Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cup'

English Word: cup

Key Russian Translations:

• чашка [ˈtʃaʂkə] - [Informal, Common for a small cup or mug]
• стакан [stɐˈkan] - [Neutral, Often used for a glass or larger cup without a handle]
• кубок [ˈkubək] - [Formal, Refers to a trophy or ceremonial cup]

Frequency: High (for "чашка" and "стакан"); Medium (for "кубок")

Difficulty: A1 (for "чашка" and "стакан"); B1 (for "кубок")

Pronunciation (Russian):

чашка: [ˈtʃaʂkə]

Note on чашка: The stress is on the first syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

стакан: [stɐˈkan]

Note on стакан: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "а" sounds are reduced in unstressed positions.

кубок: [ˈkubək]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small container for drinking (e.g., tea, coffee)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чашка - Commonly used for a small cup or mug, often with a handle, for hot beverages like tea or coffee.

Usage Examples:

• Я пью чай из чашки.

  I drink tea from a cup.

• На столе стоит пустая чашка.

  There is an empty cup on the table.

• Купи мне новую чашку для кофе.

  Buy me a new cup for coffee.

2. A glass or container without a handle (e.g., for water)

Translation(s) & Context:

• стакан - Refers to a glass or larger cup, typically without a handle, used for water, juice, or other drinks.

Usage Examples:

• Налей мне стакан воды, пожалуйста.

  Pour me a glass of water, please.

• У меня есть пластиковый стакан для пикника.

  I have a plastic cup for the picnic.

• Стакан упал и разбился.

  The glass fell and broke.

3. A trophy or ceremonial vessel

Translation(s) & Context:

• кубок - Used for a ceremonial cup or trophy, often in sports or formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Команда выиграла золотой кубок.

  The team won the golden cup.

• Кубок был вручен победителю.

  The trophy was awarded to the winner.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

чашка (feminine noun): Follows the standard feminine declension pattern in Russian.

стакан (masculine noun): Follows the standard masculine inanimate declension.

кубок (masculine noun): Follows a similar pattern to "стакан" with regular masculine declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for чашка:

• кружка (more informal, often refers to a mug)

Synonyms for стакан:

• бокал (used for wine glasses or elegant cups)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for physical objects like "cup".

Related Phrases:

• чашка чая - a cup of tea (common expression for having tea)
• стакан воды - a glass of water (standard request for water)
• кубок чемпионов - champions' cup (used in sports contexts)

Usage Notes:

• "Чашка" is the most common term for a small cup or mug with a handle, especially for hot drinks. Use it in casual and everyday contexts.
• "Стакан" refers to a glass or larger cup without a handle, often for cold drinks. It is neutral in tone and widely understood.
• "Кубок" is reserved for formal or symbolic contexts, such as awards or ceremonies. Avoid using it for everyday drinking vessels.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between "чашка" and "стакан," as using the wrong term can confuse native speakers (e.g., asking for a "стакан" of tea might sound odd).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "стакан" for a small tea cup.
  Incorrect: Дай мне стакан для чая.
  Correct: Дай мне чашку для чая.
  Explanation: "Стакан" typically implies a glass for cold drinks, while "чашка" is for hot drinks like tea or coffee.
• Error: Using "кубок" in casual contexts.
  Incorrect: У меня есть кубок для кофе.
  Correct: У меня есть чашка для кофе.
  Explanation: "Кубок" is for trophies or ceremonial cups, not everyday use.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, tea is often served in a "чашка" or a traditional glass with a metal holder called a "подстаканник," especially on trains or in historical settings. Offering a cup of tea ("чашка чая") is a gesture of hospitality.

Related Concepts:

• кружка (mug)
• бокал (wine glass)
• подстаканник (traditional glass holder)