Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'seven'

English Word: seven

Key Russian Translations:

• семь [sʲemʲ] - [Basic number, Informal/Formal]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as counting, dates, and basic descriptions.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a fundamental number in Russian and requires minimal grammatical knowledge to use correctly.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

семь: [sʲemʲ]

Note on семь: The pronunciation features a soft "s" sound (palatalized), which is common in Russian. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) at the end, which affects the vowel's articulation. Variations in speed may soften it further in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The number seven

Translation(s) & Context:

• семь - Used as a cardinal number in general contexts, such as counting objects, ages, or in mathematical expressions. Common in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• У меня семь яблок.

  I have seven apples. (This example shows 'семь' used with a plural noun in a simple declarative sentence, illustrating basic possession.)

• Семь плюс два равно девять.

  Seven plus two equals nine. (Here, 'семь' is used in a mathematical context, demonstrating its role in arithmetic.)

• В неделе семь дней.

  There are seven days in a week. (This sentence places 'семь' in a factual statement about time, common in educational or everyday discussions.)

• Ей семь лет.

  She is seven years old. (This example highlights 'семь' with age expressions, which is a frequent usage in personal descriptions.)

• Семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь.

  Measure seven times, cut once. (This proverb uses 'семь' idiomatically to emphasize caution, showing its application in proverbial language.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word 'семь' is a cardinal number in Russian and does not inflect for gender, case, or number itself, as it is an invariable numeral. However, it can influence the nouns it modifies based on Russian grammatical rules (e.g., affecting the noun's case in genitive constructions). For example:

Note: As an invariable word, 'семь' simplifies its usage for beginners, but always pay attention to the surrounding noun's inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: None directly, as 'семь' is a specific numeral. However, in poetic or archaic contexts, it might be implied through phrases like 'седьмой' (seventh, ordinal form), but this is not a true synonym.
• Antonyms: восемь (eight) - Refers to the next number in sequence.

Related Phrases:

• Семь дней - Seven days (Commonly used for weekly references, e.g., in schedules or calendars).
• Семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь - Measure seven times, cut once (A proverb advising caution in decision-making).
• Семь сестёр - Seven sisters (Refers to a constellation or group, often in cultural or astronomical contexts).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'семь' directly corresponds to the English 'seven' as a cardinal number and is used universally in counting, math, and daily language. It is neutral in terms of formality and can appear in both spoken and written forms. When used with nouns, ensure the noun agrees in case (e.g., genitive for quantities). For English speakers, note that Russian numbers like 'семь' don't change based on gender, unlike some adjectives. If multiple translations exist (e.g., ordinal 'седьмой'), choose based on context—use 'семь' for counting, not ordering.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing 'семь' as [sem] without the soft 's' sound. Correct: [sʲemʲ]. Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian palatalization; practice with native audio to master the soft consonant.

• Error: Using 'семь' in ordinal contexts, e.g., saying 'семь книга' instead of 'седьмая книга' for 'the seventh book'. Correct: 'седьмая книга'. Explanation: 'Семь' is cardinal; for ordinal, use the derived form to avoid confusion in sequencing.

• Error: Forgetting noun agreement, e.g., 'семь книга' instead of 'семь книг'. Correct: 'семь книг'. Explanation: In Russian, quantities like 'семь' require the noun in genitive plural, which is a key grammatical rule.

Cultural Notes:

The number 'семь' in Russian culture doesn't carry unique mystical connotations like in some Western traditions (e.g., seven lucky number). However, it appears in proverbs like 'Семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь,' which emphasizes prudence, reflecting Russian values of carefulness and precision in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• восемь (eight)
• шесть (six)
• девять (nine)