Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'apple'

English Word: apple

Key Russian Translations:

• яблоко [jɪˈblokə] - [Neutral, commonly used for the fruit]

Frequency: High (This word is very common in everyday Russian conversation and literature.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary item with straightforward usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

яблоко: [jɪˈblokə]

Note on яблоко: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'я' sound is a palatalized 'ya', which may be challenging for beginners. Pronounce it with a soft 'l' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fruit of the apple tree, often eaten raw or used in cooking.

Translation(s) & Context:

• яблоко - Used in general contexts for the fresh fruit, such as in markets or daily conversations (e.g., referring to food items).

Usage Examples:

• Я ем яблоко каждый день для завтрака. (I eat an apple every day for breakfast.)

  This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing daily habits.

• Это яблоко очень сладкое и сочное. (This apple is very sweet and juicy.)

  Here, it demonstrates descriptive usage in a positive context, common in casual talk about food.

• В саду растут большие красные яблоки. (In the garden, big red apples are growing.)

  This illustrates plural form and adjective agreement in a natural setting description.

• Она купила яблоко в магазине для ребенка. (She bought an apple at the store for the child.)

  This example highlights transactional or caregiving contexts, showing the word in everyday scenarios.

• Яблоко упало с дерева во время ветра. (The apple fell from the tree during the wind.)

  This demonstrates the word in a narrative or event-based sentence, involving action verbs.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Яблоко" is a neuter noun in the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фрукт (frukt) - A general term for fruit, but less specific.
  • яблочко (yablachko) - A diminutive form, used for endearment or smaller apples.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly, as it's a specific noun, but conceptually: овощ (ovoshch) for vegetables, contrasting with fruits.

Related Phrases:

• Яблочный пирог (Yablachnyy pirog) - Apple pie; a common dessert in Russian cuisine.
• Свежие яблоки (Svezhie yabloki) - Fresh apples; used when referring to produce in markets.
• Яблоко от яблони недалеко падает (Yabloko ot yabloni nedaleko padayet) - The apple doesn't fall far from the tree; an idiomatic expression for inherited traits.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "яблоко" directly corresponds to the English "apple" as a countable noun. It is gender-neutral (neuter) and requires agreement in adjectives and verbs. Use it in formal and informal contexts alike, but be mindful of case endings based on sentence structure. For example, choose "яблоко" over synonyms when specificity is needed. If the context involves endearment, opt for diminutives like "яблочко".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я ем яблоко" in genitive instead of accusative. Correct: "Я ем яблоко" (accusative for direct object). Explanation: Russian requires precise case agreement; beginners often overlook this, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "апельсин" (orange). Correct usage: Ensure context clarifies the fruit. Explanation: This mix-up happens due to visual similarities, but "яблоко" specifically means apple, not citrus fruits.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, apples symbolize health and abundance, often featured in folklore and proverbs. For instance, the phrase "яблоко от яблони" reflects ideas of heredity and family traits, drawing from agricultural roots in Russian history.

Related Concepts:

• груша (grusha) - Pear
• вишня (vishnya) - Cherry
• фрукты (frukty) - Fruits (general category)