Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Chocolate'

English Word: Chocolate

Key Russian Translations:

• шоколад [ʂəkɐˈlat] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шоколад: [ʂəkɐˈlat]

Note on шоколад: The stress falls on the last syllable, which is typical for many borrowed words in Russian. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from the English "sh".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Chocolate as a Food or Substance

Translation(s) & Context:

• шоколад - Refers to chocolate as a general food item, candy, or ingredient (e.g., chocolate bar, hot chocolate).

Usage Examples:

• Я купил плитку шоколада в магазине.

  I bought a bar of chocolate at the store.

• Ты любишь горячий шоколад зимой?

  Do you like hot chocolate in winter?

• Этот торт сделан с темным шоколадом.

  This cake is made with dark chocolate.

• Дети ели шоколад и испачкали руки.

  The children ate chocolate and got their hands dirty.

• Она подарила мне коробку шоколада на день рождения.

  She gave me a box of chocolates for my birthday.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

шоколад is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Note: The plural form is rarely used as "шоколад" typically refers to the substance or a single bar as a concept. For multiple bars or pieces, Russians often use "плитки шоколада" (bars of chocolate) or "конфеты" (chocolates as candies).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• нет (No direct synonyms, as "шоколад" is a specific term; related terms might describe types like "темный шоколад" for dark chocolate)

Antonyms:

• нет (No direct antonyms, as "chocolate" does not have an inherent opposite in this context)

Related Phrases:

• горячий шоколад - Hot chocolate (a warm chocolate drink, popular in winter).
• плитка шоколада - A bar of chocolate (refers to a single chocolate bar).
• шоколадные конфеты - Chocolate candies (individual pieces of chocolate, often filled).
• темный шоколад - Dark chocolate (a specific type of chocolate with higher cocoa content).

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "шоколад" directly corresponds to the English "chocolate" and is used in most contexts, whether referring to a chocolate bar, ingredient, or drink (with a modifier like "горячий").
• It is a neutral term with no specific formality constraints and is understood universally across Russian-speaking regions.
• Be mindful of the context when referring to "chocolates" as individual candies; in Russian, you might need to specify "шоколадные конфеты" to avoid ambiguity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing "шоколад" in plural form as "шоколады" to mean multiple bars or pieces. This is incorrect in Russian.

  Correct Usage: Use "плитки шоколада" (bars of chocolate) or "шоколадные конфеты" (chocolate candies) for multiples.

  Incorrect Example: Я купил шоколады. (Wrong)

  Correct Example: Я купил плитки шоколада. (I bought bars of chocolate.)

• Error: Incorrect stress placement when pronouncing "шоколад". English speakers may stress the first syllable as in English.

  Correct Usage: Stress the last syllable: [ʂəkɐˈlat].

Cultural Notes:

Chocolate holds a special place in Russian culture, often associated with celebrations and gifts. During Soviet times, chocolate was considered a luxury item, and certain brands like "Алёнка" (a popular Russian chocolate bar) remain iconic. Gifting a box of chocolates ("коробка конфет") is a common gesture for holidays, birthdays, or as a token of appreciation.

Related Concepts:

• конфеты (candies)
• сладости (sweets)
• десерт (dessert)