Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Caviar'

English Word: Caviar

Key Russian Translations:

• икра [ˈikrə] - [General, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

икра: [ˈikrə]

Note on икра: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "р" sound is rolled, typical in Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Fish Roe (Food)

Translation(s) & Context:

• икра - Refers to fish roe, especially from sturgeon, often considered a luxury food item in Russian cuisine.

Usage Examples:

• На праздничном столе была чёрная икра.

  There was black caviar on the festive table.

• Икра с блинами — это традиционное русское блюдо.

  Caviar with blini is a traditional Russian dish.

• Мы купили баночку красной икры на Новый год.

  We bought a jar of red caviar for New Year’s.

• Икра осетра считается деликатесом.

  Sturgeon caviar is considered a delicacy.

• В магазине икра была очень дорогая.

  Caviar in the store was very expensive.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

икра is a feminine noun. It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а in Russian. It is usually used in the singular form as it is a mass noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• нет (No direct synonyms, as "икра" is specific to fish roe)

Note: While there are no direct synonyms, distinctions are often made by specifying the type, e.g., "чёрная икра" (black caviar) or "красная икра" (red caviar).

Antonyms:

• нет (No direct antonyms)

Related Phrases:

• чёрная икра - Black caviar, often from sturgeon, associated with luxury.
• красная икра - Red caviar, typically from salmon, more common and affordable.
• икринка - A single grain of caviar, used in more technical or descriptive contexts.
• бутерброд с икрой - A sandwich with caviar, a popular way to serve it.

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "икра" directly corresponds to "caviar" when referring to fish roe. However, it can also mean "roe" in a broader biological sense.
• It is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Russians often distinguish between types of caviar by color or fish species (e.g., "чёрная икра" for black caviar, "красная икра" for red caviar).
• Be mindful of the genitive case when indicating quantity, e.g., "много икры" (a lot of caviar).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "икра" in the plural form. Incorrect: "икры" (as plural). Correct: "икра" is a mass noun and remains singular.
• Error: Mispronouncing the stress. Incorrect: [ikˈra]. Correct: [ˈikrə], stress on the first syllable.
• Error: Confusing "икра" with unrelated food terms. Explanation: "икра" specifically means fish roe and should not be used for other spreads or foods.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, caviar ("икра") holds a special place, especially during celebrations like New Year’s Eve or weddings. Black caviar (from sturgeon) is a symbol of luxury and wealth, while red caviar (from salmon) is more accessible and commonly served on holidays with blini (Russian pancakes) or bread. Offering caviar to guests is a gesture of hospitality and generosity.

Related Concepts:

• блины (blini - Russian pancakes often paired with caviar)
• осётр (sturgeon - source of black caviar)
• лосось (salmon - source of red caviar)