Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'garlic'

English Word: garlic

Key Russian Translations:

• чеснок /ˈtʃesnək/ - [Common, used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (чеснок is a commonly used word in Russian, especially in culinary and everyday discussions)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary for new learners, with simple pronunciation and basic usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

чеснок: /ˈtʃesnək/

Note on чеснок: The stress is on the first syllable (/ˈtʃes-/), and the "ч" sound is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to the "ch" in "church". Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The bulbous plant used as a seasoning in cooking.

Translation(s) & Context:

• чеснок - Used in general contexts for the vegetable, particularly in recipes, health discussions, or everyday conversations about food.

Usage Examples:

• Я добавляю чеснок в суп для лучшего вкуса.

  I add garlic to the soup for better flavor. (This example shows чеснок in a simple declarative sentence in a culinary context.)

• В русской кухне чеснок часто используется в салатах.

  In Russian cuisine, garlic is often used in salads. (Here, чеснок demonstrates its role in cultural or regional food traditions.)

• Этот рецепт требует двух зубчиков чеснока.

  This recipe requires two cloves of garlic. (This illustrates чеснок in a precise measurement context, showing its plural form in usage.)

• Чеснок имеет полезные свойства для здоровья.

  Garlic has beneficial properties for health. (This example places чеснок in a health-related discussion, highlighting its non-culinary applications.)

• Без чеснока блюдо кажется пресным.

  Without garlic, the dish seems bland. (This shows чеснок in a comparative sentence, emphasizing its importance in flavor enhancement.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Чеснок is a masculine noun (third declension) in Russian. It follows regular declension patterns for most cases. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is less commonly used, as garlic is often referred to in singular when discussing individual items or in recipes.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Чесночок (a diminutive form, used affectionately or for smaller quantities, implying endearment)
  • Лук чесноковый (literally "garlic onion," used in botanical contexts but less common)
• Antonyms:
  • Нет прямого антонима (No direct antonym, as it's a specific noun; however, in culinary contexts, something bland like "вода" (water) could contrast it informally)

Related Phrases:

• Чесночный соус - Garlic sauce; a common condiment in Russian dishes, often used to add flavor to meats or vegetables.
• Добавить чеснок - To add garlic; a phrase used in recipes to indicate incorporation into cooking.
• Чеснок в народной медицине - Garlic in folk medicine; refers to traditional uses for health benefits.

Usage Notes:

Чеснок directly corresponds to the English "garlic" and is used in similar contexts, such as cooking, health, and everyday language. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used across various settings, from informal conversations to formal recipes. Be mindful of its declensions when constructing sentences; for example, use the genitive form "чеснока" after prepositions like "из" (from). When multiple translations exist, "чеснок" is the most straightforward and widely accepted choice for general use.

• In plural forms, it's ideal for discussing multiple cloves or types.
• Avoid overusing diminutives like "чесночок" in formal writing, as they add an informal, affectionate tone.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the declensions of чеснок. For example, they might incorrectly say "Я ем чеснок" in a context requiring the accusative, which is actually correct here, but errors occur with other cases: Incorrect: "Я думаю о чеснок" (should be "о чесноке" in prepositional case). Correct: "Я думаю о чесноке." This mistake arises from not adapting to Russian case systems, leading to grammatical inconsistencies.

• Error: Using the nominative in all contexts, e.g., "Купить чеснок" instead of "Купить чеснок" (which is correct, but in dative contexts like "Дать чеснок", it should be "Дать чесноку").
• Explanation: Always check the case based on the sentence structure to ensure proper agreement with prepositions and verbs.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, чеснок is not just a culinary staple but also holds symbolic meanings. It's often associated with protection against evil in folklore, such as in stories where it's used to ward off vampires or bad spirits, similar to Western traditions. Additionally, it's a key ingredient in traditional Russian dishes like borscht or pelmeni, reflecting its deep roots in everyday life and health remedies.

Related Concepts:

• Лук (onion)
• Травы (herbs)
• Овощи (vegetables)