Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bread'

English Word: bread

Key Russian Translations:

• хлеб [xlʲɛp] - [Common, Neutral]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хлеб: [xlʲɛp]

Note on хлеб: The initial 'х' is a voiceless fricative sound, similar to the 'h' in 'hue' but more guttural. The 'лʲ' is palatalized, pronounced with the tongue raised toward the palate.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Term for Bread (Food Item)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хлеб - Used as the general term for bread in Russian, applicable to any type of bread unless specified otherwise.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил свежий хлеб в магазине.

  I bought fresh bread at the store.

• Хлеб на столе всегда символизирует достаток.

  Bread on the table always symbolizes abundance.

• Ты можешь нарезать хлеб для ужина?

  Can you slice the bread for dinner?

• В деревне пекут домашний хлеб в печи.

  In the village, they bake homemade bread in an oven.

• Хлеб с маслом — мой любимый завтрак.

  Bread with butter is my favorite breakfast.

2. Figurative Meaning (Livelihood or Sustenance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хлеб - Used metaphorically to mean "means of living" or "livelihood," similar to English "breadwinner."

Usage Examples:

• Он зарабатывает хлеб тяжелым трудом.

  He earns his bread through hard labor.

• Эта работа — мой хлеб.

  This job is my bread.

• Без образования трудно найти хлеб в наше время.

  Without education, it’s hard to find bread nowadays.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

хлеб is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the second declension pattern for inanimate nouns. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• булка (refers specifically to a loaf or roll, less general than хлеб)
• каравай (traditional round loaf, often ceremonial)

Antonyms:

• (No direct antonym, as bread lacks an opposite in common usage)

Related Phrases:

• хлеб да соль - "bread and salt," a traditional Russian greeting symbolizing hospitality.
• зарабатывать на хлеб - "to earn bread," meaning to make a living.
• ломоть хлеба - "a slice of bread," often used figuratively to mean a share or portion.

Usage Notes:

• The word "хлеб" is the most common and neutral term for bread in Russian, covering all types unless specified (e.g., белый хлеб for white bread, чёрный хлеб for black bread).
• In figurative contexts, "хлеб" often relates to sustenance or livelihood, similar to English. Be mindful of context to distinguish literal from metaphorical usage.
• Russians often use "хлеб" in a broader cultural sense, as it holds significant symbolic value (e.g., hospitality, abundance).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "булка" instead of "хлеб" for general bread. "Булка" refers specifically to a loaf or bun, not bread as a category.
  Incorrect: Я ем булку каждый день. (I eat a bun every day.)
  Correct: Я ем хлеб каждый день. (I eat bread every day.)
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions or verbs. For example, after "без" (without), use the genitive case.
  Incorrect: Без хлеб.
  Correct: Без хлеба.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, bread (хлеб) is a symbol of life, hospitality, and prosperity. It is customary to offer bread and salt as a sign of welcome during traditional ceremonies or when greeting important guests. Dropping bread on the floor is considered disrespectful, and many Russians will kiss the bread or apologize to it as a sign of reverence.

Related Concepts:

• соль (salt)
• каравай (ceremonial bread)
• пища (food)