Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'red'

English Word: red

Key Russian Translations:

• красный [ˈkrasnɨj] - [Formal, used for standard color description]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday language for describing colors)

Difficulty: A1 (beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary word)

Pronunciation (Russian):

красный: [ˈkrasnɨj]

Note on красный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the vowel in the second syllable can vary slightly in casual speech, sounding like [ɨ] or [i]. Pay attention to the soft sign (ы) for proper Russian pronunciation.

Audio: Audio placeholder for красный (click to play)

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: Color adjective referring to the hue of blood or fire.

Translation(s) & Context:

• красный - Used in formal and informal contexts to describe objects, emotions, or symbols (e.g., in art, politics, or daily life).

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть красная машина. (U menya yest' krasnaya mashina.)

  I have a red car. (This example shows the adjective in a possessive context with a feminine noun.)

• Красный цвет символизирует опасность. (Krasnyy tsvet simvoliziruet opasnost'.)

  The red color symbolizes danger. (Here, it's used in an abstract, symbolic context.)

• Она надела красное платье на вечеринку. (Ona nadele krasnoye plat'ye na vecherinku.)

  She wore a red dress to the party. (Demonstrates agreement with a neuter noun in the accusative case.)

• Красные яблоки всегда вкуснее. (Krasnyye yabloki vsegda vkusneye.)

  Red apples are always tastier. (Shows plural form in a comparative statement.)

• В России красный флаг имеет историческое значение. (V Rossii krasnyy flag imayet istoricheskoye znacheniye.)

  In Russia, the red flag has historical significance. (Illustrates cultural or historical usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Красный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it changes based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow standard patterns for hard-stem adjectives.

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • алый (aly) - A brighter, more vivid shade of red, often used for scarlet.
  • рубиновый (rubinovyy) - Specifically for a ruby-like red, in poetic or descriptive contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • синий (sinyy) - Blue.
  • зелёный (zelyonyy) - Green.

Related Phrases:

• Красная площадь (Krasnaya ploshchad') - Red Square (a famous landmark in Moscow, often used in historical or tourist contexts).
• Красный крест (Krasnyy krest) - Red Cross (refers to the international humanitarian organization).
• Красное вино (Krasnoye vino) - Red wine (common in culinary discussions).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "красный" directly corresponds to the English "red" as a color adjective but can carry additional connotations, such as revolutionary symbolism in historical contexts (e.g., from the Soviet era). It must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, which is a key grammatical feature. For informal speech, native speakers might use diminutives or variations, but "красный" is versatile across registers. When choosing between synonyms like "алый," opt for it when emphasizing a brighter shade.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "красный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я вижу красный яблоко" instead of "Я вижу красное яблоко" (for neuter noun).

  Correct: Я вижу красное яблоко. (Explanation: Adjectives must match the noun's gender; "яблоко" is neuter, so use "красное." This is a common mistake for English speakers who don't adjust for case.)

• Error: Confusing with other colors, e.g., using "красный" for orange objects.

  Correct: Use "оранжевый" for orange. (Explanation: Ensure color accuracy to avoid miscommunication in descriptions.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "красный" is deeply symbolic, often associated with the Soviet Union and communism, as seen in the Red Army or Red Square. Historically, it also represents beauty and festivity in folklore, but in modern contexts, it can signify danger or passion, similar to Western symbolism.

Related Concepts:

• оранжевый (orange color)
• розовый (pink color)
• цвет (color in general)