Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'caper'

English Word: caper

Key Russian Translations:

• каперсы [kɐˈpʲerɨsɨ] - [Plural, Formal; used in culinary or botanical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in cooking recipes and food-related discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and plural forms, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

каперсы: [kɐˈpʲerɨsɨ]

Note on каперсы: The stress is on the second syllable; be mindful of the palatalized 'p' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A pickled flower bud used in cooking (primary meaning).

Translation(s) & Context:

• каперсы - Typically used in formal or culinary contexts, such as recipes or food descriptions, to refer to the preserved buds of the caper bush.

Usage Examples:

• В итальянской кухне часто используют каперсы для придания блюдам пикантного вкуса.

  In Italian cuisine, capers are often used to add a piquant flavor to dishes.

• Эти каперсы идеально подходят для салата из тунца и оливок.

  These capers are perfect for a tuna and olive salad.

• Без каперсов соус не будет таким аутентичным.

  Without capers, the sauce won't be as authentic.

• Я предпочитаю свежие каперсы, а не маринованные.

  I prefer fresh capers over pickled ones.

• Каперсы добавляют в пиццу для дополнительного аромата.

  Capers are added to pizza for extra flavor.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Каперсы" is a plural noun in Russian, derived from the borrowed word for the caper plant. It follows standard Russian noun declension for masculine plural nouns ending in -ы.

Note: This word is often used in plural form and does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Каперсы маринованные (pickled capers; more specific to the preserved form)
  • Цветки каперса (caper flowers; emphasizes the botanical origin, used in formal or scientific contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • Безвкусные приправы (bland seasonings; implies lack of flavor, contrasting capers' tanginess)

Brief note: Synonyms like "цветки каперса" are preferred in botanical discussions for precision.

Related Phrases:

• Каперсы в оливковом масле - Capers in olive oil; a common preserved form used in Mediterranean cooking.
• Салат с каперсами - Salad with capers; a phrase for recipes involving capers as an ingredient.
• Маринованные каперсы для соуса - Pickled capers for sauce; highlights their role in flavor enhancement.

Usage Notes:

"Caper" in English primarily refers to the pickled buds, which directly translates to "каперсы" in Russian. This word is neutral and formal, often appearing in culinary texts or recipes rather than casual speech. When using "каперсы," ensure it agrees with the case in the sentence; for example, in genitive constructions like "блюдо с каперсами" (a dish with capers). If the context involves a prank (another meaning of "caper"), consider alternatives like "проказа" for more accurate expression. Learners should note that Russian borrowed this word from French/English, so it's less likely to vary regionally.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular form "каперс" incorrectly in contexts where plural is expected, e.g., saying "Я ем каперс" instead of "Я ем каперсы."

  Correct: "Я ем каперсы." Explanation: "Каперсы" is almost always plural in usage; the singular is rare and can sound unnatural.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by stressing the wrong syllable, e.g., [ˈkɐpʲerɨsɨ] instead of [kɐˈpʲerɨsɨ].

  Correct: [kɐˈpʲerɨsɨ]. Explanation: Incorrect stress can lead to confusion with similar words; practice with native audio to master it.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "каперсы" are associated with Mediterranean and Italian influences in cuisine, often featured in dishes like salads or sauces due to their tangy flavor. They symbolize imported exotic ingredients in traditional Russian cooking, reflecting historical trade routes and the adoption of foreign culinary practices in modern Russian homes.

Related Concepts:

• Оливки (olives; often paired with capers in recipes)
• Приправы (seasonings; broader category including capers)
• Маринованные продукты (pickled products; related preservation methods)