Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'raspberry'

English Word: raspberry

Key Russian Translations:

• малина [mɐˈlʲinə] - [Informal, Common noun for the fruit]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly used in everyday contexts related to food, nature, and cooking in Russian-speaking regions.

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) - As a basic feminine noun, it is straightforward for English learners at an introductory level.

Pronunciation (Russian):

малина: [mɐˈlʲinə]

Note on малина: The stress is on the second syllable ("li"), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft "l" sound, represented by [ʲ], which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fruit of the raspberry plant (edible berry).

Translation(s) & Context:

• малина - Used in casual, everyday conversations about food, gardening, or recipes; often in informal settings like markets or home discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я ем свежую малину каждое утро.

  I eat fresh raspberries every morning. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing daily routines.)

• В саду растёт много малины; мы собираем её летом.

  There are many raspberries growing in the garden; we pick them in the summer. (Demonstrates the noun in a plural context with verbs related to actions.)

• Малина в пироге придаёт ему кислинку.

  Raspberries in the pie give it a tangy flavor. (Illustrates usage in a culinary description, showing how it fits into compound sentences.)

• Дети любят малину с мороженым.

  Children love raspberries with ice cream. (This highlights the noun in a pairing with other foods, common in informal family contexts.)

• В России малина часто используется в компотах и варенье.

  In Russia, raspberries are often used in compotes and jams. (Shows cultural integration in traditional recipes, with the noun in a general statement.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Малина is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. As a regular noun, it does not have irregularities, but learners should note case changes for proper sentence structure.

Note: This table applies specifically to "малина." If other translations exist, their inflections would be detailed separately.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ягода малины (berry of the raspberry) - More descriptive, used in botanical contexts.
  • клубника (strawberry) - Sometimes loosely associated in fruit discussions, though not exact.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "малина" is a specific noun. However, in a broader sense, opposites might include non-fruit items like "овощ" (vegetable), but this is not standard.

Related Phrases:

• Свежая малина - Fresh raspberries; often used in shopping or dietary contexts.
• Малина в сиропе - Raspberries in syrup; a common phrase for preserved fruits in Russian cuisine.
• Собирать малину - To pick raspberries; refers to the activity during harvest season.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "малина" directly corresponds to the English "raspberry" in its primary meaning as a fruit. It is versatile and appears in informal and formal contexts, such as recipes, conversations, or literature. English learners should note that Russian nouns like this one require agreement in gender, number, and case with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "свежая малина" for feminine singular). When choosing translations, "малина" is the most precise for everyday use, but in poetic or archaic texts, regional variations might exist. Avoid overusing it in formal writing without proper inflection.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "малина" in all cases, e.g., "Я ем малина" instead of "Я ем малину."
  Correct: "Я ем малину" (accusative case for direct objects).
  Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on sentence role; this mistake often stems from English's lack of cases, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with similar fruits, e.g., saying "малина" when meaning "клубника" (strawberry).
  Correct: Use "клубника" for strawberries and reserve "малина" for raspberries.
  Explanation: This mix-up can occur due to visual similarities, but accurate vocabulary selection is key for clear communication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "малина" is more than just a fruit; it symbolizes summer abundance and is a staple in traditional dishes like vareniki (dumplings) or kompot (fruit drink). Historically, wild raspberries were foraged in Russian forests, evoking nostalgia for rural life, as seen in folk tales and songs. This cultural tie makes it a warm, evocative word in everyday language.

Related Concepts:

• ягода (berry)
• клубника (strawberry)
• земляника (wild strawberry)