Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dining'

English Word: dining

Key Russian Translations:

• трапеза [ˈtrapʲɪzə] - [Formal, Often used in literary or historical contexts]
• обед [ɐˈbʲet] - [Neutral, Refers to a midday meal]
• ужин [ˈuʐɨn] - [Neutral, Refers to an evening meal]

Frequency: Medium (varies by specific translation; "обед" and "ужин" are more common)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "обед" and "ужин" are A2, while "трапеза" is B1 due to its formal tone)

Pronunciation (Russian):

трапеза: [ˈtrapʲɪzə]

Note on трапеза: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'р' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

обед: [ɐˈbʲet]

Note on обед: Stress on the second syllable. The 'о' is reduced to a schwa sound [ɐ] due to Russian vowel reduction.

ужин: [ˈuʐɨn]

Note on ужин: Stress on the first syllable. The 'ж' is a voiced fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The act of eating a meal (general)

Translation(s) & Context:

• трапеза - Used in formal, literary, or historical contexts to describe a meal or dining event, often with a ceremonial connotation.

Usage Examples:

• На празднике была роскошная трапеза.

  There was a lavish feast at the celebration.

• Трапеза в монастыре была скромной.

  The meal in the monastery was modest.

• Мы собрались за общей трапезой.

  We gathered for a shared meal.

2. Midday meal (specific)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обед - Refers specifically to lunch or a midday meal, commonly used in everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• Обед будет готов через час.

  Lunch will be ready in an hour.

• Мы встретимся на обед в кафе.

  We’ll meet for lunch at the café.

• На обед у нас суп и салат.

  For lunch, we have soup and salad.

3. Evening meal (specific)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ужин - Refers specifically to dinner or an evening meal, widely used in daily conversation.

Usage Examples:

• Ужин уже на столе.

  Dinner is already on the table.

• Мы устраиваем семейный ужин сегодня.

  We’re having a family dinner tonight.

• На ужин я приготовил пасту.

  I made pasta for dinner.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

трапеза (feminine noun): Follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	трапеза	трапезы
Genitive	трапезы	трапез
Dative	трапезе	трапезам
Accusative	трапезу	трапезы
Instrumental	трапезой	трапезами
Prepositional	трапезе	трапезах

обед (masculine noun): Follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

ужин (masculine noun): Follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for трапеза:

• пир (feast, more celebratory)
• застолье (feast or communal meal, often with drinks)

Synonyms for обед:

• ланч (borrowed term for lunch, less common)

Synonyms for ужин:

• вечеря (archaic or regional term for dinner)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for dining as a concept.

Related Phrases:

• семейный ужин - Family dinner, a common expression for evening meals with family.
• деловой обед - Business lunch, often used for professional midday meetings.
• праздничная трапеза - Festive meal, used for special occasions or holidays.

Usage Notes:

• "Трапеза" is formal and less common in everyday speech; it often appears in religious, historical, or literary contexts. Use it carefully to avoid sounding overly formal.
• "Обед" and "ужин" are the most practical translations for everyday use, specifying midday and evening meals, respectively. Choose based on the time of day.
• Russian does not have a direct equivalent for "dining" as a general concept or activity; context is key to selecting the right translation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "трапеза" in casual conversation. Incorrect: "Давай устроим трапезу." (Let’s have a meal.)
  Correction: Use "обед" or "ужин" instead: "Давай устроим ужин." (Let’s have dinner.)
  Explanation: "Трапеза" sounds overly formal or outdated in casual settings.
• Error: Confusing "обед" and "ужин" regardless of time. Incorrect: "Ужин в полдень." (Dinner at noon.)
  Correction: Use "обед": "Обед в полдень." (Lunch at noon.)
  Explanation: These terms are time-specific in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, meals like "обед" (lunch) are often the main meal of the day, especially in traditional households, and may include multiple courses such as soup, a main dish, and dessert. "Ужин" (dinner) is typically lighter. Communal dining is highly valued, and meals often serve as a time for family bonding or social gatherings.

Related Concepts:

• завтрак (breakfast)
• перекус (snack)
• столовая (canteen or dining room)