ˈgajkə] - [Formal, Technical, Used in mechanical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word 'nut' as 'орех' is commonly used in everyday language, while 'гайка' appears in technical or specialized discussions.)

Difficulty: A2 for 'орех' (Basic vocabulary for beginners); B1 for 'гайка' (Intermediate, as it involves technical terms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

орех: [ˈorʲɪx]

гайка: [ˈgajkə]

Note on орех: The 'р' is rolled, and the stress is on the first syllable; common variations in fast speech may soften the 'х' sound.

Note on гайка: Pronounce with a hard 'г' and a soft 'й'; in some dialects, the ending may vary slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A hard-shelled fruit or seed (e.g., walnut, almond)

Translation(s) & Context:

• орех - Used in everyday contexts for edible nuts, such as in food or nature discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я ем орех каждый день для здоровья.

  I eat a nut every day for health.

• В лесу много орехов осенью.

  There are many nuts in the forest in the autumn.

• Она любит добавлять орехи в салат.

  She likes to add nuts to the salad.

• Орехи полезны для мозга, но их нужно чистить.

  Nuts are good for the brain, but they need to be shelled.

Meaning 2: A metal fastener with a threaded hole (e.g., in machinery)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гайка - Used in technical, engineering, or repair contexts, often in formal or professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Закрути гайку на болте плотно.

  Tighten the nut on the bolt securely.

• В этом механизме не хватает гайки.

  This mechanism is missing a nut.

• Механик заменил сломанную гайку.

  The mechanic replaced the broken nut.

• Гайки должны быть из прочного металла.

  Nuts should be made of durable metal.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'орех' (a masculine noun), it follows the standard second declension pattern with regular inflections:

For 'гайка' (a feminine noun), it follows the first declension with regular inflections:

Both words are regular and do not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for орех: миндаль (mandal) - Specifically for almonds; фундук (funduk) - For hazelnuts.
• Synonyms for гайка: None direct, but related: болт (bolt) in contexts, though not exact.
• Antonyms for орех: None specific, as it's a concrete noun.
• Antonyms for гайка: None direct, but in mechanical contexts: винт (vint) might contrast in some uses.

Related Phrases:

• Ореховый салат - A salad with nuts; used in culinary contexts to mean "nut salad".
• Затянуть гайку - To tighten a nut; a common phrase in repair work, implying securing something firmly.
• Собрать орехи - To gather nuts; often used in seasonal or nature-related discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Орех' directly corresponds to the edible nut in English and is versatile in daily conversation, but be cautious with context to avoid confusion with other seeds. 'Гайка' is a precise match for mechanical nuts and is typically used in formal or technical English equivalents. When choosing between translations, opt for 'орех' in food-related scenarios and 'гайка' in engineering ones. Grammatically, both nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying words in Russian sentences.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse 'орех' with 'фрукт' (fruit) and might say "Я ем фрукт" instead of "Я ем орех" for "I eat a nut," leading to inaccuracy. Correct usage: Use 'орех' specifically for nuts.
• For 'гайка', a common mistake is using 'болт' (bolt) interchangeably, e.g., saying "Я потерял болт" when meaning "I lost the nut." Explanation: 'Болт' is the bolt, not the nut; pair them correctly as "гайка на болте."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'орех' (nut) often appears in folklore and traditional dishes, such as in holiday treats during Maslenitsa or New Year celebrations, symbolizing abundance and health. 'Гайка' doesn't carry strong cultural connotations but is emblematic of Russia's industrial heritage in manufacturing and engineering.

Related Concepts:

• миндаль (almond)
• фундук (hazelnut)
• болт (bolt)
• инструмент (tool)