Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sunflower'

English Word: sunflower

Key Russian Translations:

• подсолнечник [pɐdsɐlʲˈnʲetɕnʲik] - [Formal, used in standard contexts like botany or everyday language]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in agricultural, botanical, or culinary discussions, but not in casual everyday conversation)

Difficulty: A2 (basic vocabulary for elementary to intermediate learners, as it involves straightforward noun forms and common usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

подсолнечник: [pɐdsɐlʲˈnʲetɕnʲik]

Note on подсолнечник: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nʲetɕnʲik"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Ensure the "лʲ" is palatalized for accurate pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The flowering plant of the species Helianthus annuus.

Translation(s) & Context:

• подсолнечник - Used in general contexts such as describing plants, gardening, or food products, often in formal or educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт большой подсолнечник.

  In the garden, a large sunflower is growing. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting its use in describing natural environments.)

• Подсолнечник — это популярное растение в России.

  The sunflower is a popular plant in Russia. (Demonstrates the noun as a subject in a general statement, emphasizing cultural or geographical context.)

• Из семян подсолнечника делают масло.

  Oil is made from sunflower seeds. (Illustrates the noun in a productive context, such as agriculture or food production.)

• Дети любят рисовать подсолнечник на уроках искусства.

  Children love drawing sunflowers in art classes. (Shows the plural form in a recreational or educational setting.)

• Подсолнечник поворачивается за солнцем.

  The sunflower turns toward the sun. (Highlights the noun in a descriptive sentence about its behavior, aiding in understanding its botanical characteristics.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Подсолнечник" is a masculine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The noun is regular in its inflections, with no irregularities, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: солнечный цветок (more poetic or descriptive, used in literary contexts); гелиантус (scientific term, less common in everyday speech)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "подсолнечник" is a specific plant name, but conceptually, it could contrast with "тень" (shadow) in poetic usage.

Related Phrases:

• Масло подсолнечника - Sunflower oil (a common product used in cooking and health contexts).
• Семена подсолнечника - Sunflower seeds (often eaten as snacks or used in baking).
• Поле подсолнечников - Field of sunflowers (refers to agricultural landscapes, evoking rural imagery).

Usage Notes:

"Подсолнечник" directly corresponds to the English "sunflower" as a noun for the plant. It is neutral in tone and can be used across formal and informal contexts, but it's most common in educational, agricultural, or descriptive settings. When choosing this translation, note that Russian nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case with other elements in the sentence. For example, if discussing multiple sunflowers, always use the plural form. English learners should pay attention to case endings to avoid basic errors in written Russian.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect: *Подсолнечник растет в сад (missing case agreement). Correct: Подсолнечник растет в саду. Explanation: English speakers often forget that the prepositional case is required after prepositions like "в" (in), so "саду" is the correct form.

• Incorrect: *Я ем подсолнечник (misusing the word for seeds). Correct: Я ем семена подсолнечника. Explanation: "Подсолнечник" refers to the whole plant, not just the seeds; use "семена подсолнечника" for seeds to avoid confusion with eating the plant itself.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sunflowers are symbolically linked to Ukraine and rural life, often evoking images of vast fields in the countryside. They appear in folk art, literature (e.g., in works by Russian poets), and even national identity, as sunflowers are a major crop in Russia and neighboring regions. This cultural association can add emotional depth when using the word in conversations about heritage or nature.

Related Concepts:

• Гелиантус
• Цветок
• Семена
• Поле