Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gourmand'

English Word: gourmand

Key Russian Translations:

• гурман /ɡʊrˈman/ - [Formal, often used in culinary or cultural contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is moderately common in Russian literature, media, and everyday discussions about food culture, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should recognize it as a borrowed word from French, requiring familiarity with nominal forms and cultural contexts in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гурман: /ɡʊrˈman/

Note on гурман: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ˈman/), which is a common feature in Russian borrowed words. Be mindful of the hard 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A person who takes great pleasure in eating, often with an emphasis on quantity or indulgence, rather than just refinement (distinguished from 'gourmet').

Translation(s) & Context:

• гурман - Typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as discussions about cuisine, restaurants, or personal habits; implies enjoyment of food with a hint of excess.

Usage Examples:

• Он — настоящий гурман и всегда выбирает самые изысканные блюда в ресторане.

  He is a true gourmand and always chooses the most exquisite dishes in the restaurant.

• Моя бабушка — гурман по натуре, но она никогда не набирает лишний вес.

  My grandmother is a gourmand by nature, but she never gains extra weight.

• В этом городе много гурманов, которые обожают пробовать новые кухни мира.

  In this city, there are many gourmands who love to try new cuisines from around the world.

• Гурман, такой как он, не упустит шанс отведать фирменное блюдо шеф-повара.

  A gourmand like him won't miss the chance to taste the chef's signature dish.

• Несмотря на то, что она гурман, она предпочитает простые домашние рецепты.

  Even though she is a gourmand, she prefers simple homemade recipes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гурман" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, borrowed from French, and it follows the standard first declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It is relatively straightforward but exhibits typical Russian inflection for cases and numbers.

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it easier for learners, but always check context for plural usage as it implies multiple individuals with similar traits.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • эпикур (epicure) - Similar to gourmand but emphasizes philosophical enjoyment of pleasures.
  • любитель еды (lover of food) - A more general, everyday term without the connotation of excess.
• Antonyms:
  • аскет (ascetic) - Refers to someone who practices self-denial, especially in regards to food.
  • вегетарианец (vegetarian) - Often implies restraint in dietary choices, contrasting with indulgence.

Related Phrases:

• гурманский вкус - A refined or indulgent taste in food; used to describe someone with discerning preferences.
• настоящий гурман - A true gourmand; emphasizes authenticity in one's love for eating.
• стать гурманом - To become a gourmand; often in the context of developing food appreciation over time.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "гурман" directly corresponds to the English "gourmand" but carries a slightly more positive or neutral connotation than in English, where it can imply gluttony. It is best used in formal or cultural discussions, such as food criticism or literature. When choosing between translations, opt for "гурман" if the context involves enjoyment of food with excess; for a more refined meaning like "gourmet," use "гурман" still, but be aware of subtle overlaps. Grammatically, it must agree in case and number with the sentence structure, e.g., in prepositional phrases like "о гурмане" (about the gourmand).

Common Errors:

• Confusing "гурман" with "гурманка" (the feminine form): Learners might forget gender agreement. Incorrect: "Она — гурман" (should be "Она — гурманка" for a female). Correct: Use the feminine form when referring to women to match Russian gender rules.

• Overusing in informal speech: Incorrectly treating it as casual slang, e.g., saying "Я гурман" in everyday chat might sound pretentious. Correct: Reserve it for contexts like restaurant reviews; use "любитель поесть" for casual talk.

• Mispronouncing the stress: English speakers often stress the first syllable. Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈɡʊrman/. Correct: /ɡʊrˈman/, as explained in the pronunciation section.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "гурман" is often associated with the rich culinary traditions of Russia, influenced by French cuisine through historical connections (e.g., during the 19th-century aristocracy). It reflects a broader appreciation for indulgence in food as a form of cultural expression, seen in festivals like Maslenitsa, where feasting is celebrated, highlighting the word's positive undertones in social settings.

Related Concepts:

• кулинар (culinary expert)
• эпикуреец (epicurean)
• дегустатор (taster or connoisseur)