Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'juicy'

English Word: juicy

Key Russian Translations:

• сочный [ˈsɔtʃ.nɨj] - [Informal, Adjective, Used for describing food like fruits or meats]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about food and descriptions, but not as frequent as basic adjectives like "big" or "small")

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; straightforward adjective with regular inflections, suitable for beginners learning basic descriptive vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сочный: [ˈsɔtʃ.nɨj]

Note on сочный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the "ч" sound is a soft palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers—similar to the "ch" in "church" but softer. Be careful with the vowel sounds, as Russian vowels can vary by context.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Full of juice, moist, and flavorful (e.g., describing fruits, meats, or other foods)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сочный - Used in informal and everyday contexts to describe something that is succulent and full of moisture, such as fresh produce or cooked dishes. Common in culinary discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Это яблоко очень сочное и сладкое.

  This apple is very juicy and sweet. (Demonstrates basic adjectival use in a simple sentence describing food.)

• Мясо вышло сочным после жарения на гриле.

  The meat turned out juicy after grilling. (Shows use in a context involving cooking and sensory description.)

• Летом мы всегда едим сочные фрукты из сада.

  In the summer, we always eat juicy fruits from the garden. (Illustrates plural and seasonal context.)

• Её салат был полон сочных овощей и свежих трав.

  Her salad was full of juicy vegetables and fresh herbs. (Highlights combination with other adjectives in a more complex sentence.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"сочный" is an adjective in Russian, which typically follows regular inflection patterns based on gender, number, and case. It changes to agree with the noun it modifies. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective follows the standard pattern for hard-stem adjectives in Russian. It does not have irregular forms, making it relatively easy to learn.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сочный (itself, but variants include вкусный - meaning tasty, with a focus on flavor; or спелый - meaning ripe, often implying juiciness in fruits). Note: "вкусный" emphasizes taste more broadly.
• Antonyms: сухой (dry, opposite in the context of moisture in food)

Related Phrases:

• сочный фрукт - A juicy fruit (Common phrase used in shopping or cooking contexts to describe fresh produce.)
• сочный стейк - A juicy steak (Often used in restaurant reviews or recipes to highlight quality.)
• сочные ягоды - Juicy berries (Refers to berries that are plump and full of juice, common in summer dishes.)

Usage Notes:

"сочный" directly corresponds to the English "juicy" in contexts involving food and moisture, but it's most accurate for literal descriptions rather than metaphorical ones (e.g., "juicy gossip" would use a different word like "жгучий" or "интересный"). Use it in informal settings, as it's neutral but everyday. Always ensure it agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, per Russian grammar rules. When choosing between translations, opt for "сочный" for food-related contexts to maintain precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сочный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "сочный яблоко" instead of "сочное яблоко" for neuter nouns.
  Correct: "сочное яблоко" (The apple is juicy). Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; here, "яблоко" is neuter, so use the neuter form.
• Error: Confusing it with "вкусный" (tasty), leading to misuse like translating "juicy steak" as "вкусный стейк" when moisture is key.
  Correct: Use "сочный стейк" for emphasis on juiciness. Explanation: While there's overlap, "сочный" specifically conveys texture and moisture, not just general tastiness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "сочный" are often tied to the appreciation of fresh, seasonal produce, especially in traditional cuisine. For instance, during summer harvests, Russians emphasize juicy fruits in dishes like fruit compotes or salads, reflecting a cultural value on natural, high-quality ingredients from the vast Russian countryside.

Related Concepts:

• вкусный (tasty)
• спелый (ripe)
• свежий (fresh)