Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cocktail'

English Word: cocktail

Key Russian Translations:

• коктейль [kɐkˈtɛɪlʲ] - [Neutral, Common Usage]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

коктейль: [kɐkˈtɛɪlʲ]

Note on коктейль: The stress falls on the second syllable. The final 'л' is palatalized, which is common in Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Alcoholic Mixed Drink

Translation(s) & Context:

• коктейль - Refers to a mixed alcoholic beverage, often served at bars or parties.

Usage Examples:

• Я заказал коктейль в баре.

  I ordered a cocktail at the bar.

• Её любимый коктейль — маргарита.

  Her favorite cocktail is a margarita.

• На вечеринке подали фруктовый коктейль.

  They served a fruit cocktail at the party.

• Бармен готовит коктейли очень быстро.

  The bartender makes cocktails very quickly.

• Этот коктейль слишком крепкий для меня.

  This cocktail is too strong for me.

2. Non-Alcoholic Mixed Drink or Mixture

Translation(s) & Context:

• коктейль - Can also refer to a non-alcoholic mixed drink or metaphorically to a mixture of things (e.g., a cocktail of emotions).

Usage Examples:

• Детям подали молочный коктейль.

  The children were served a milkshake (lit. milk cocktail).

• Это был коктейль из эмоций.

  It was a cocktail of emotions.

• Я люблю фруктовый коктейль летом.

  I love a fruit cocktail in the summer.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• напиток (drink, broader term)
• микс (mix, informal, less common)

Note: "напиток" is more general and can refer to any drink, while "микс" is rarely used for cocktails specifically.

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, as "cocktail" is a specific concept.

Related Phrases:

• молочный коктейль - Milkshake (lit. milk cocktail).
• фруктовый коктейль - Fruit cocktail or fruit drink.
• коктейль эмоций - A cocktail of emotions (metaphorical usage).
• коктейль Молотова - Molotov cocktail (a type of improvised incendiary weapon).

Usage Notes:

• The term "коктейль" is a direct borrowing from English and is widely understood in Russian to mean a mixed drink, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe a mixture of non-physical things, such as emotions or ideas, similar to English usage.
• In formal or traditional contexts, specifying the type of cocktail (e.g., "алкогольный коктейль" for alcoholic cocktail) might be necessary to avoid ambiguity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "коктейль" by stressing the first syllable (as in [ˈkɐktɛɪlʲ]). Correct: Stress the second syllable [kɐkˈtɛɪlʲ].
• Error: Using "коктейль" to refer to any drink without specifying context. Correct: Use "напиток" for a general drink if the mixed nature of a cocktail is not implied.
• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using "коктейля" in the nominative case. Correct: Follow the declension table provided above (e.g., nominative: "коктейль").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cocktails are often associated with modern, Western-style bars and social settings. Traditional Russian drinks like vodka or kvass are more culturally significant in everyday contexts. However, cocktails have gained popularity in urban areas, especially among younger generations. The term "коктейль Молотова" (Molotov cocktail) also has historical significance, referring to a weapon used during World War II, named after Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov.

Related Concepts:

• напиток (drink)
• бар (bar)
• алкоголь (alcohol)
• миксер (mixer, as in a drink mixer)