Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'buffet'

English Word: buffet

Key Russian Translations:

• буфет [bʊˈfɛt] - [Neutral, Used for a piece of furniture or a small dining area]
• шведский стол [ʂvˈɛtskɪj stoɫ] - [Neutral, Used for a self-service meal style]

Frequency: Medium (both terms are commonly used in specific contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "буфет"); B1 (Intermediate for "шведский стол" due to compound structure)

Pronunciation (Russian):

буфет: [bʊˈfɛt]

Note on буфет: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "у" is pronounced as a short "oo" sound.

шведский стол: [ʂvˈɛtskɪj stoɫ]

Note on шведский стол: Stress falls on the first syllable of "шведский" and the second syllable of "стол". The "ш" is a retroflex sound, distinct from English "sh".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A piece of furniture or small dining area (e.g., in a train or office)

Translation(s) & Context:

• буфет - Refers to a sideboard, cupboard, or a small counter area for food and drinks, often in public places like stations or offices.

Usage Examples:

• В поезде есть буфет, где можно купить еду.

  There is a buffet in the train where you can buy food.

• Она поставила вазу на буфет в гостиной.

  She placed the vase on the buffet in the living room.

• Буфет в офисе всегда открыт с утра до вечера.

  The buffet in the office is always open from morning till evening.

2. A self-service meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes

Translation(s) & Context:

• шведский стол - Literally "Swedish table", used exclusively for a buffet-style meal with multiple dishes laid out for self-service.

Usage Examples:

• На свадьбе был шведский стол с множеством блюд.

  There was a buffet with a variety of dishes at the wedding.

• В отеле завтрак подают в формате шведского стола.

  In the hotel, breakfast is served as a buffet.

• Шведский стол удобен для больших мероприятий.

  A buffet is convenient for large events.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

буфет (Masculine Noun):

шведский стол (Compound Phrase, Masculine Noun "стол"): The word "стол" declines as a masculine noun, while "шведский" agrees in case, number, and gender. Commonly used in Nominative and Accusative cases in everyday speech.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for буфет (furniture):

• шкаф (cabinet, broader term)
• прилавок (counter, in specific contexts)

Note: "шкаф" is more general and can refer to any cupboard, while "прилавок" is often used for shop counters.

Synonyms for шведский стол (meal style):

• фуршет (reception, cocktail party style, often standing)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either meaning.

Related Phrases:

• буфетная стойка - Buffet counter (a counter in a buffet area)
• шведский стол на завтрак - Breakfast buffet (self-service breakfast)
• обслуживание по типу шведского стола - Buffet-style service (catering style)

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "буфет" and "шведский стол" depends strictly on context. Use "буфет" for physical furniture or small dining areas, and "шведский стол" for the concept of a self-service meal.
• "шведский стол" is a cultural borrowing and directly translates to "Swedish table", reflecting the historical association of this dining style with Scandinavian traditions.
• Be mindful of the grammatical gender: "буфет" and "стол" are both masculine nouns, which affects adjective agreement and case usage.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "буфет" to mean a buffet meal style.
  Incorrect: На вечеринке был буфет с едой.
  Correct: На вечеринке был шведский стол с едой.
  Explanation: "буфет" refers to the furniture or place, not the style of meal service.
• Error: Misplacing stress in "шведский стол".
  Explanation: Stress must be on "швед-" and "стол", not elsewhere, to sound natural.

Cultural Notes:

The term "шведский стол" (Swedish table) reflects a historical perception in Russia of buffet dining as a Scandinavian tradition, introduced in the 18th-19th centuries. It is widely used in hotels, restaurants, and events to denote a casual, self-service dining experience. Meanwhile, "буфет" often evokes nostalgic imagery of Soviet-era canteens or train dining cars, where simple meals and snacks are sold.

Related Concepts:

• фуршет (cocktail party or standing reception)
• столовая (canteen or dining hall)
• закусочная (snack bar)