Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bitter'

English Word: Bitter

Key Russian Translations:

• горький [ˈɡorʲkʲɪj] - [Adjective, General Use]
• горько [ˈɡorʲkə] - [Adverb, Often Emotional or Figurative]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

горький: [ˈɡorʲkʲɪj]

Note on горький: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'r' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

горько: [ˈɡorʲkə]

Note on горько: The ending is softer due to the neutral vowel 'ə'. Often used in emotional contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Taste (Bitter as in flavor)

Translation(s) & Context:

• горький - Used to describe a bitter taste, such as in coffee or chocolate.

Usage Examples:

• Этот кофе очень горький.

  This coffee is very bitter.

• Горький шоколад полезен для здоровья.

  Bitter chocolate is good for health.

• Лекарство было горьким на вкус.

  The medicine tasted bitter.

2. Emotional/Figurative (Bitter as in feelings or experiences)

Translation(s) & Context:

• горький - Used metaphorically for bitter experiences or feelings.
• горько - Often used as an adverb to express regret or sadness.

Usage Examples:

• У него была горькая судьба.

  He had a bitter fate.

• Мне горько вспоминать об этом.

  It’s bitter for me to recall this.

• Горькие слезы текли по её щекам.

  Bitter tears flowed down her cheeks.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

горький (Adjective): This word follows standard Russian adjective declension patterns based on gender, number, and case.

горько (Adverb): This word is invariable as it is an adverb and does not change form based on case, gender, or number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for горький (taste/emotional):

• терпкий (more specific to astringent bitterness)
• прогорклый (bitter due to spoilage)

Antonyms for горький (taste):

• сладкий (sweet)

Related Phrases:

• горькая правда - "bitter truth" (a harsh or unpleasant truth)
• горький опыт - "bitter experience" (a painful or negative experience)
• горько плакать - "to cry bitterly" (to cry with deep sorrow)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between горький and горько: Use "горький" as an adjective to describe nouns (e.g., bitter taste, bitter fate). Use "горько" as an adverb to describe emotions or actions (e.g., to feel bitter, to cry bitterly).

• Register: Both terms are neutral and can be used in formal and informal contexts, though "горько" often appears in emotional or expressive speech.

• Wedding Tradition: At Russian weddings, guests shout "Горько!" to prompt the newlyweds to kiss, implying that life without kisses is "bitter."

Common Errors:

• Mixing горький and горько: English speakers often confuse the adjective and adverb forms. For example, saying "Мне горький" (incorrect) instead of "Мне горько" (correct) when expressing emotional bitterness.

• Incorrect Declension: Failing to adjust "горький" for gender or case, e.g., using "горький" with a feminine noun instead of "горькая."

Cultural Notes:

The word "горько" has a unique cultural significance in Russian wedding traditions. When guests shout "Горько!" during the celebration, it means "bitter," implying that the couple must "sweeten" the moment with a kiss. This tradition highlights the playful and communal nature of Russian weddings.

Related Concepts:

• сладкий (sweet)
• кислый (sour)
• терпкий (astringent)