Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'thorny'

English Word: thorny

Key Russian Translations:

• колючий [kɐˈlʲut͡ɕɪj] - [Literal, Adjective, used for physical objects like plants]
• трудный [ˈtrudnɨj] - [Figurative, Adjective, used for abstract or problematic situations]

Frequency: Medium - The word 'thorny' is moderately common in both literal and figurative contexts in Russian, appearing in everyday language and literature.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level can grasp the basic usage, but mastering nuances may require further practice. For 'колючий', it's B1; for 'трудный', it's A2 due to its commonality.

Pronunciation (Russian):

колючий: [kɐˈlʲut͡ɕɪj]

Note on колючий: The stress falls on the second syllable; the 'ч' sound is soft and palatalized, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'л' sound.

трудный: [ˈtrudnɨj]

Note on трудный: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'у' is pronounced as a short 'u' sound, similar to 'oo' in 'book'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal meaning: Having thorns or spines, referring to physical characteristics.

Translation(s) & Context:

• колючий - Used in descriptions of plants, animals, or objects with sharp protrusions, often in casual or descriptive contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот куст колючий, поэтому не подходи близко.

  This bush is thorny, so don't get too close.

• Колючая проволока окружает сад.

  The thorny wire surrounds the garden.

• В лесу растут колючие ягоды, которые трудно собирать.

  In the forest, there are thorny berries that are hard to pick.

• Его колючие волосы напоминают еж.

  His thorny hair resembles that of a hedgehog.

Figurative meaning: Difficult, problematic, or contentious, often in discussions or issues.

Translation(s) & Context:

• трудный - Applied to abstract concepts like problems or decisions, in formal or informal settings, such as debates or personal challenges.

Usage Examples:

• Этот вопрос трудный и требует тщательного обсуждения.

  This issue is thorny and requires careful discussion.

• В переговорах возникли трудные моменты из-за разногласий.

  Thorny moments arose in the negotiations due to disagreements.

• Её решение было трудным, но необходимым.

  Her decision was thorny but necessary.

• Трудные темы в политике часто вызывают споры.

  Thorny topics in politics often spark debates.

• Эта задача трудная, как колючий путь через лес.

  This task is as thorny as a path through a thorny forest.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'колючий' and 'трудный' are adjectives in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow regular patterns for most forms.

Note: These are regular short-form adjectives. 'колючий' may have slight irregularities in some cases due to its root, but it generally follows the pattern. 'трудный' is fully regular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • колючий: острый (sharp), шипастый (spiny) - 'острый' is more general and can imply sharpness in non-physical contexts.
  • трудный: сложный (complex), спорный (controversial) - 'сложный' emphasizes intellectual difficulty, while 'спорный' highlights debate.
• Antonyms:
  • колючий: гладкий (smooth)
  • трудный: лёгкий (easy), простой (simple)

Related Phrases:

• колючая проволока - Barbed wire; a common phrase for security fencing.
• трудный путь - A thorny path; used metaphorically for a challenging journey or process.
• колючий характер - A thorny character; refers to someone with a prickly or difficult personality.
• трудные времена - Thorny times; indicates periods of hardship or complexity in life or history.

Usage Notes:

'Thorny' in English often corresponds to 'колючий' for literal, physical descriptions and 'трудный' for figurative ones. Choose 'колючий' in contexts involving nature or objects, as it evokes a tactile sense. 'Трудный' is more versatile for everyday problems but avoid it for physical thorns to prevent confusion. In formal writing, pair these with appropriate grammatical agreements. For example, use the feminine form 'колючая' with feminine nouns like 'роза' (rose).

• Grammar tip: Always decline the adjective to match the noun's case, gender, and number.
• Context guidance: In spoken Russian, 'трудный' is preferred for emotional or abstract issues, while 'колючий' is rare in metaphorical speech.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake 'колючий' for 'трудный' in figurative contexts, leading to imprecise meanings. For example:

• Error: Using 'колючий' for a problem, e.g., "Этот вопрос колючий" (incorrectly implying the question has physical thorns).
• Correct: "Этот вопрос трудный" - This conveys the idea of a thorny issue without literal confusion. Explanation: 'Колючий' is strictly literal, so reserve it for physical descriptions to avoid sounding unnatural.
• Another error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "трудный дом" instead of "трудная задача" for a feminine noun. Correct form: Ensure gender matching for accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'thorny' concepts like 'трудный путь' often appear in literature and folklore, symbolizing life's hardships, as seen in works by Pushkin or folk tales. This reflects a cultural emphasis on resilience against adversity, where thorny paths represent personal growth or national struggles, such as in historical contexts like the Great Patriotic War.

Related Concepts:

• острый
• сложный
• спорный
• гладкий