Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'jug'

English Word: jug

Key Russian Translations:

• кувшин [ˈkuvʲʂɨn] - [Formal, Singular, Used for describing a large container]
• графин [ɡrɐˈfʲin] - [Informal, Everyday contexts, Often for smaller pitchers]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language and literature, but not as frequent as basic household items like "стакан")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should grasp basic noun inflections, though pronunciation of 'ш' may pose challenges for beginners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кувшин: [ˈkuvʲʂɨn]

Note on кувшин: The 'ш' sound is similar to the 'sh' in English "shoe," but it's softer and palatalized in Russian. Stress falls on the first syllable.

графин: [ɡrɐˈfʲin]

Note on графин: The 'ф' is pronounced like 'f' in English, and the stress is on the second syllable, which is common in borrowed words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A container for holding and pouring liquids (e.g., a pitcher).

Translation(s) & Context:

• кувшин - Used in formal or literary contexts, such as describing traditional or large vessels in stories or historical settings.
• графин - Applied in everyday, informal situations, like in modern homes or casual conversations about kitchenware.

Usage Examples:

• На столе стоял большой кувшин с свежей водой.

  On the table stood a large jug with fresh water. (Demonstrates use in a descriptive, everyday scene.)

• Она налила воду из графина в стаканы гостей.

  She poured water from the jug into the guests' glasses. (Shows informal context in social settings.)

• В музее выставлен старинный кувшин, сделанный из глины.

  In the museum, an ancient jug made of clay is on display. (Illustrates historical or cultural usage.)

• Графин на кухне всегда полон холодного чая летом.

  The jug in the kitchen is always full of cold tea in the summer. (Highlights seasonal or practical applications.)

• Художник нарисовал кувшин в стиле народного искусства.

  The artist drew a jug in the style of folk art. (Exemplifies artistic or metaphorical use.)

2. Slang meaning (e.g., prison, though less common for 'jug' in standard English).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Тюрьма (as a loose equivalent, but not direct) - Used in informal or slang contexts, though 'jug' as prison isn't a perfect match in Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Он провел годы в тюрьме, как в кувшине забвения.

  He spent years in prison, like in a jug of oblivion. (Metaphorical use in literature or slang.)

• В разговорном языке "кувшин" не часто используется для тюрьмы, но может в поэтических выражениях.

  In casual speech, "jug" isn't commonly used for prison, but it can appear in poetic expressions. (Note: This is less standard.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "кувшин" and "графин" are masculine nouns in Russian. "Кувшин" follows the third declension pattern (for masculine nouns ending in a consonant), while "графин" is often treated as a borrowed word with simpler inflections. They change based on case, number, and gender agreements.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections but must agree with adjectives and verbs in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сосуд (sosud) - A general term for vessel, often interchangeable in broader contexts.
  • посуда (posuda) - For tableware, but less specific; implies everyday items.
• Antonyms:
  • пустота (pustota) - Emptiness, as it contrasts with a filled container.
  (Antonyms are not always direct for nouns like this.)

Related Phrases:

• Наполнить кувшин - To fill the jug (Used in contexts of preparing drinks or liquids.)
• Разбить графин - To break the jug (Common in narratives involving accidents or carelessness.)
• Кувшин с молоком - Jug of milk (A fixed phrase in recipes or daily routines.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "кувшин" is more formal and often evokes traditional or historical imagery, while "графин" is preferred in modern, everyday speech. Choose based on context: use "кувшин" for literary or poetic descriptions, and "графин" for practical situations. Always ensure the noun agrees in case and number with surrounding words, as Russian grammar requires. English speakers should note that "jug" as slang for prison doesn't have a direct equivalent, so avoid direct translations in informal settings.

• Grammar tip: When used with verbs, ensure proper case, e.g., "в кувшине" for "in the jug."
• Context guidance: In culinary contexts, "графин" pairs well with liquids like wine or water.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the genitive case, e.g., saying "кувшин вода" instead of "кувшин с водой" (jug of water). Correct usage: Always use prepositions like "с" for contents. Another error is confusing "кувшин" with "кухня" (kitchen), leading to sentences like "кувшин готовит еду," which should be "кухня готова для еды." Explanation: Russian nouns require precise case agreements, so double-check with adjectives or verbs.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, jugs like "кувшин" are symbolic in folk art and literature, often representing hospitality or rural life, as seen in traditional samovars or fairy tales. They carry connotations of warmth and community, differing from Western associations with everyday kitchenware.

Related Concepts:

• стакан (glass)
• кружка (mug)
• самовар (samovar)