Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cupboard'

English Word: cupboard

Key Russian Translations:

• шкаф [ʂkaf] - [General, Neutral]
• буфет [bʊˈfʲet] - [Specific for kitchen/dining storage, Neutral]

Frequency: High (especially "шкаф")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "шкаф"); B1 (Intermediate for "буфет")

Pronunciation (Russian):

шкаф: [ʂkaf]

Note on шкаф: The initial "ш" is a retroflex sound, distinct from English "sh". Stress is on the single syllable.

буфет: [bʊˈfʲet]

Note on буфет: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "е" is palatalized, softening the preceding "ф".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General storage furniture (wardrobe or closet)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шкаф - Commonly used for any type of cupboard or wardrobe, especially for clothes or general storage.

Usage Examples:

• Я повесил пальто в шкаф.

  I hung the coat in the cupboard.

• В шкафу много старых вещей.

  There are many old things in the cupboard.

• Открой шкаф и достань книгу.

  Open the cupboard and take out the book.

2. Kitchen or dining storage (sideboard or buffet)

Translation(s) & Context:

• буфет - Refers specifically to a cupboard or sideboard for storing dishes, cutlery, or food items, often in a kitchen or dining area.

Usage Examples:

• Тарелки стоят в буфете.

  The plates are in the cupboard.

• Бабушка хранит конфеты в буфете.

  Grandma keeps candies in the cupboard.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

шкаф (noun, masculine, inanimate):

буфет (noun, masculine, inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for шкаф:

• гардероб (more specific to wardrobe for clothes)
• комод (chest of drawers, slightly different but related)

Synonyms for буфет:

• сервант (similar to a sideboard, often for display)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for physical objects like cupboards.

Related Phrases:

• шкаф для одежды - wardrobe for clothes
• кухонный буфет - kitchen cupboard/sideboard
• убрать в шкаф - to put away in the cupboard

Usage Notes:

• "шкаф" is the more general and widely used term for any type of cupboard or wardrobe. It can refer to storage for clothes, books, or miscellaneous items.
• "буфет" is more specific and typically refers to a cupboard in a kitchen or dining room used for dishes or food-related items. Using "буфет" for a bedroom wardrobe would be incorrect.
• Be mindful of context when choosing between these translations, as they are not interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "буфет" to refer to a wardrobe for clothes.
  Incorrect: Я положил рубашку в буфет.
  Correct: Я положил рубашку в шкаф.
  Explanation: "буфет" is specific to kitchen/dining storage, while "шкаф" is appropriate for clothes or general storage.
• Error: Mispronouncing "шкаф" as [skaf] instead of [ʂkaf].
  Explanation: The Russian "ш" requires a retroflex sound, not a simple "sh" or "s".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, a "буфет" often evokes images of traditional Soviet-era homes where such furniture was a central piece in dining rooms for storing fine china or special occasion items. It may carry a nostalgic connotation for older generations.

Related Concepts:

• полка (shelf)
• ящик (drawer)
• мебель (furniture)