Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'turnip'

English Word: turnip

Key Russian Translations:

• репка [ˈrʲepkə] - [Informal, used for a specific type of turnip, often in folklore or everyday contexts]
• турнепс [tʊrˈnʲeps] - [Formal, used in botanical or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in Russian literature, folktales, and everyday conversations, but not as ubiquitous as basic food terms)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward for English learners due to its simple phonetic structure and basic usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

репка: [ˈrʲepkə]

турнепс: [tʊrˈnʲeps]

Note on репка: The initial 'р' is a rolled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; stress on the first syllable. For турнепс, the 'тур' is pronounced with a soft 'нʲ', common in loanwords.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The vegetable turnip, a root crop used in cooking or as a metaphor in stories.

Translation(s) & Context:

• репка - Used in informal, everyday contexts or cultural references, such as in children's stories.
• турнепс - Applied in formal or educational settings, like agriculture or botany.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт репка, которую мы съедим на ужин.

  In the garden, a turnip is growing that we'll eat for dinner. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting its role in describing everyday objects.)

• Дети читали сказку про репку, которая была очень упрямой.

  The children read a fairy tale about the turnip that was very stubborn. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a narrative context, referencing the famous Russian folktale.)

• В магазине я купил турнепс для салата, но перепутал его с морковью.

  In the store, I bought a turnip for the salad, but I confused it with carrots. (This illustrates the formal variant in a shopping scenario, showing potential mix-ups with similar vegetables.)

• Репка в русской кухне часто используется в супах и пирогах.

  Turnip in Russian cuisine is often used in soups and pies. (This example places the word in a cultural and culinary context, emphasizing its traditional role.)

• Учёные изучают турнепс как полезный овощ для здоровья.

  Scientists study turnip as a beneficial vegetable for health. (This shows the formal word in an academic or scientific discussion.)

Metaphorical or idiomatic use, e.g., representing something stubborn or simple.

Translation(s) & Context:

• репка - In idiomatic expressions, symbolizing persistence or simplicity in folktales.

Usage Examples:

• Эта задача как репка: кажется простой, но требует усилий.

  This task is like a turnip: it seems simple but requires effort. (This metaphorical use draws from the folktale, illustrating comparisons in everyday language.)

• В сказке репка не хотела вылезать из земли.

  In the fairy tale, the turnip didn't want to come out of the ground. (This example reinforces idiomatic storytelling.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "репка" and "турнепс" are feminine nouns in Russian. "Репка" follows standard first-declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a, while "турнепс" is less common and may not inflect as regularly due to its loanword status.

Note: "Турнепс" has irregular inflections as a foreign-derived word and may remain unchanged in some contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: свекла (beetroot, but not exact; used for similar root vegetables), репа (another term for turnip in some dialects)
• Synonyms: корнеплод (root vegetable; more general term)
• Antonyms: фрукт (fruit; as an opposite category in food classification) – Note: This is conceptual, not a direct antonym.

Related Phrases:

• Репка из сказки – The turnip from the fairy tale (Refers to the character in Russian folklore, often symbolizing simplicity.)
• Вытащить репку – To pull out the turnip (An idiomatic phrase from the folktale, meaning to overcome a challenge through teamwork.)
• Турнепс в салате – Turnip in salad (A common culinary phrase, indicating its use in dishes.)

Usage Notes:

• Choose "репка" for informal or cultural contexts, as it directly corresponds to the English "turnip" in everyday Russian speech and literature, while "турнепс" is better for formal or scientific discussions.
• Be mindful of gender agreement; as a feminine noun, adjectives and verbs must agree (e.g., "свежая репка" for "fresh turnip").
• In Russian cuisine, turnip is less common today but holds cultural significance, so usage may vary by region.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "репка" with "свекла" (beetroot), as both are root vegetables. Correct: Use "репка" specifically for turnip; for example, incorrect: "Я купил свеклу, но хотел репку." (I bought beetroot, but wanted turnip.) Explanation: This mix-up stems from visual similarities, but accurate vocabulary ensures clear communication.
• Error: Failing to inflect properly, e.g., saying "репка" in all cases. Correct: In genitive, say "репки" as in "Я ем суп с репки." Explanation: Russian requires case changes, so learners should practice declensions to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

"Репка" is famously featured in a traditional Russian folktale, "The Turnip," which teaches lessons about cooperation and persistence. This story is part of Russian oral heritage and is often used in children's education, symbolizing how small efforts can lead to big results, reflecting values of community in Russian culture.

Related Concepts:

• морковь (carrot)
• свекла (beetroot)
• корнеплоды (root vegetables)