Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'beancurd'

English Word: beancurd

Key Russian Translations:

• тофу [ˈtofu] - [Informal, Borrowed word from English/Japanese, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (Common in modern Russian contexts, especially in urban areas, health food discussions, or vegetarian cuisine, but not as ubiquitous as native Russian words).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; as a borrowed word, it's straightforward for English speakers to learn and use, with minimal inflection changes).

Pronunciation (Russian):

тофу: [ˈtofu]

Note on тофу: The pronunciation is similar to the English "tofu," with stress on the first syllable. Be mindful of the Russian "ф" sound, which is a voiceless labiodental fricative, akin to the English "f." Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A soft food product made from curdled soybeans, often used in Asian cuisine.

Translation(s) & Context:

• тофу - Used in everyday culinary contexts, particularly in vegetarian, vegan, or health-conscious settings; informal and modern Russian speech.

Usage Examples:

• Я ем тофу в салате для здорового питания.

  I eat tofu in the salad for healthy nutrition. (This example shows "тофу" in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing its role in a meal.)

• Тофу можно приготовить на гриле с овощами.

  Tofu can be grilled with vegetables. (Demonstrates "тофу" in an infinitive construction, highlighting preparation methods.)

• В ресторане подают блюда с тофу для вегетарианцев.

  The restaurant serves dishes with tofu for vegetarians. (Illustrates "тофу" in a plural or general context, common in service industry discussions.)

• Мой друг любит тофу в супе мисо.

  My friend loves tofu in miso soup. (Shows "тофу" in a possessive or preference statement, linking to cultural influences.)

• Тофу – это отличный источник белка для веганов.

  Tofu is an excellent source of protein for vegans. (Uses "тофу" as a subject in a descriptive sentence, emphasizing its nutritional benefits.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Тофу" is a neuter noun in Russian, borrowed from English/Japanese, and it generally does not undergo significant inflection due to its status as a foreign word. However, it can follow basic Russian noun patterns if needed.

Note: As a borrowed word, "тофу" often remains invariant, making it easier for beginners, but in formal writing, it may align with neuter noun rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сыр из сои (soy cheese) - Less common, used in more descriptive or traditional contexts to explain the concept.
  • белковый сыр (protein cheese) - Informal variant, emphasizing nutritional aspects.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "тофу" is a specific food item without clear opposites in Russian vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• Жареный тофу (Fried tofu) - A common preparation method in Russian-adapted Asian cuisine; refers to pan-fried or grilled versions for added texture.
• Тофу в соусе (Tofu in sauce) - Used in recipes where tofu is marinated or cooked with flavors; highlights versatility in cooking.
• Вегетарианский тофу салат (Vegetarian tofu salad) - A phrase for health-focused meals; often seen in modern Russian dietary discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Тофу" directly corresponds to "beancurd" or "tofu" in English, serving as a borrowed term without significant semantic shifts. It is most commonly used in informal, everyday language, especially among younger generations or in urban settings influenced by global cuisine. Be aware of its neuter gender in Russian grammar, though it rarely inflects. When choosing between translations, "тофу" is preferred in casual speech, while more descriptive phrases like "сыр из сои" might be used in educational or formal contexts. Always consider the cultural context, as "тофу" often implies healthy or plant-based eating.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as [to-fu] with an English accent, leading to [ˈtəʊfu] instead of the Russian [ˈtofu]. Correct: Use the Russian "ф" sound consistently. Example of error: Saying "тоуфу" (incorrect blend). Correct usage: "тофу" [ˈtofu]. Explanation: This happens due to direct borrowing, so practice with native audio to avoid anglicizing the word.

• Error: Treating it as a fully inflected noun, e.g., incorrectly saying "тофуа" in genitive. Correct: It often remains "тофу" in most cases. Example of error: "Куска тофуа" (wrong). Correct: "Куска тофу." Explanation: As a borrowed word, over-inflecting can make it sound unnatural; stick to invariant forms unless in formal writing.

Cultural Notes:

"Тофу" originates from East Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese and Japanese traditions, and its adoption into Russian reflects globalization and the rise of vegetarianism in Russia. It symbolizes health-conscious eating and cultural exchange, often appearing in discussions about international foods rather than traditional Russian cuisine, which might favor native alternatives like cottage cheese (творог).

Related Concepts:

• соя (soy)
• вегетарианство (vegetarianism)
• азитская кухня (Asian cuisine)