Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cafeteria'

English Word: cafeteria

Key Russian Translations:

• столовая [stɐˈlovəjə] - [Common, Neutral]
• кафе [kɐˈfɛ] - [Informal, Often refers to smaller or casual dining places]
• буфет [bʊˈfɛt] - [Neutral, Often used for snack bars or small cafeterias]

Frequency: Medium (widely used in contexts related to dining)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "столовая" and "кафе"); B1 (Intermediate for "буфет")

Pronunciation (Russian):

столовая: [stɐˈlovəjə]

Note on столовая: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "o" sounds like "a" in unstressed positions due to Russian vowel reduction.

кафе: [kɐˈfɛ]

Note on кафе: Stress on the second syllable. This word is borrowed from French and retains a similar pronunciation.

буфет: [bʊˈfɛt]

Note on буфет: Stress on the second syllable. Similar to "кафе," it has foreign roots.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A place for eating, often in institutions (schools, workplaces)

Translation(s) & Context:

• столовая - Commonly used for dining halls in schools, factories, or offices.

Usage Examples:

• В нашей школе есть большая столовая.

  There is a large cafeteria in our school.

• Рабочие обедают в столовой завода.

  The workers eat lunch in the factory cafeteria.

• Столовая открыта с 12 до 14 часов.

  The cafeteria is open from 12 to 2 p.m.

2. A casual place for drinks and light meals

Translation(s) & Context:

• кафе - Refers to a café or small cafeteria, often with a cozy or informal atmosphere.
• буфет - Often used for smaller snack bars or buffets in theaters or train stations.

Usage Examples:

• Мы встретились в кафе на углу.

  We met at the cafeteria on the corner.

• В театре есть буфет, где можно купить кофе.

  There is a cafeteria in the theater where you can buy coffee.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

столовая (Feminine Noun):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	столовая	столовые
Genitive	столовой	столовых
Dative	столовой	столовым
Accusative	столовую	столовые
Instrumental	столовой	столовыми
Prepositional	столовой	столовых

кафе (Neuter Noun, Indeclinable): This word does not change form regardless of case or number. Always remains "кафе."

буфет (Masculine Noun): Follows regular masculine noun declension patterns.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	буфет	буфеты
Genitive	буфета	буфетов
Dative	буфету	буфетам
Accusative	буфет	буфеты
Instrumental	буфетом	буфетами
Prepositional	буфете	буфетах

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "столовая":

• кафетерий
• ресторан (in some institutional contexts)

Note: "кафетерий" is less common and often feels more formal or borrowed; "ресторан" is used only in upscale institutional dining contexts.

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "cafeteria" refers to a specific type of location.

Related Phrases:

• школьная столовая - School cafeteria
• заводская столовая - Factory cafeteria
• кафе на улице - Street-side café/cafeteria
• буфет в поезде - Cafeteria on a train

Usage Notes:

• "Столовая" is the most accurate translation for "cafeteria" in institutional settings like schools or workplaces. It implies a larger, functional dining space.
• "Кафе" is better suited for smaller, informal places and often overlaps with the English "café." Use it when the context is casual or social.
• "Буфет" typically refers to smaller snack bars, often in specific locations like theaters or stations. It may not always match the full concept of a "cafeteria."
• Be mindful of grammatical agreement: "столовая" and "буфет" decline according to Russian grammar rules, while "кафе" does not change.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кафе" for a school cafeteria.
  Incorrect: В школе есть кафе.
  Correct: В школе есть столовая.
  Explanation: "Кафе" implies a commercial or casual café, not a typical institutional cafeteria.
• Error: Declining "кафе" as a regular noun.
  Incorrect: Я иду в кафеу.
  Correct: Я иду в кафе.
  Explanation: "Кафе" is indeclinable and does not change form in any case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, the concept of a "столовая" is deeply tied to Soviet-era communal dining spaces, often found in schools, workplaces, and military settings. These are typically affordable and serve traditional Russian meals. A "кафе," on the other hand, may evoke a more modern or Westernized image of casual dining, while "буфет" often refers to quick-service snack bars in specific locations like train stations or cultural venues.

Related Concepts:

• ресторан (restaurant)
• закусочная (snack bar)
• бар (bar)