Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tangerine'

English Word: tangerine

Key Russian Translations:

• мандарин [mɐˈn̪darʲɪn] - [Neutral, commonly used in everyday contexts for the fruit]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in daily conversations, especially in contexts related to food and markets, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "apple").

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate; suitable for learners at the elementary level, as it involves basic noun forms and common vocabulary in CEFR terms).

Pronunciation (Russian):

мандарин: [mɐˈn̪darʲɪn]

Note on мандарин: The stress falls on the second syllable ("dar"). Be mindful of the palatalized 'р' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations may occur in regional dialects, such as in southern Russia.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small, sweet citrus fruit, typically with a loose skin.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мандарин - Used in general contexts for referring to the fruit in everyday shopping, cooking, or dietary discussions; common in informal and formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил свежий мандарин в магазине. (Ya kupil svyezhiy mandarin v magazine.)

  I bought a fresh tangerine at the store. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting everyday purchasing scenarios.)

• Мандарины очень полезны для здоровья зимой. (Mandariny ochen' polezny dlya zdorov'ya zimoy.)

  Tangerines are very healthy in winter. (This demonstrates the plural form in a general statement about benefits, common in health-related contexts.)

• Она очистила мандарин и разделила его на дольки. (Ona ochistila mandarin i razdielila yego na dol'ki.)

  She peeled the tangerine and divided it into segments. (This illustrates the noun with verbs in a descriptive action sequence, showing practical usage in daily life.)

• В новогоднем салате всегда есть мандарины. (V novogodnem salate vsegda yest' mandariny.)

  Tangerines are always in the New Year's salad. (This example places the word in a cultural context, emphasizing its role in festive traditions.)

• Мой ребенок любит есть мандарин на завтрак. (Moy rebyonok lyubit yest' mandarin na zavtrak.)

  My child loves eating a tangerine for breakfast. (This shows the word in a familial, routine context, varying sentence structure for diversity.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Мандарин is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its inflections for singular and plural forms:

Note: This noun does not change in gender or have verbal inflections, as it is not a verb.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • цитрус (tsitrus) - A broader term for citrus fruits; used when emphasizing the fruit family rather than the specific type.
  • мандариновый фрукт (mandarinovyy frukt) - A descriptive phrase, less common but used in formal or scientific contexts to specify the fruit.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "tangerine" is a specific noun without a clear opposite in the fruit category.

Related Phrases:

• Свежий мандарин (Svyezhiy mandarin) - Fresh tangerine; commonly used in markets or recipes to indicate quality.
• Мандариновый сок (Mandarinovyy sok) - Tangerine juice; refers to a beverage made from the fruit, popular in summer drinks.
• Новогодние мандарины (Novogodnie mandariny) - New Year's tangerines; a cultural phrase linked to holiday traditions in Russia.

Usage Notes:

Мандарин directly corresponds to "tangerine" in English, but in Russian, it can sometimes be confused with "мандарин" as a title for a high official (like in historical contexts). For the fruit, it's neutral and widely used across formal and informal settings. When choosing between translations, stick to "мандарин" for precision in food-related topics. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., свежий мандарин). In spoken Russian, it's often used in plural forms during seasonal discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "апельсин" (orange) instead of "мандарин" when specifically referring to a tangerine. Incorrect: Я ем апельсин. (Ya yem apelsin.) Correct: Я ем мандарин. (Ya yem mandarin.) Explanation: English learners often mix up citrus fruits; "апельсин" is larger and less sweet, so this substitution changes the meaning.

• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using the nominative in all cases. Incorrect: Купить мандарин в (instead of мандарина). Correct: Купить мандарина в... (Kupit' mandarina v...). Explanation: Russian requires case changes; failing to do so can make sentences sound unnatural or grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, тangerines (мандарины) are strongly associated with New Year's celebrations. They symbolize good luck and abundance, often featured in festive meals and decorations. This tradition stems from Soviet-era imports, making them a nostalgic element in modern Russian holidays.

Related Concepts:

• апельсин (apelsin) - Orange
• лимон (limon) - Lemon
• цитрусовые (tsitrusovyye) - Citrus fruits