Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sequoia'

English Word: sequoia

Key Russian Translations:

• секвойя [sʲɪkˈvojə] - [Formal, Singular, Used in botanical or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized contexts like botany, nature documentaries, or educational materials.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; learners need familiarity with loanwords and basic noun declensions to use it correctly.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

секвойя: [sʲɪkˈvojə]

Note on секвойя: The initial 'с' is palatalized (sʲ), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A large, ancient type of redwood tree native to North America.

Translation(s) & Context:

• секвойя - Used in formal, scientific, or descriptive contexts, such as discussing flora or environmental topics.

Usage Examples:

• В национальном парке Йосемити растут древние секвойя, которые живут тысячи лет.

  In Yosemite National Park, ancient sequoias grow that live for thousands of years.

• Секвойя — это символ силы и долговечности в американской природе.

  The sequoia is a symbol of strength and longevity in American nature.

• Во время экскурсии мы увидели гигантскую секвойю, которая возвышалась над всем лесом.

  During the tour, we saw a giant sequoia that towered over the entire forest.

• Секвойя часто используется в экологии для изучения климатических изменений.

  Sequoia is often used in ecology to study climate change.

• В ботанических садах можно найти молодые саженцы секвойи из Калифорнии.

  In botanical gardens, you can find young sequoia seedlings from California.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Секвойя" is a feminine noun (from Latin loanwords) and follows the first declension pattern in Russian. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions for the singular form:

Note: The plural form is rarely used for this specific word, as it typically refers to individual trees, but if needed, it follows standard plural patterns (e.g., Nominative plural: секвойи).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: красное дерево (krasnoye derevo) - More general term for redwoods; гигантское дерево (gigantskoye derevo) - Emphasizes size, often used interchangeably in informal contexts.
• Antonyms: None directly, as this is a specific noun, but contrast with smaller plants like куст (kusht) - bush, which implies something diminutive.

Related Phrases:

• гигантская секвойя - Giant sequoia; refers to the largest species, often used in descriptions of natural wonders.
• древняя секвойя - Ancient sequoia; highlights the tree's age and historical significance.
• секвойя в Калифорнии - Sequoia in California; a common phrase for discussing its native habitat.

Usage Notes:

"Секвойя" directly corresponds to the English "sequoia" as a loanword, making it straightforward for learners. However, it is primarily used in formal or educational contexts rather than everyday speech. Be mindful of its feminine gender in Russian sentences, which affects adjective agreement (e.g., "большая секвойя" for "big sequoia"). When choosing between translations, use "секвойя" for precise botanical references and "красное дерево" for more general redwood discussions. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless the topic is nature or science.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "секвойя" as a neuter noun and using incorrect adjective endings, e.g., saying "большое секвойя" instead of "большая секвойя".

  Correct: "Большая секвойя" – Explanation: Russian nouns have genders, and "секвойя" is feminine, so adjectives must agree (e.g., большая for feminine singular nominative).

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by ignoring palatalization, e.g., saying [sɪkˈvojə] instead of [sʲɪkˈvojə].

  Correct: Practice the palatalized 'с' sound; listen to native audio to avoid this common mistake among English speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"Секвойя" often carries connotations of American wilderness and environmental conservation, as sequoias are iconic in U.S. national parks like Yosemite. In Russian culture, it symbolizes longevity and natural grandeur, sometimes referenced in literature or environmental discussions to highlight global biodiversity.

Related Concepts:

• дерево (derevo) - Tree
• лес (les) - Forest
• ботаника (botanika) - Botany
• экология (ekologiya) - Ecology