Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'colander'

English Word: colander

Key Russian Translations:

• дуршлаг [ˈdurʂlak] - [Noun, Common, Used in everyday cooking contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is specific to kitchenware and appears infrequently in general conversation, more common in culinary or household discussions.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; as a simple, concrete noun, it is straightforward for English learners of Russian, requiring basic vocabulary knowledge.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дуршлаг: [ˈdurʂlak]

Note on дуршлаг: The 'ш' sound is a voiceless retroflex fricative, similar to the 'sh' in 'she' but with a rolled tongue tip. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, but this IPA reflects standard Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with holes for draining liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.

Translation(s) & Context:

• дуршлаг - Typically used in domestic or professional cooking scenarios; it's a neutral, everyday term without formal/informal distinctions.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда использую дуршлаг, чтобы слить воду из варёных овощей.

  I always use a colander to drain the water from boiled vegetables.

• В русской кухне дуршлаг незаменим для приготовления салатов.

  In Russian cuisine, a colander is indispensable for preparing salads.

• Не забудьте промыть рис в дуршлаге перед приготовлением.

  Don't forget to rinse the rice in a colander before cooking.

• Дуршлаг можно использовать не только для пасты, но и для фруктов.

  A colander can be used not only for pasta but also for fruits.

• В старом рецепте указано мыть ягоды в дуршлаге под холодной водой.

  In the old recipe, it says to wash the berries in a colander under cold water.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Дуршлаг is a masculine noun in Russian (from the third declension). It follows standard masculine noun patterns with inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it easy for learners to master.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ситечко (sitetchko) - A smaller strainer, often used for finer items like tea leaves; more diminutive and informal.
  • цедка (tsedka) - Specifically for grating or straining citrus peels; less common but applicable in precise contexts.
• Antonyms: Not typically applicable for this noun, as it describes a specific tool rather than a concept with opposites.

Related Phrases:

• промыть в дуршлаге (promyt' v durschlage) - To rinse in a colander; used for washing food items like vegetables or fruits.
• слить воду через дуршлаг (slit' vodu cherez durschlag) - To drain water through a colander; common in recipes for pasta or rice.
• дуршлаг для овощей (durschlag dlya ovoshchey) - Colander for vegetables; a phrase specifying use in vegetable preparation.

Usage Notes:

Colander translates directly to "дуршлаг" in most contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian cuisine often emphasizes practical tools like this in everyday cooking. Use "дуршлаг" in neutral or informal settings, as it lacks formal alternatives. When discussing recipes, pair it with verbs like "слить" (to drain) or "промыть" (to rinse) for accurate expression. If multiple translations exist, choose "дуршлаг" for general purposes and "ситечко" for smaller-scale straining to match the exact context.

• Grammar note: Always decline the noun based on its role in the sentence, e.g., "в дуршлаге" for locative contexts.
• Cultural tip: In Russian households, "дуршлаг" is a staple in traditional cooking, especially for dishes like Olivier salad.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "дуршлаг" with "ситечко," using the latter incorrectly for larger items. For example:

• Error: "Я использовал ситечко для пасты." (Incorrect, as ситечко implies a very fine strainer.)
• Correct: "Я использовал дуршлаг для пасты." (Proper use for a standard colander.)

Explanation: The error stems from overlooking size differences; always select based on the item's scale to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Another common mistake is forgetting declensions, e.g., saying "Я купил дуршлаг" but then incorrectly using "дуршлаг" in other cases without change.

Cultural Notes:

While "дуршлаг" is a practical kitchen tool without deep historical connotations, it reflects everyday Russian domestic life, particularly in preparing hearty, home-cooked meals. In Russian culture, efficient kitchen tools like this are valued in family settings, often featured in traditional recipes from Soviet-era cookbooks, emphasizing simplicity and functionality over novelty.

Related Concepts:

• кастрюля (kastrulya) - Pot
• сковородка (skovorodka) - Frying pan
• терка (terka) - Grater