Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vine'

English Word: vine

Key Russian Translations:

• виноградная лоза [vʲɪnɐˈɡradnəjə ˈlozə] - [Formal, used for grapevines specifically]
• лиана [lʲɪˈanə] - [Informal, general term for climbing plants or vines]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in contexts like botany, agriculture, or literature, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to nature, with 'виноградная лоза' being slightly more complex due to compound structure)

Pronunciation (Russian):

виноградная лоза: [vʲɪnɐˈɡradnəjə ˈlozə]

лиана: [lʲɪˈanə]

Note on виноградная лоза: The stress falls on the third syllable of "виноградная" and the first of "лоза." Be mindful of the palatalized 'л' in "лиана," which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft consonant sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A climbing plant, such as a grapevine

Translation(s) & Context:

• виноградная лоза - Used in formal or botanical contexts, such as describing vineyard plants or literary metaphors.
• лиана - Applied in informal settings, like everyday descriptions of jungle vines or decorative plants.

Usage Examples:

• В саду растёт старая виноградная лоза, которая даёт вкусные ягоды каждое лето.

  In the garden, an old vine grows that produces delicious berries every summer.

• Эта лиана обвивает дерево, создавая естественный навес в джунглях.

  This vine winds around the tree, creating a natural canopy in the jungle.

• Фермеры подрезают виноградную лозу осенью, чтобы улучшить урожай в следующем году.

  Farmers prune the vine in the fall to improve the harvest next year.

• В тропическом лесу лианы свисают с веток, образуя густую сеть.

  In the tropical forest, vines hang from the branches, forming a dense network.

• Дети любят карабкаться по лиане, pretending to be explorers.

  Children love climbing the vine, pretending to be explorers.

Figurative or metaphorical use (e.g., spreading information like a grapevine)

Translation(s) & Context:

• виноградная лоза - In metaphorical contexts, such as rumors or networks, but less common; often replaced by other expressions.

Usage Examples:

• Новости распространяются по виноградной лозе, как wildfire в маленьком городе.

  News spreads through the grapevine like wildfire in a small town.

• Через лиану слухов мы узнали о предстоящем событии.

  Through the vine of rumors, we learned about the upcoming event.

• Виноградная лоза информации связала всех сотрудников компании.

  The vine of information connected all the company's employees.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "виноградная лоза" and "лиана" are nouns. "Виноградная лоза" is a compound noun where "виноградная" is an adjective agreeing with "лоза." Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and gender. "Лоза" is a feminine noun (feminine singular), and it follows the standard first declension pattern. "Лиана" is also feminine and follows a similar pattern.

Note: "Виноградная" as an adjective will inflect accordingly to agree with the noun (e.g., виноградной лозы in genitive singular).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • плющ (for ivy-like vines)
  • вьюнок (for creeping plants)
• Antonyms:
  • дерево (tree, as an opposite to a climbing plant)

Плющ is similar to "лиана" but specifically for ivy, which has a more woody structure.

Related Phrases:

• Виноградная лоза в саду - A vine in the garden (common in agricultural contexts).
• Лиана в джунглях - A vine in the jungle (used for tropical settings, implying adventure).
• Обвить как лиана - To wrap around like a vine (metaphorical for entanglement in relationships).

Usage Notes:

"Vine" translates most accurately to "виноградная лоза" when referring to grapevines, which is formal and specific. For general vines, "лиана" is more versatile but informal. English speakers should note that Russian nouns require case agreement in sentences, so always check the context (e.g., use genitive for possession). When choosing between translations, opt for "виноградная лоза" in botanical or literary contexts and "лиана" for everyday or exotic descriptions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "виноград лоза" without the adjective ending (e.g., forgetting agreement). Correct: "виноградная лоза." Explanation: In Russian, adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

• Error: Confusing "лиана" with "линейка" (ruler). Correct: Ensure context is clear to avoid mix-ups, as "лиана" relates to plants. Explanation: This homophone error can lead to misunderstandings in spoken language.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "виноградная лоза" often symbolizes abundance and tradition, as seen in folklore and winemaking heritage. For instance, in Russian literature like Tolstoy's works, vines represent growth and the passage of time, reflecting the historical importance of vineyards in regions like Crimea.

Related Concepts:

• виноград (grapefruit)
• дерево (tree)
• растение (plant)