Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spurge'

English Word: spurge

Key Russian Translations:

• молочай (/mɐˈɫot͡ɕaj/) - [Formal, Noun, Used in botanical or everyday contexts]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in specialized contexts like botany, gardening, or scientific discussions; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and vocabulary related to nature, but the word itself is straightforward once learned)

Pronunciation (Russian):

молочай: /mɐˈɫot͡ɕaj/

Note on молочай: The stress is on the third syllable (/ˈɫot͡ɕaj/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'ч' sound (like 'ch' in 'church'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A type of plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, often with milky sap and used in horticulture or medicine.

Translation(s) & Context:

• молочай - Used in formal botanical descriptions or informal gardening talk; refers specifically to spurges like Euphorbia species.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт дикий молочай, который нужно осторожно удалить из-за его ядовитого сока.

  In the garden, wild spurge is growing, which needs to be carefully removed due to its poisonous sap.

• Молочай часто используется в народной медицине для лечения кожных заболеваний, но его нужно применять с осторожностью.

  Spurge is often used in folk medicine for treating skin conditions, but it must be applied with caution.

• Во время экскурсии по ботаническому саду гид показал нам разные виды молочая из разных регионов.

  During the tour of the botanical garden, the guide showed us various types of spurge from different regions.

• Если вы сажаете молочай в горшке, убедитесь, что он получает много света, чтобы избежать болезней.

  If you're planting spurge in a pot, make sure it gets plenty of light to prevent diseases.

• Молочай может быстро распространяться в саду, поэтому его называют инвазивным растением в некоторых областях.

  Spurge can spread quickly in a garden, so it's called an invasive plant in some areas.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Молочай" is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard declension patterns for nouns ending in a consonant. It is a common noun with regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: The inflections are regular, but pay attention to the soft sign in some forms, which affects pronunciation.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • эвфорбия (evforbiya) - More scientific term, used interchangeably in botanical contexts.
  • молочайник (molotshaynik) - Informal variant, emphasizing the plant's milky properties.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "молочай" is a specific plant name. However, in a broader sense, non-toxic plants like "ромашка" (romashka, chamomile) could be contrasted in medicinal contexts due to their safety.

Related Phrases:

• Молочай молочный (Molotshay molochny) - Refers to "milk spurge"; a phrase used in botany to describe species with prominent milky sap. (Used in scientific or gardening discussions to specify types.)
• Дикий молочай (Diky molotshay) - "Wild spurge"; common in contexts of invasive plants or natural flora. (Emphasizes uncontrolled growth in natural settings.)
• Лечебный молочай (Lechebny molotshay) - "Medicinal spurge"; used in herbal medicine talks. (Highlights potential health benefits and risks.)

Usage Notes:

"Молочай" directly corresponds to "spurge" in English, particularly for plants in the Euphorbia genus. It is most commonly used in formal or technical contexts like botany and gardening, but can appear in informal conversations about plants. Be mindful of its gender (masculine) when using in sentences, as it affects adjective agreements (e.g., "дикий молочай" for "wild spurge"). If multiple translations exist, choose "молочай" for general purposes, but "эвфорбия" for more precise scientific discussions. Avoid using it in unrelated contexts, as it might confuse learners due to its specific niche.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /mo-lo-CHAI/ without the correct stress, leading to confusion with similar words.

  Correct: Use /mɐˈɫot͡ɕaj/ with stress on the third syllable. Example of error: Saying "молочай" as if it were "молоко" (milk), which changes the meaning entirely.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative form in all cases (e.g., "из молочай" instead of "из молочая").

  Correct: Always decline properly based on case, e.g., "из молочая" for genitive. This is a common mistake for English speakers unfamiliar with Russian case systems.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "молочай" is often associated with traditional herbal remedies in rural areas, where it has been used for centuries in folk medicine despite its toxicity. This reflects a broader cultural appreciation for native plants in Russian folklore and natural history, but users should note the potential dangers, as mishandling can lead to skin irritation, emphasizing caution in practical applications.

Related Concepts:

• эвфорбия (evforbiya)
• ромашка (romashka)
• дурман (durman)