Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'saffron'

English Word: saffron

Key Russian Translations:

• шафран (/ʂɐˈfran/) - [Formal, Noun, Used in contexts related to spices or botany]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in culinary, botanical, or specialized texts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level, as it involves basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to food and nature, but requires familiarity with Russian phonetics.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шафран: /ʂɐˈfran/

Note on шафран: The initial "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers similar to the "sh" in "shoe" but with a rolled quality. Pronunciation can vary slightly by region, with a more emphatic stress on the second syllable in formal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A spice derived from the Crocus sativus plant, used in cooking and dyeing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шафран - Used in formal or culinary contexts to refer to the spice, often in recipes or discussions about traditional dishes.

Usage Examples:

• В суп добавляют шафран для яркого вкуса и цвета.

  In the soup, they add saffron for a bright flavor and color.

• Шафран – это дорогая специя, которую используют в восточной кухне.

  Saffron is an expensive spice used in Eastern cuisine.

• Без шафрана плов не будет таким ароматным.

  Without saffron, the pilaf won't be as aromatic.

• В аптеке продают шафран для натуральных красителей.

  In the pharmacy, they sell saffron for natural dyes.

• Шафран добавляют в чай для лечебных свойств.

  Saffron is added to tea for its medicinal properties.

Meaning 2: A deep yellow-orange color, often associated with the spice.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шафран - Used metaphorically in artistic or descriptive contexts to describe shades of color.

Usage Examples:

• Её платье было цвета шафрана, как утреннее солнце.

  Her dress was the color of saffron, like the morning sun.

• Художник смешал краски, чтобы получить оттенок шафрана.

  The artist mixed paints to get a shade of saffron.

• Осенние листья приобрели оттенок шафрана.

  The autumn leaves took on a saffron hue.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шафран" is a masculine noun in Russian (second declension). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Крокус (krokus) - Refers specifically to the plant, often used interchangeably in botanical contexts but less common for the spice.
  • Иранская специя (iranskaya spetsiya) - A descriptive term for the spice, used in informal or regional discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • Нет прямых антонимов, так как это конкретный термин, but in color contexts, could contrast with "чёрный" (chyornyy) meaning black.

Related Phrases:

• Шафран в плове (Shafrahn v plove) - Saffron in pilaf; a common phrase in culinary contexts referring to a traditional dish.
• Дорогой шафран (Dorogoy shafrahn) - Expensive saffron; used to highlight the high cost of the spice in markets or shopping discussions.
• Цвет шафрана (Tsvet shafrahn) - Color of saffron; a phrase for describing shades in art or fashion.

Usage Notes:

"Шафран" directly corresponds to the English "saffron" as a spice or color, but it's more commonly used in formal or specialized contexts like cooking, botany, or art rather than everyday speech. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like this one must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence—e.g., always use the appropriate genitive form in possessive structures. When choosing translations, "шафран" is the most precise and neutral option; avoid overusing it in informal settings where simpler terms might suffice. Grammatically, it's a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must align accordingly (e.g., "дорогой шафран" for "expensive saffron").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я ем шафран" instead of "Я ем шафран" (which is correct here, but in other cases like genitive: "Я ем суп с шафрана" instead of "Я ем суп с шафрана").

  Correct: "Я ем суп с шафраном" (using instrumental case). Explanation: English learners often forget case endings; always check the sentence structure to apply the right form.

• Error: Confusing it with similar-sounding words like "шафер" (best man in a wedding), leading to misuse in contexts.

  Correct: Use "шафран" only for the spice or color. Explanation: Pay attention to context and pronunciation to avoid homophone errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "шафран" is often associated with traditional cuisines from Central Asia and the Middle East, such as Uzbek plov or Iranian dishes, reflecting historical trade routes along the Silk Road. It's not just a spice but symbolizes luxury and festivity, frequently used in holiday meals or as a natural dye in folk art, highlighting Russia's diverse culinary heritage.

Related Concepts:

• Куркума (kurkuma) - Turmeric, another spice with similar coloring properties.
• Специи (spetsii) - Spices in general, often discussed alongside шафран in cooking.
• Крокус (krokus) - The flower from which saffron is derived.