Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Candy'

English Word: Candy

Key Russian Translations:

• конфета [kɐnˈfʲetə] - [Singular, Informal]
• конфеты [kɐnˈfʲetɨ] - [Plural, Informal]
• сладости [ˈsɫadəsʲtʲi] - [Plural, General term for sweets]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "конфета/конфеты"; A2 (Elementary) for "сладости"

Pronunciation (Russian):

конфета: [kɐnˈfʲetə]

Note on конфета: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ф" is pronounced as a soft [fʲ].

конфеты: [kɐnˈfʲetɨ]

сладости: [ˈsɫadəsʲtʲi]

Note on сладости: Stress is on the first syllable. The "с" is soft due to the following "я".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small piece of sweet food (e.g., chocolate, hard candy)

Translation(s) & Context:

• конфета - Refers to a single piece of candy, often wrapped.
• конфеты - Plural form, used when referring to multiple candies.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил конфету для ребёнка.

  I bought a candy for the child.

• На столе лежат разные конфеты.

  There are different candies on the table.

• Ты любишь шоколадные конфеты?

  Do you like chocolate candies?

2. General term for sweets or confections

Translation(s) & Context:

• сладости - A broader term for sweets, including candies, pastries, etc.

Usage Examples:

• Дети любят сладости.

  Children love sweets.

• В магазине много разных сладостей.

  There are many different sweets in the store.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

конфета (Singular, Feminine Noun):

сладости (Plural-only, Feminine Noun): This noun is used only in plural form and follows the same declension pattern as "конфеты" in the table above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for конфета/конфеты:

• леденец (hard candy, lollipop)
• карамель (caramel)

Note: "леденец" often refers specifically to hard candies or lollipops, while "карамель" is a type of candy made from caramelized sugar.

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, as "candy" refers to a specific food category.

Related Phrases:

• шоколадная конфета - Chocolate candy
• коробка конфет - Box of candies
• сладости к чаю - Sweets for tea (common expression for snacks with tea)

Usage Notes:

• "конфета" is the most direct translation for "candy" as a single piece, while "конфеты" is used for multiple pieces. Use "сладости" when referring to sweets in general, not just candies.
• Russian often specifies the type of candy (e.g., "шоколадная конфета" for chocolate candy), unlike English, where "candy" can be more generic.
• "сладости" is more formal or literary than "конфеты" in some contexts, such as in writing or formal speech.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "конфета" in plural contexts. Incorrect: "Я купил конфета." Correct: "Я купил конфеты." Explanation: "конфета" is singular; for plural, always use "конфеты."
• Error: Confusing "сладости" with "конфеты." Incorrect: Using "сладости" to refer to a specific piece of candy. Correct: Use "сладости" only for the general concept of sweets.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, candies ("конфеты") are often associated with celebrations and hospitality. Offering candies with tea is a common gesture when hosting guests. During holidays like New Year, special gift boxes of candies are popular for children.

Related Concepts:

• шоколад (chocolate)
• торт (cake)
• печенье (cookies)