Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cocoa'

English Word: cocoa

Key Russian Translations:

• какао [ˈkakəʊ] - [Neutral, Commonly Used for Both Drink and Powder]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner)

Pronunciation (Russian):

какао: [ˈkakəʊ]

Note on какао: The stress falls on the first syllable, which is a common pattern in Russian loanwords. Pronounce it with a clear 'ka' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Cocoa as a Powder or Drink (Hot Chocolate)

Translation(s) & Context:

• какао - Refers to both the cocoa powder used in cooking and the hot chocolate drink made from it. Used in everyday contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю пить горячее какао зимой.

  I love drinking hot cocoa in winter.

• Добавь ложку какао в тесто для торта.

  Add a spoonful of cocoa to the cake batter.

• У нас закончилось какао, нужно купить.

  We’ve run out of cocoa, we need to buy some.

• Какао с молоком — мой любимый напиток.

  Cocoa with milk is my favorite drink.

• В магазине продаётся растворимое какао.

  Instant cocoa is sold in the store.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

какао is a neuter noun and an indeclinable word in Russian, meaning it does not change form regardless of case or number. It is a loanword, and such words often retain their original form in Russian grammar.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• нет точных синонимов (no direct synonyms, as "какао" is a specific term)

Note: While there are no direct synonyms, related terms like "шоколад" (chocolate) may be used in broader contexts, though they are not interchangeable.

Antonyms:

• нет антонимов (no direct antonyms, as "какао" is a specific food term)

Related Phrases:

• горячее какао - Hot cocoa (a common drink, especially in winter).
• какао с молоком - Cocoa with milk (a popular variation of the drink).
• растворимое какао - Instant cocoa (refers to cocoa powder that dissolves easily).

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "какао" is used for both the cocoa powder and the drink made from it, much like in English. There is no distinction between the two meanings.
• It is a neutral term, suitable for all contexts (formal and informal).
• Unlike some other Russian nouns, "какао" does not decline, which makes it easier to use in sentences across different grammatical cases.

Common Errors:

• Error: English learners may mistakenly try to decline "какао" (e.g., "какаа" in genitive), but it remains unchanged in all cases.
  Incorrect: У меня нет какаа.
  Correct: У меня нет какао.
  Explanation: As a loanword, "какао" does not follow standard Russian declension rules.
• Error: Confusing "какао" with "шоколад" (chocolate). While related, "шоколад" refers to solid chocolate, not cocoa powder or drink.
  Incorrect: Я купил шоколад для выпечки. (if referring to cocoa powder)
  Correct: Я купил какао для выпечки.
  Explanation: Use "какао" specifically for powder or drink, not for chocolate bars or candies.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "какао" (especially as a hot drink) is often associated with childhood and comfort. It is a popular beverage during cold winters, frequently prepared with milk and sugar. It is also commonly used in Soviet-era recipes for desserts and baked goods, reflecting its historical availability in the region.

Related Concepts:

• шоколад (chocolate)
• горячий шоколад (hot chocolate, sometimes used interchangeably with "какао")
• напиток (drink)