Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'herring'

English Word: herring

Key Russian Translations:

• селёдка [sʲɪˈlʲɵdkə] - [Informal, Common, Singular; used in everyday contexts like food and cooking]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions of Russian cuisine and daily life, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "water" or "bread").

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; as a simple feminine noun, it is straightforward for new learners of Russian, with regular declensions that follow basic patterns).

Pronunciation (Russian):

селёдка: [sʲɪˈlʲɵdkə]

Note on селёдка: The initial "с" is soft, pronounced with a slight "y" sound before the vowel, which is common in Russian. Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable. Variations may occur in dialects, but standard pronunciation is as above.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fish, a type of small, oily fish commonly used in food.

Translation(s) & Context:

• селёдка - Typically used in informal or everyday contexts related to seafood, cooking, or Russian culinary traditions; it refers specifically to herring as a food item.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил свежую селёдку на рынке. (I bought fresh herring at the market.)

  This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting its use in shopping or daily routines.

• Селёдка в нашей семье всегда подаётся с луком и картошкой. (Herring in our family is always served with onions and potatoes.)

  Here, it demonstrates the word in a familial or cultural context, common in Russian meals.

• В ресторане подают маринованную селёдку как закуску. (The restaurant serves marinated herring as an appetizer.)

  This illustrates usage in a formal dining setting, showing how it fits into broader phrases.

• Дети не любят селёдку из-за её сильного вкуса. (Children don't like herring because of its strong flavor.)

  This example varies the context to personal preferences, emphasizing the noun's role in descriptive sentences.

• Селёдка – это традиционный ингредиент для салата оливье. (Herring is a traditional ingredient for Olivier salad.)

  This highlights cultural usage in recipes, showing integration with other vocabulary.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"селёдка" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian, meaning it follows regular patterns for case and number changes. It is invariant in the plural form in some contexts but typically declines as shown below.

Note: As a common noun, it does not have irregular forms, making it easy for beginners to learn.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сельдь (sel'd') - A more general term for herring, often used interchangeably but slightly more formal; скумбрия (skumbriya) - Sometimes used in broader fish contexts, though not exact.
• Antonyms: Not typically applicable for a specific food item, but conceptually, something like пресноводная рыба (presnovodnaya ryba) meaning "freshwater fish" could contrast it as a saltwater fish.

Related Phrases:

• Солёная селёдка - Salted herring; a common preparation method in Russian cuisine, often used as a snack or in salads.
• Свежая селёдка - Fresh herring; refers to uncooked or recently caught fish, contrasting with preserved varieties.
• Селёдка под шубой - Herring under a fur coat; a traditional Russian salad layered with vegetables, symbolizing festive meals.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English "herring" in its literal sense as a type of fish. In Russian, "селёдка" is most commonly used in informal, everyday language, especially in culinary contexts. Be mindful of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., свежая селёдка for "fresh herring"). When choosing between synonyms like "сельдь," opt for "селёдка" in casual settings, as it evokes a more traditional, homey feel. Grammatically, it requires standard case endings, so practice with sentences to master its inflections.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я ем селёдка" instead of "Я ем селёдку" (I eat herring). Correct: "Я ем селёдку" - Remember to use the accusative case for direct objects.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "сельдь," leading to misuse in context, e.g., using "сельдь" in a recipe when "селёдка" is more appropriate for prepared dishes. Correct: Stick to "селёдка" for everyday food references to avoid sounding overly formal or imprecise.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "свежий селёдка" instead of "свежая селёдка." Correct: Always use feminine adjectives with this noun, as in "свежая селёдка."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "селёдка" is more than just a fish; it's a staple in traditional dishes like "селёдка под шубой," which is a layered salad often served during holidays such as New Year's Eve. This reflects Russia's historical reliance on preserved fish due to its vast geography and cold climate, symbolizing resourcefulness and community in meals.

Related Concepts:

• рыба (fish)
• салат (salad)
• закуска (appetizer)