Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flavour'

English Word: flavour

Key Russian Translations:

• вкус [vkus] - [Formal, General use; commonly used in everyday contexts like food and sensory descriptions]

Frequency: High (вкус is a very common word in Russian, appearing frequently in daily conversations, literature, and media related to food and senses)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary that is easy to learn and use in basic sentences, suitable for new learners of Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вкус: [vkus]

Note on вкус: The "в" is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative, similar to "v" in English "victory." Be mindful of the hard consonant cluster; it's a simple word but can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The taste or flavor of something (e.g., in food or drinks)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вкус - Used in general contexts for describing sensory experiences, such as in cooking or tasting; suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Этот фрукт имеет приятный вкус малины. (This fruit has a pleasant raspberry flavor.)

  English Translation: This fruit has a pleasant raspberry flavor.

• Вкус кофе зависит от сорта зерен. (The flavor of coffee depends on the type of beans.)

  English Translation: The flavor of coffee depends on the type of beans.

• Мне не нравится вкус этой еды; она слишком соленая. (I don't like the flavor of this food; it's too salty.)

  English Translation: I don't like the flavor of this food; it's too salty.

• Вкус мороженого варьируется в зависимости от добавок. (The flavor of ice cream varies depending on the additives.)

  English Translation: The flavor of ice cream varies depending on the additives.

• Он разбирается в вкусах различных вин. (He is knowledgeable about the flavors of various wines.)

  English Translation: He is knowledgeable about the flavors of various wines.

A metaphorical or figurative sense, such as 'style' or 'essence' (less common for 'flavour')

Translation(s) & Context:

• вкус - In metaphorical contexts, such as describing artistic or personal style; more formal or literary use.

Usage Examples:

• Её вкус в одежде всегда безупречен. (Her flavor in clothing is always impeccable.)

  English Translation: Her taste in clothing is always impeccable.

• Этот фильм имеет уникальный вкус приключений. (This film has a unique flavor of adventure.)

  English Translation: This film has a unique flavor of adventure.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

вкус is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its declension, with no irregular forms. In plural, it is used for multiple tastes or flavors.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: аромат (aroma; more focused on scent than taste), оттенок (nuance; for subtle flavors), привкус (aftertaste; a specific type of flavor)
• Antonyms: безвкусие (tastelessness; lack of flavor), пресность (blandness; absence of distinct taste)

Related Phrases:

• Иметь вкус - To have a taste (e.g., in the context of food quality); English explanation: Used to describe something possessing a particular flavor profile.
• Вкус жизни - The taste of life; English explanation: An idiomatic phrase referring to the enjoyment or essence of living fully.
• Развивать вкус - To develop taste; English explanation: Refers to cultivating preferences, often in arts or cuisine.

Usage Notes:

вкус directly corresponds to the British English 'flavour' and American 'flavor', emphasizing sensory taste in Russian. It is versatile and can be used in both literal (e.g., food) and figurative contexts (e.g., style), but lean towards literal in everyday speech. Be cautious with grammatical gender—it's masculine, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly. When choosing between synonyms like аромат, opt for вкус when the focus is purely on taste rather than smell. In formal writing, it's common in descriptions of cuisine or reviews.

Common Errors:

• Confusing вкус with аромат: English learners often misuse вкус for scents; Error: "Этот цветок имеет вкус." (Incorrect: This flower has a taste.) Correct: "Этот цветок имеет аромат." (This flower has an aroma.) Explanation: вкус is for taste, not smell—use аромат for olfactory senses.
• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases; Error: "Я люблю вкус яблоко." (Incorrect: I love the taste of apple.) Correct: "Я люблю вкус яблока." (I love the taste of the apple.) Explanation: In genitive case, it should be "вкуса" when indicating possession or relation.
• Overusing in figurative contexts: Learners might apply it too broadly; Error: "Его вкус в музыке плохой." (Might be misunderstood if not clear.) Correct: Use "вкус" only if implying aesthetic taste; otherwise, specify with context. Explanation: Ensure the context clarifies whether it's literal or metaphorical to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, вкус is deeply tied to culinary traditions, such as in the appreciation of diverse flavors in dishes like borscht or pelmeni. It also reflects a broader cultural emphasis on sensory experiences in literature and art, where metaphors of taste often symbolize life's richness, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy.

Related Concepts:

• аромат
• привкус
• вкусовые ощущения