Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sprout'

English Word: sprout

Key Russian Translations:

• росток [rɐˈstok] - [Informal, Singular, Used in botanical or everyday contexts]
• проросток [prɐˈrostək] - [Formal, Singular, Used in scientific or agricultural discussions]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in contexts like gardening, biology, or literature, but not in casual daily conversation).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; involves basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to nature, suitable for learners with some foundational knowledge of Russian grammar).

Pronunciation (Russian):

росток: [rɐˈstok]

проросток: [prɐˈrostək]

Note on росток: The stress falls on the second syllable, which is common in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the rolled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: A young shoot or bud from a plant

Translation(s) & Context:

• росток - Used in informal contexts to describe a new growth, such as in gardening or nature descriptions.
• проросток - Used in more formal or scientific contexts, emphasizing the process of germination.

Usage Examples:

• Весной на деревьях появляются первые ростки.

  In spring, the first sprouts appear on the trees.

• Этот проросток нужно поливать ежедневно, чтобы он вырос.

  This sprout needs to be watered daily so that it grows.

• Из семян быстро выросли маленькие ростки в горшке.

  From the seeds, small sprouts quickly grew in the pot.

• В лаборатории изучают, как проростки реагируют на свет.

  In the laboratory, they study how sprouts react to light.

• После дождя поле покрылось свежими ростками травы.

  After the rain, the field was covered with fresh grass sprouts.

Metaphorical Meaning: Something new or emerging, like an idea or a person

Translation(s) & Context:

• росток - Figuratively used in literature or speeches to mean the beginning of something, e.g., a new idea.

Usage Examples:

• Его идеи были ростком будущих инноваций в науке.

  His ideas were the sprout of future innovations in science.

• В этом ребенке виден росток таланта.

  In this child, one can see the sprout of talent.

• Революция начала с ростка народного недовольства.

  The revolution began with the sprout of popular discontent.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "росток" and "проросток" are masculine nouns in Russian, following the standard third declension patterns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for "росток" as an example:

For "проросток", the inflections are similar: Nominative Singular - проросток, Plural - проростки, etc. These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • побег (pobeg) - Similar to "sprout" but often implies a longer shoot; used in contexts of plant growth.
  • зародыш (zarodyš) - More formal, emphasizing the embryonic stage.
• Antonyms:
  • отмерший стебель (otmeršij stebel') - Meaning "withered stem", indicating something dead or decayed.
  • зрелое растение (zreloye rasteniye) - Meaning "mature plant", contrasting with something young and emerging.

Related Phrases:

• Первые ростки весны (Pervyye rostki vesny) - Meaning: The first sprouts of spring, referring to early signs of renewal.
• Проросток жизни (Prorostok zhizni) - Meaning: Sprout of life, a metaphorical phrase for the beginning of something vital.
• Ростки надежды (Rostki nadezhdy) - Meaning: Sprouts of hope, used in motivational or literary contexts to describe emerging optimism.

Usage Notes:

"Sprout" in English corresponds most directly to "росток" in Russian for everyday use, but "проросток" is preferred in scientific or technical contexts. Be aware of the noun's gender (masculine) and its declensions, as Russian requires agreement in case and number. For metaphorical uses, "росток" can be employed in poetry or speeches, but it's less common in formal writing. When choosing between translations, opt for "проросток" if the context involves germination processes, as it conveys a more precise scientific connotation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "росток" in a scientific context where "проросток" is more appropriate, e.g., saying "Этот росток в эксперименте" instead of "Этот проросток в эксперименте".

  Correct Usage: "Проросток" is better for experiments, as it specifically means a germinating seed. Explanation: This mistake can lead to confusion between general growth and the initial sprouting phase.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "Я вижу росток" in a sentence requiring genitive like "Я думаю о росток" (incorrect; should be "ростке").

  Correct Usage: "Я думаю о ростке". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; always check the sentence structure to apply the right ending.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "росток" often symbolizes renewal and hope, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works, where it represents the emergence of new life after harsh winters. This reflects Russia's seasonal extremes, making such metaphors deeply rooted in the national psyche and frequently used in poetry or folk tales to discuss resilience and growth.

Related Concepts:

• семя (semya) - Seed
• стебель (stebel') - Stem
• цветок (cvetoк) - Flower