Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shrub'

English Word: shrub

Key Russian Translations:

• куст /kust/ - [Formal, commonly used in everyday and botanical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered regularly in general conversation, literature, and nature-related topics in Russian, but not as ubiquitous as basic everyday terms.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner; suitable for elementary learners, as it involves straightforward vocabulary with simple noun inflections, though mastering cases may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

куст: /kust/ (The "у" is pronounced as a short "u" sound, similar to "oo" in "book". Stress is on the first syllable.)

Note on куст: Be cautious with the final "т" sound, which can be softened in casual speech, but in formal contexts, it's crisp. Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A woody plant smaller than a tree, with multiple stems.

Translation(s) & Context:

• куст - Used in contexts related to gardening, nature, or descriptions of landscapes, such as in formal writing or casual conversation about plants.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт красивый куст роз. (In the garden, a beautiful rose shrub is growing.)

  English Translation: In the garden, a beautiful rose shrub is growing. (This example shows the noun in a nominative case in a simple declarative sentence.)

• Мы посадили кусты вдоль забора для защиты от ветра. (We planted shrubs along the fence to protect from the wind.)

  English Translation: We planted shrubs along the fence to protect from the wind. (Illustrates plural form and instrumental case in a practical context.)

• Этот куст в парке уже старый и полон ягод. (This shrub in the park is already old and full of berries.)

  English Translation: This shrub in the park is already old and full of berries. (Demonstrates attributive use with adjectives in everyday descriptive language.)

• Летом кусты в лесу дают тень от солнца. (In summer, shrubs in the forest provide shade from the sun.)

  English Translation: In summer, shrubs in the forest provide shade from the sun. (Shows the word in a genitive context within a seasonal description.)

• Обрежьте куст, чтобы он лучше цвёл. (Prune the shrub so that it blooms better.)

  English Translation: Prune the shrub so that it blooms better. (Example in an imperative sentence, highlighting action related to the shrub.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"куст" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key inflections for singular and plural forms:

Note: This word does not change in gender or have verbal forms, as it is a noun. For diminutive forms, "кустик" can be used for a smaller shrub, which follows similar inflection patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: кустарник (kustarnik) - Often used for larger or wild shrubs; кустик (kustik) - Diminutive form for small or affectionate references.
• Antonyms: дерево (derevo) - Tree, implying something larger and taller; равнина (ravnina) - Plain or open area, contrasting with shrub-covered landscapes.

Related Phrases:

• высокий куст (vysokiy kust) - Tall shrub; a common phrase in descriptions of gardens or natural settings.
• куст роз (kust roz) - Rose shrub; used in horticulture or floral contexts to refer to cultivated plants.
• дикий куст (dikyiy kust) - Wild shrub; often in discussions of wilderness or ecology, implying untamed growth.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "куст" directly corresponds to the English "shrub" in botanical terms but is more versatile in everyday use. It is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written contexts. When selecting between translations like "куст" and "кустарник", choose "куст" for smaller, common plants and "кустарник" for larger or wild varieties. Pay attention to case endings, as Russian requires agreement with prepositions (e.g., "в кусте" for "in the shrub"). This word is particularly useful in environmental or gardening discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "в куст" instead of "в кусте" when meaning "in the shrub". Correct: "в кусте"; Explanation: Russian prepositions dictate case changes, so learners must memorize them to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "кустик", overusing it as a diminutive when a standard form is needed. Correct: Use "куст" for general references; Explanation: "кустик" adds affection or smallness, which might not fit formal contexts and could alter the intended meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, shrubs like "куст" often symbolize resilience in harsh climates, as seen in literature such as Tolstoy's works, where they represent the vast, untamed Russian landscape. They are commonly featured in folk tales and poetry to evoke themes of nature's endurance, reflecting Russia's expansive forests and steppes.

Related Concepts:

• дерево (tree)
• цветок (flower)
• лес (forest)