Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'persimmon'

English Word: persimmon

Key Russian Translations:

• хурма /xʊrˈma/ - [Common noun, used for the fruit]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday conversations about food and agriculture, but not as frequent as basic staples like "apple" or "bread")

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary, as it involves basic vocabulary for everyday objects; suitable for beginners learning food-related terms in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хурма: /xʊrˈma/

Note on хурма: The initial "х" sound is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch." Pronounce it with a soft emphasis on the second syllable. Regional variations may occur, such as in dialects where the vowel sounds are slightly rounded.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fruit of the persimmon tree (edible, orange fruit).

Translation(s) & Context:

• хурма - Typically used in contexts related to food, markets, or nature; common in informal and formal discussions about fruits.

Usage Examples:

• Я ем хурму каждый день осенью.

  I eat persimmons every day in the fall.

• Хурма растёт в южных регионах России.

  Persimmons grow in the southern regions of Russia.

• Купи свежую хурму на рынке.

  Buy fresh persimmons at the market.

• Хурма может быть очень сладкой, если она спелая.

  Persimmons can be very sweet if they are ripe.

• В салате с хурмой добавляется орехами для вкуса.

  In a salad with persimmons, nuts are added for flavor.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"хурма" is a feminine noun in Russian (from the third declension). It follows regular inflection patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дикая хурма (wild persimmon) - Used for varieties growing in the wild, with a slightly more rustic connotation.
  • китайская хурма (Chinese persimmon) - Refers to specific cultivars, often in botanical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "хурма" is a specific fruit; however, contrasting fruits like "лимон" (lemon) could imply sourness vs. sweetness in taste discussions.

Related Phrases:

• Спелая хурма - Ripe persimmon; used in contexts discussing fruit readiness or quality.
• Хурма с косточкой - Persimmon with seeds; common in recipes or when describing fruit varieties.
• Сезон хурмы - Persimmon season; refers to the autumn period when the fruit is abundant in Russia.

Usage Notes:

"хурма" directly corresponds to the English "persimmon" as a noun for the fruit, but it's most commonly used in everyday Russian for culinary and seasonal contexts. Be mindful of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "свежая хурма" for "fresh persimmon"). In formal writing, such as botanical texts, more specific terms like "китайская хурма" might be preferred. Learners should note that Russian often pairs this word with seasonal descriptors, reflecting cultural emphasis on autumn harvests.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the masculine form by mistake, e.g., saying "хурм" as if it were masculine. Correct: Remember it's feminine, so use agreements like "эта хурма" (this persimmon). Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and misgendering can lead to grammatical errors in sentences.

• Error: Confusing it with similar fruits like "груша" (pear). Correct: "хурма" specifically means persimmon, which is distinct in taste and appearance. Example of error: Saying "Я ем грушу" when meaning persimmon. Explanation: This mix-up often occurs due to visual similarities, but context clarifies the difference.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "хурма" is associated with autumn traditions, symbolizing the harvest season in southern regions like the Caucasus. It's often featured in folk recipes and markets, evoking nostalgia for seasonal changes. Historically, persimmons were introduced from Asia, blending into Russian cuisine as a symbol of resilience in colder climates.

Related Concepts:

• яблоко (apple)
• груша (pear)
• виноград (grapes)