и́ва
ívafeminine
The English word "willow" is translated into Russian as и́ва (íva) or ве́рба.
Meaning: tree (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| и́ва | íva | feminine |
| ве́рба | vérba | feminine |
The term и́ва is the general botanical name for the willow genus. In everyday, colloquial speech, people more frequently use the term ве́рба to refer to specific varieties of willow, such as the pussy willow.
Which one should you use?
и́ва is used for the general botanical classification of the willow, whereas ве́рба is the common term used in daily conversation, particularly when referring to types like the pussy willow or osier willow.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both и́ва and ве́рба are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
íva
Did you know?
- In Russia, branches of the ве́рба are used in churches during Palm Sunday services because actual palm fronds are not available in the northern climate.
- The phrase 'beating with a ве́рба' is an old folk custom meant to bring health and fertility to livestock during the spring.
- Russian folklore and poetry often use the и́ва as a symbol of female sorrow or modesty, frequently depicting the tree as 'weeping'.
Examples in context
- Плакучая ива (Pla-KOO-chai-ya Ee-VAH) известна своими характерными поникающими ветвями.The weeping willow is known for its characteristic drooping branches.
- Эта и́ва очень высокая.Eta iva ochen' vysokaya.This willow is very tall.
- Старая и́ва склонилась над рекой.Staraya iva sklonilas' nad rekoy.An old willow leaned over the river.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “willow” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
