Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gin'

English Word: gin

Key Russian Translations:

• джин [dʒɪn] - [Informal, Used in everyday contexts related to beverages]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions about alcohol, cocktails, and social settings, but not as ubiquitous as basic food vocabulary in everyday Russian conversation).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; as a borrowed word, it's straightforward for English speakers to learn and pronounce, with minimal grammatical complexity).

Pronunciation (Russian):

джин: [dʒɪn]

Note on джин: The pronunciation is similar to the English word, with a soft 'j' sound like in 'jump.' Be mindful of the short vowel; it's not elongated as in some English accents. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The alcoholic beverage (a distilled spirit made from juniper berries)

Translation(s) & Context:

• джин - Used in informal and formal contexts when referring to the drink, such as in bars, recipes, or social events. It's a direct borrowing and fits casual conversations about alcohol.

Usage Examples:

• Я предпочитаю джин в коктейлях, потому что он имеет уникальный вкус.

  I prefer gin in cocktails because it has a unique taste.

• В баре можно заказать джин с лимоном для освежения.

  At the bar, you can order gin with lemon for refreshment.

• Друзья принесли бутылку джина на вечеринку, чтобы сделать мартини.

  Friends brought a bottle of gin to the party to make martinis.

• Джин часто используется в русских рецептах для приготовления фирменных напитков.

  Gin is often used in Russian recipes for making signature drinks.

• После ужина мы выпили по стакану джина, чтобы расслабиться.

  After dinner, we had a glass of gin to relax.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Джин" is a masculine noun (as a borrowed word from English) and follows the standard patterns for Russian masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, meaning it doesn't change form in different grammatical contexts. However, in some informal or poetic uses, it may align with regular patterns.

Note: While "джин" is often treated as indeclinable, the above shows potential inflections for standard usage. Always check context, as borrowed words can vary.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • водка (vodka) - Similar in being a spirit, but with a different flavor profile; used interchangeably in some cocktail contexts.
  • спиртной напиток (spirtnoy napitok) - A general term for alcoholic beverages, less specific.
• Antonyms:
  • безалкогольный напиток (bezalkogolnyy napitok) - Non-alcoholic drink, as it contrasts the intoxicating nature of gin.

Related Phrases:

• Джин-тоник (Gin and tonic) - A popular cocktail combining gin with tonic water; used in social gatherings for a refreshing drink.
• Сухой джин (Sukhoi dzhin) - Dry gin; refers to a variant without sweet additives, common in mixology.
• Джин с содовой (Gin with soda) - A simple mixer; often used for lighter, everyday consumption.

Usage Notes:

"Джин" directly corresponds to the English "gin" as a juniper-based spirit, making it an easy cognate for English speakers. However, in Russian, it's typically used in informal settings like bars or parties, and less in formal writing. Be cautious with gender agreement: as a masculine noun, adjectives and verbs must align (e.g., "хороший джин" for "good gin"). When choosing between translations, "джин" is the most precise for the beverage; avoid "водка" if specificity is needed. In cultural contexts, it's associated with Western influences, so usage might vary by region in Russia.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "джин" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я пью джин" when it should be "Я пью джина" in genitive contexts (e.g., "I drink of gin" in a phrase like "a glass of gin").

  Correct: "Я пью стакан джина" (I drink a glass of gin). Explanation: Russian requires genitive for quantities, so learners often forget case changes.

• Error: Confusing "джин" with "джинсы" (jeans, the clothing). This homophone mix-up can lead to misunderstandings.

  Correct: Context clarifies; use "джин" only for the drink. Explanation: Pronunciation is identical, so rely on surrounding words for disambiguation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "джин" reflects Western influences, especially from British traditions, and is popular in urban areas for cocktails. It's linked to social events and may carry connotations of sophistication or modernity, contrasting with traditional Russian spirits like vodka. During holidays like New Year's, gin-based drinks might symbolize global fusion in cuisine.

Related Concepts:

• водка (vodka)
• виски (whiskey)
• коктейль (cocktail)