Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Booze'

English Word: Booze

Key Russian Translations:

• алкоголь [ɐlkɐˈɡolʲ] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• выпивка [vɨˈpʲifkə] - [Informal, Colloquial]
• спиртное [spʲɪrtˈnoɪ] - [Neutral, Often Used in Formal Contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in informal and neutral contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, varies slightly by term)

Pronunciation (Russian):

алкоголь: [ɐlkɐˈɡolʲ]

Note on алкоголь: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'г' is pronounced as a soft [ɡʲ].

выпивка: [vɨˈpʲifkə]

Note on выпивка: Stress on the second syllable; the 'в' is pronounced clearly even in fast speech.

спиртное: [spʲɪrtˈnoɪ]

Note on спиртное: Stress on the second syllable; the ending varies based on grammatical case.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Alcoholic Beverages (General Term)

Translation(s) & Context:

• алкоголь - Used as a general, neutral term for alcohol or alcoholic drinks.
• спиртное - Often used in formal or written contexts to refer to alcoholic beverages.

Usage Examples:

• В магазине есть большой выбор алкоголя.

  There is a large selection of alcohol in the store.

• На вечеринке было много спиртного.

  There was a lot of booze at the party.

2. Drinking or Alcohol (Informal, Casual Reference)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выпивка - Informal term, often used in casual conversations about drinking.

Usage Examples:

• Давай возьмём выпивку на вечер.

  Let’s get some booze for tonight.

• После работы он любит выпивку с друзьями.

  After work, he likes to have a drink with friends.

• У нас закончилась вся выпивка!

  We’ve run out of all the booze!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

алкоголь (Masculine Noun): Regular noun with standard declension in singular and plural.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	алкоголь	алкоголи
Genitive	алкоголя	алкоголей
Dative	алкоголю	алкоголям

выпивка (Feminine Noun): Regular noun with standard feminine declension.

спиртное (Neuter Noun/Adjective Form): Often used as a substantive adjective; declension follows neuter patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for алкоголь/выпивка:

• горячительное (colloquial, informal)
• напитки (neutral, broader term for drinks)

Antonyms:

• безалкогольное (non-alcoholic)
• трезвость (sobriety)

Note: Synonyms like "горячительное" are more colloquial and imply strong alcohol, while "напитки" is broader.

Related Phrases:

• алкогольные напитки - Alcoholic beverages (neutral, formal).
• за выпивкой - Over drinks (informal, implies socializing).
• спиртные напитки - Alcoholic drinks (formal, often on labels or menus).

Usage Notes:

• "алкоголь" is the most neutral and widely accepted term for alcohol in general, suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
• "выпивка" is strictly informal and often carries a casual or social connotation, akin to "booze" or "drinks" in English.
• "спиртное" is more formal and often used in contexts like menus, regulations, or when avoiding the casual tone of "выпивка."
• Choose the term based on the tone and context: use "выпивка" with friends, "алкоголь" for general discussions, and "спиртное" in formal settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "выпивка" in formal contexts. Incorrect: "На конференции подали выпивку." Correct: "На конференции подали спиртное." (Explanation: "выпивка" sounds too casual for formal events.)
• Error: Mispronouncing "алкоголь" by stressing the first syllable. Stress must be on the second syllable [ɐlkɐˈɡolʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, alcohol, especially vodka, holds a significant place in social and historical contexts. Terms like "выпивка" often imply a relaxed or festive atmosphere, while "алкоголь" may be used in more serious discussions about health or policy. Offering or sharing drinks is a common gesture of hospitality, but overindulgence can be frowned upon in formal settings.

Related Concepts:

• водка (vodka)
• пиво (beer)
• вино (wine)
• трезвость (sobriety)