Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ketchup'

English Word: ketchup

Key Russian Translations:

• кетчуп (/ˈkʲetʃʊp/) - [Common, Informal]

Frequency: High (This word is widely used in everyday Russian conversations, especially in contexts related to food and dining.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) - As a borrowed word, it is straightforward for English speakers to learn and use without significant grammatical challenges.

Pronunciation (Russian):

кетчуп: /ˈkʲetʃʊp/

Note on кетчуп: The pronunciation features a soft 'k' sound (/kʲ/) due to the palatalization common in Russian, which may be challenging for beginners. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A thick sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, used as a condiment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кетчуп - Used in everyday contexts for referring to the condiment, especially in informal settings like home cooking or fast food.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю добавлять кетчуп в гамбургеры для дополнительного вкуса.

  I like adding ketchup to hamburgers for extra flavor.

• В магазине есть разные сорта кетчупа: острый и сладкий.

  In the store, there are different types of ketchup: spicy and sweet.

• Дети всегда просят кетчуп к жареной картошке.

  Kids always ask for ketchup with fried potatoes.

• В русской кухне кетчуп часто используется в салатах или как соус для шашлыка.

  In Russian cuisine, ketchup is often used in salads or as a sauce for shashlik.

• Если кетчуп закончился, можно заменить его томатной пастой.

  If ketchup runs out, you can substitute it with tomato paste.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кетчуп" is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from English, and it follows basic Russian declension patterns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is indeclinable in most cases but can show changes in certain contexts.

Note: In plural forms, "кетчупы" is not commonly used; the word often remains singular in practice.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • томатный соус (tomato sauce) - More general term, often used interchangeably in cooking contexts.
  • соус кетчуп (ketchup sauce) - Emphasizes the specific type but is less common.
• Antonyms:
  • майонез (mayonnaise) - A creamy alternative, contrasting in texture and flavor.

Related Phrases:

• кетчуп с картошкой - Ketchup with potatoes; a common fast-food combination.
• бутылка кетчупа - Bottle of ketchup; refers to packaging in grocery contexts.
• кетчуп для пиццы - Ketchup for pizza; used in informal or home settings as a substitute for other sauces.

Usage Notes:

"Кетчуп" directly corresponds to the English word "ketchup" as a borrowed term, making it easy for English speakers to adopt. It is primarily used in informal and everyday contexts, such as meals or shopping, and is not typically formal. When choosing between translations like "кетчуп" and "томатный соус," opt for "кетчуп" for brand-specific or Western-style references. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun, so ensure correct agreement with adjectives (e.g., "горячий кетчуп" for "hot ketchup"). Avoid overusing it in formal writing, where "томатный соус" might be preferred.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "кетчуп" with "майонез" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Я намазал майонез на гамбургер" (when meaning ketchup). Correct: "Я намазал кетчуп на гамбургер." Explanation: These are distinct condiments; always specify based on the actual item to avoid cultural or culinary misunderstandings.

• Error: Forgetting declension in sentences, e.g., using "кетчуп" in genitive without change. Incorrect: "Я купил кетчуп" (in a context requiring genitive, like "of ketchup"). Correct: "Я купил бутылку кетчупа." Explanation: Pay attention to case endings for proper sentence structure in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

"Кетчуп" is a relatively modern addition to Russian cuisine, borrowed from Western influences, particularly American fast food. It symbolizes globalization and is commonly associated with casual dining, such as at McDonald's or home barbecues. In Russia, it's often seen as a fun, everyday condiment rather than a traditional element, reflecting the country's openness to international flavors since the post-Soviet era.

Related Concepts:

• майонез
• горчица
• соус