Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pearl'

English Word: pearl

Key Russian Translations:

• жемчуг [ʐʲɪmˈt͡ɕuk] - [Formal, Singular; used in general contexts like jewelry or nature]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, jewelry discussions, and everyday language, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "water").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

жемчуг: [ʐʲɪmˈt͡ɕuk]

Note on жемчуг: The initial sound [ʐʲ] is a voiced retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'zh' in 'measure' but with a palatalized element. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: A hard, lustrous spherical object produced by mollusks, often used in jewelry.

Translation(s) & Context:

• жемчуг - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as discussing natural or cultured pearls in jewelry, biology, or literature.

Usage Examples:

• Этот ожерелье сделано из натурального жемчуга.

  This necklace is made from natural pearls.

• Жемчуг часто используется в ювелирных изделиях для создания элегантных украшений.

  Pearls are often used in jewelry to create elegant accessories.

• В морях Юго-Восточной Азии добывают редкий жемчуг.

  Rare pearls are harvested in the seas of Southeast Asia.

• Её серьги украшены мелким жемчугом, что придаёт им изысканный вид.

  Her earrings are adorned with small pearls, giving them a sophisticated look.

• Жемчуг может быть как натуральным, так и искусственным, в зависимости от происхождения.

  Pearls can be either natural or artificial, depending on their origin.

Figurative Meaning: Something of great beauty, value, or rarity (e.g., a pearl of wisdom).

Translation(s) & Context:

• жемчужина - Used metaphorically for something exceptional, like a talented person or a wise saying, in literary or poetic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Эта книга — настоящая жемчужина русской литературы.

  This book is a true pearl of Russian literature.

• Его речь была полна жемчужин мудрости, которые запомнились всем.

  His speech was full of pearls of wisdom that everyone remembered.

• В коллекции музея есть жемчужины искусства XIX века.

  The museum's collection includes pearls of 19th-century art.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Жемчуг is a masculine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun patterns with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

For the figurative form жемчужина (a feminine noun), it declines as follows and is used in singular for emphasis on rarity:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: бусинка (small bead, often used for smaller pearls with a diminutive connotation), жемчужинка (a more affectionate or diminutive form for very small pearls).
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "pearl" is a specific noun; however, in a metaphorical sense, something ordinary might contrast, e.g., безделушка (trinket, implying something worthless).

Related Phrases:

• Натуральный жемчуг - Natural pearl; refers to pearls formed in the wild, often valued higher in jewelry.
• Жемчужина мудрости - Pearl of wisdom; a metaphorical phrase for a profound insight or saying.
• Ожерелье из жемчуга - Pearl necklace; a common jewelry item, used in fashion or cultural contexts.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "жемчуг" directly corresponds to the English "pearl" in its literal sense, but it's more commonly used in formal or written contexts. For everyday conversation, learners should note that Russian nouns require declension based on case, so always adjust for grammar (e.g., use genitive "жемчуга" after prepositions like "из"). When choosing between "жемчуг" and "жемчужина," opt for the latter in metaphorical uses to convey rarity or excellence. Be mindful of cultural nuances, as pearls often symbolize purity in Russian literature.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "жемчуг" in all cases, e.g., "Я купил ожерелье из жемчуг" (incorrect genitive).

  Correct: "Я купил ожерелье из жемчуга." Explanation: Russian requires genitive for materials, so always decline the noun appropriately to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "бусина" (bead), leading to misuse in jewelry contexts.

  Correct: Use "жемчуг" for pearls specifically. Explanation: "Бусина" refers to generic beads, which could mislead in precise descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, pearls (жемчуг) often symbolize purity, beauty, and femininity, frequently appearing in folklore and literature. For instance, in Russian fairy tales, pearls might represent treasures from the sea, reflecting historical trade routes via the Silk Road. This cultural connotation can add depth when using the word in idiomatic expressions.

Related Concepts:

• ювелирные изделия (jewelry items)
• морские раковины (seashells)
• драгоценные камни (precious stones)