Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Confection'

English Word: Confection

Key Russian Translations:

• кондитерское изделие [kɐnˈdʲitʲɪrskəjə ɪzˈdʲelʲɪjə] - [Formal, Neutral]
• сладость [ˈsɫadəsʲtʲ] - [Informal, Common]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

кондитерское изделие: [kɐnˈdʲitʲɪrskəjə ɪzˈdʲelʲɪjə]

Note on кондитерское изделие: Stress falls on the second syllable of "кондитерское" and the third syllable of "изделие".

сладость: [ˈsɫadəsʲtʲ]

Note on сладость: Stress is on the first syllable; the final "ть" is soft.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A sweet food item, often candy or dessert (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кондитерское изделие - Used in formal or technical contexts, often referring to professionally made sweets or pastries.
• сладость - A more casual and common term for any sweet treat, often used in everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• В магазине продаются разные кондитерские изделия.

  Various confections are sold in the store.

• Она купила детям сладости на праздник.

  She bought sweets for the children for the holiday.

• Кондитерское изделие из шоколада выглядело очень аппетитно.

  The chocolate confection looked very appetizing.

• После ужина нам подали сладости.

  After dinner, we were served sweets.

• Эти сладости сделаны вручную.

  These confections are handmade.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кондитерское изделие (neuter noun, compound phrase):

сладость (feminine noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for сладость:

• лакомство
• десерт

Note: "лакомство" often implies a treat or delicacy, while "десерт" is specifically a dessert.

Antonyms for сладость:

• горечь

Related Phrases:

• восточные сладости - Eastern sweets, referring to traditional sweets from Middle Eastern or Central Asian cultures.
• кондитерская фабрика - Confectionery factory, a place where sweets are produced.
• сладости к чаю - Sweets for tea, referring to snacks or candies served with tea.

Usage Notes:

• "кондитерское изделие" is more formal and often used in written language or professional contexts (e.g., menus, product descriptions). It emphasizes the crafted or manufactured nature of the sweet.
• "сладость" is the go-to word in casual conversation and can refer to any sweet item, including candies, pastries, or even metaphorical sweetness.
• Be mindful of context when choosing between the two translations: use "сладость" for general or informal settings, and "кондитерское изделие" for specificity or formality.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сладость" in formal or technical contexts.
  Incorrect: На выставке представили новые сладости.
  Correct: На выставке представили новые кондитерские изделия.
  Explanation: In formal settings like exhibitions or product launches, "кондитерское изделие" is more appropriate as it conveys professionalism.
• Error: Misusing plural forms of "сладость".
  Incorrect: Я купил сладость для детей.
  Correct: Я купил сладости для детей.
  Explanation: When referring to multiple sweets, use the plural form "сладости".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sweets ("сладости") play a significant role in hospitality and celebrations. Offering sweets with tea is a common gesture of warmth and generosity. Traditional Russian confections, such as "пряники" (gingerbread) and "конфеты" (candies), often carry historical and regional significance.

Related Concepts:

• конфета (candy)
• торт (cake)
• печенье (cookie)