Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'crust'

English Word: crust

Key Russian Translations:

• корка [ˈkorkə] - [Informal, Common for bread or ice]
• корочка [ˈkorətɕkə] - [Diminutive, Informal, Often used for bread]
• земная кора [zʲɪmˈnajə ˈkorə] - [Formal, Scientific, Used for Earth's crust]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "корка" is more common in everyday speech)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "корка" and "корочка"); B2 (Intermediate for "земная кора")

Pronunciation (Russian):

корка: [ˈkorkə]

Note on корка: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "r" is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

корочка: [ˈkorətɕkə]

Note on корочка: The diminutive suffix adds a softer tone; "ч" is pronounced as a soft "ch".

земная кора: [zʲɪmˈnajə ˈkorə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Outer layer of bread or food

Translation(s) & Context:

• корка - Used for the hard outer part of bread or other baked goods.
• корочка - A softer, affectionate term for bread crust, often used by children or in a cozy context.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю хрустящую корку свежего хлеба.

  I love the crispy crust of fresh bread.

• Дети всегда отрезают корочку от бутербродов.

  Children always cut off the crust from their sandwiches.

• Эта корка такая твердая, что ее трудно жевать.

  This crust is so hard that it's difficult to chew.

2. Earth's crust (geological term)

Translation(s) & Context:

• земная кора - Formal term used in scientific or educational contexts to refer to the Earth's outer layer.

Usage Examples:

• Земная кора состоит из различных минералов.

  The Earth's crust consists of various minerals.

• Толщина земной коры варьируется в разных регионах.

  The thickness of the Earth's crust varies in different regions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

корка (noun, feminine): Follows the regular declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

корочка (noun, feminine, diminutive): Follows a similar declension pattern to "корка".

земная кора (compound noun phrase): Both words decline; "земная" (adjective) agrees with "кора" in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for корка (bread crust):

• корочка (diminutive, softer tone)
• краюшка (regional, often for the end piece of bread)

Note: "краюшка" is less common and often region-specific.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for "корка" in the context of bread; for "земная кора," antonyms are not relevant.

Related Phrases:

• хлебная корка - Bread crust; often used to specify the type of crust.
• ледяная корка - Ice crust; refers to a thin layer of ice on a surface.
• верхняя кора - Upper crust; can refer to geology or metaphorically to social elite (less common in Russian).

Usage Notes:

• "корка" is the most versatile and common term for crust in everyday contexts like bread or ice. It is neutral in tone.
• "корочка" is a diminutive form, often carrying a sense of affection or smallness, and is mostly used for bread crusts.
• "земная кора" is a specialized term strictly used in scientific or formal contexts for the Earth's crust. Avoid using "корка" alone in this context as it would be incorrect or overly informal.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between "корка" and "корочка"; the latter is more endearing and less formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "корка" to refer to the Earth's crust in formal writing or speech (e.g., *Земля имеет толстую корку*).
• Correction: Use "земная кора" instead (e.g., Земля имеет толстую земную кору). Using just "корка" in this context sounds uneducated or overly casual.
• Error: Mispronouncing "корка" by stressing the second syllable (*кор-ка*).
• Correction: Stress is on the first syllable: [ˈkorkə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, bread holds a significant symbolic value, often associated with hospitality and sustenance. The "корка" or crust of bread, especially the end piece, is sometimes seen as the most flavorful part and might be preferred by some people. There is a saying, "хлеб до корки съесть," which means to eat everything to the last crumb, symbolizing frugality and respect for food.

Related Concepts:

• хлеб (bread)
• мякиш (soft inner part of bread)
• геология (geology)