Pronunciation: [zˈɛmlɪə] (IPA) 
Zemlya is a Russian word that refers to the Earth, land or soil. Its spelling can be tricky for non-native speakers due to the unfamiliar letters it contains. The word is pronounced as /ˈzʲemlʲa/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The letter "ы" is pronounced as a hard "ee" sound, while the letters "ь" and "я" are silent. The "zh" sound in "з" can be challenging for English speakers, but it's similar to the "s" sound in "treasure".
Zemlya is a noun that originated from the Russian language and is used to denote the concept of "land" or "earth." It refers to the solid surface of the planet, as well as the territory, soil, or property that stretches over it. The term zemlya can encompass various meanings depending on the context.
In a general sense, zemlya signifies the physical landmass or ground that is not comprised of water or covered by ice. It is the foundation upon which life flourishes and represents the space where civilizations are built. Zemlya is closely associated with the idea of territory and can refer to a specific piece of land, whether a country, a province, or a plot of land owned by an individual or an organization.
In a more philosophical or figurative sense, zemlya can be used to symbolize stability, permanence, or the connection between humans and nature. It embodies the notion of the Earth as the vital source of sustenance and resources that supports and provides for humanity. Moreover, zemlya can evoke a sense of belonging and attachment to one's homeland or place of origin.
In summary, zemlya encompasses the physical landmass, territory, and soil of the Earth, as well as representing the concepts of stability, attachment, and connection to one's homeland or the broader natural world.
The word "zemlya" is of Slavic origin, specifically from the Old East Slavic language. It is derived from the Proto-Slavic word "zemlja", which meant "land" or "earth". This ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰǵʰem-, meaning "earth" or "ground". This root is also the source of various related words in other Indo-European languages, such as the Sanskrit "ksham", the Greek "khthon", and the Latin "humus".
