Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'petal'

English Word: petal

Key Russian Translations:

• лепесток [lʲɪˈpʲes.tək] - [Formal, Singular; used in botanical or descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in nature-related discussions, literature, and everyday language, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "house").

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary; suitable for beginners as it follows standard noun patterns, but requires understanding of Russian declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

лепесток: [lʲɪˈpʲes.tək]

Note on лепесток: The initial 'л' is palatalized (soft), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Stress falls on the second syllable, and the 'т' sound can vary slightly in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The petal of a flower (Primary meaning, referring to the colorful, leaf-like parts of a flower).

Translation(s) & Context:

• лепесток - Used in formal, scientific, or poetic contexts to describe parts of flowers; common in descriptions of nature or botany.

Usage Examples:

• Цветок имеет яркие лепестки, которые привлекают пчёл.

  The flower has bright petals that attract bees. (This example shows the noun in a singular form within a descriptive sentence about natural phenomena.)

• Лепестки розы опали на землю после дождя.

  The petals of the rose fell to the ground after the rain. (Demonstrates plural usage and a poetic or everyday context.)

• В саду дети собирали лепестки для поделок.

  In the garden, children were collecting petals for crafts. (Illustrates the word in a casual, activity-based scenario.)

• Каждый лепесток этого экзотического цветка уникален по форме.

  Each petal of this exotic flower is unique in shape. (Shows variation in a scientific or observational context.)

• Лепестки тюльпана мягкие на ощупь, как шелк.

  The petals of the tulip are soft to the touch, like silk. (Emphasizes sensory description and plural form.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лепесток" is a masculine noun in the third declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its declensions:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: пластинка (plate or leaflet, used in more technical botanical contexts, implying a flatter structure); доля (share or portion, in metaphorical uses).
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "лепесток" is a specific part of a flower. However, in broader contexts, it could contrast with "стебель" (stem), which is a different plant part.

Related Phrases:

• Цветочный лепесток - A flower's petal; used in poetic or descriptive language to emphasize beauty.
• Опавший лепесток - Fallen petal; common in contexts discussing decay or seasonal changes.
• Лепестки чая - Tea petals; refers to herbal tea ingredients, with a cultural connotation in Russian tea traditions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "лепесток" directly corresponds to the English "petal" in botanical and everyday contexts. It is a neuter noun and should be used with appropriate adjectives and verbs agreeing in gender, number, and case. For formal writing or scientific discussions, prefer "лепесток" over more colloquial alternatives. When choosing between translations, use "лепесток" for precise descriptions; avoid it in abstract metaphors unless the context is poetic. Note that in spoken Russian, it might be shortened in casual speech, but always maintain full forms in writing.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "лепесток" with "лист" (leaf): Learners might say "цветочный лист" instead of "цветочный лепесток," which is incorrect as "лист" refers to a leaf, not a petal. Correct usage: Use "лепесток" for flower parts. Example of error: "Цветок имеет лист" (wrong); Correct: "Цветок имеет лепесток."
• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in genitive case, e.g., saying "of лепесток" instead of "of лепестка." This disrupts sentence flow; always decline based on context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лепесток" often appears in literature and folklore as a symbol of beauty, transience, and nature's delicacy. For instance, in works by poets like Pushkin, flower petals represent fleeting emotions or the passage of time, reflecting Russia's deep appreciation for its natural landscapes and seasonal changes.

Related Concepts:

• цветок (flower)
• стебель (stem)
• бутоны (buds)
• лист (leaf)