Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'baker'

English Word: baker

Key Russian Translations:

• пекарь [ˈpʲekərʲ] - [Formal, Singular]
• булочник [ˈbulətɕnʲɪk] - [Informal, Often refers to someone selling or baking bread]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пекарь: [ˈpʲekərʲ]

Note on пекарь: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly.

булочник: [ˈbulətɕnʲɪk]

Note on булочник: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'ч' is pronounced like 'ch' in 'church'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who bakes bread and pastries (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пекарь - Commonly used in formal contexts or job titles to refer to a professional baker.
• булочник - Often used informally, sometimes implying a focus on bread rather than pastries.

Usage Examples:

• Мой дедушка был пекарем в деревне.

  My grandfather was a baker in the village.

• Пекарь в этой пекарне делает лучший хлеб в городе.

  The baker in this bakery makes the best bread in town.

• Булочник за прилавком улыбнулся мне.

  The baker behind the counter smiled at me.

• Каждое утро булочник привозит свежие булочки.

  Every morning, the baker brings fresh rolls.

• Она мечтает стать пекарем и открыть свою кондитерскую.

  She dreams of becoming a baker and opening her own patisserie.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

пекарь (Masculine Noun): Follows the standard masculine noun declension in Russian.

булочник (Masculine Noun): Also follows the standard masculine noun declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for пекарь/булочник:

• кондитер (specifically for pastry chefs)

Note: "кондитер" refers more to someone specializing in sweets and pastries rather than bread.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable

Related Phrases:

• работать пекарем - To work as a baker.
• свежий хлеб от булочника - Fresh bread from the baker.
• пекарня пекаря - The baker's bakery.

Usage Notes:

• "пекарь" is the more formal and general term for a baker, often used in professional contexts or job descriptions. It is the safer choice when unsure.
• "булочник" is more colloquial and often implies someone who deals specifically with bread or rolls. It can sometimes carry a less formal or slightly outdated tone.
• Both terms are masculine by default. For a female baker, you can use "пекарь" (neutral in modern usage) or add a feminine marker like "пекарь-женщина" in specific contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "булочник" in formal writing or job titles.
  Correct Usage: Use "пекарь" in formal contexts, e.g., "Он работает пекарем" (He works as a baker).
  Incorrect: "Он работает булочником" (sounds overly informal or incorrect in a resume).
• Error: Mispronouncing "пекарь" by stressing the second syllable.
  Correct Usage: Stress the first syllable [ˈpʲekərʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, bakers hold a special place due to the historical importance of bread in daily life. Bread is often seen as a symbol of sustenance and hospitality, and terms like "пекарь" may evoke traditional village life or craftsmanship.

Related Concepts:

• хлеб (bread)
• пекарня (bakery)
• кондитерская (pastry shop)