Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plum'

English Word: plum

Key Russian Translations:

• слива [ˈslʲivə] - [Formal, Singular; Used in everyday contexts for the fruit]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in daily conversations, literature, and culinary contexts in Russian.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary item; suitable for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

слива: [ˈslʲivə]

Note on слива: The initial 'с' is pronounced as a soft 's' sound, similar to 's' in "measure" in English. Pay attention to the palatalized 'л' (lʲ), which is a common feature in Russian that may challenge English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fruit (edible stone fruit)

Translation(s) & Context:

• слива - Used in general contexts for the plum as a fresh or preserved fruit, often in food-related discussions or descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Я ем свежую сливу за завтраком. (Ya yem svyezhuyu slivu za zavtrakom.)

  I eat a fresh plum for breakfast. (This example shows the word in a simple daily routine context.)

• В саду растут вкусные сливы. (V sadu rastut vkusnyye slivy.)

  In the garden, delicious plums are growing. (Demonstrates plural form and descriptive usage.)

• Она приготовила компот из слив. (Ona prigotovila kompot iz sliv.)

  She made compote from plums. (Illustrates the word in a culinary or recipe context.)

• Сливы в этом году особенно сладкие. (Slivy v etom godu osobenno sladkiye.)

  The plums this year are especially sweet. (Shows adjective modification and seasonal reference.)

• Купи сливу на рынке для десерта. (Kupi slivu na rynke dlya deserta.)

  Buy a plum at the market for dessert. (Example in an imperative sentence for practical advice.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "слива" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: The instrumental singular has two possible forms ("сливой" or "сливой"), which is common in Russian due to historical variations, but "сливой" is more standard in modern usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: вишня (vishnya - cherry, similar in being a stone fruit but with subtle differences in taste and appearance); абрикос (abrikos - apricot, for related fruits)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "слива" is a specific noun without clear opposites. However, in a broader food context, it might contrast with несъедобные фрукты (nesʺyedyobnyye frukty - inedible fruits).

Related Phrases:

• Свежая слива (Svyezhaya sliva) - Fresh plum; Used in markets or recipes to emphasize quality.
• Сливовый компот (Slivovyy kompot) - Plum compote; A common Russian dessert preparation.
• Слива в шоколаде (Sliva v shokolade) - Plum in chocolate; Refers to a treat, highlighting cultural adaptations of fruit in sweets.

Usage Notes:

"Слива" directly corresponds to the English "plum" as a fruit and is straightforward in most contexts. However, be aware of regional variations: in some Russian dialects, it might refer specifically to European plums, while Asian varieties could be distinguished as "японская слива" (yaponskaya sliva). Use the singular form for individual items and plural for groups. Grammatically, it requires feminine agreement in adjectives and verbs, e.g., "свежая слива" (fresh plum). When choosing between translations, "слива" is the most neutral and widely applicable option for learners.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing the genitive form "сливы" with the nominative, leading to incorrect phrases like "Я ем сливу" mistakenly said as "Я ем слива" (incorrect: "I eat plum").

  Correct Usage: Use "сливы" for genitive (e.g., "Компот из слив" - Compote from plums). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must practice declensions to avoid this.

• Common Error: Overusing the word without proper adjective agreement, such as saying "большой слива" instead of "большая слива" (big plum).

  Correct Usage: Always use feminine adjectives, e.g., "большая слива". Explanation: This stems from English's lack of gender agreement, so English speakers need to internalize Russian gender rules.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "слива" is not just a fruit but a staple in traditional cuisine, often featured in preserves, compotes, and vareniki (dumplings). Plums have historical significance in Russian folklore and are associated with summer harvests, symbolizing abundance and simplicity in rural life. This reflects broader Slavic traditions where fruits like plums are used in seasonal festivals.

Related Concepts:

• вишня (vishnya - cherry)
• абрикос (abrikos - apricot)
• груша (grusha - pear)