Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kiosk'

English Word: kiosk

Key Russian Translations:

• киоск /kʲiˈɔsk/ - [Formal, Singular, Used for small retail booths or stands]

Frequency: Medium (Common in urban and everyday contexts, such as markets or public spaces, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "дом" (house)).

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level in CEFR; straightforward for beginners to learn due to its concrete meaning and regular noun forms, though pronunciation of the initial "кʲ" sound may pose a slight challenge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

киоск: /kʲiˈɔsk/

Note on киоск: The initial "кʲ" represents a palatalized 'k' sound, which is common in Russian but may be difficult for English speakers; it's similar to the 'k' in "cute" but softer. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small, often temporary structure for selling goods, such as newspapers or snacks.

Translation(s) & Context:

• киоск - Used in formal and everyday contexts for a standalone retail booth, especially in public areas like streets or stations.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил газету в киоске на углу улицы. (Ya kupil gazetu v kioske na uglu ulitsy.)

  I bought a newspaper at the kiosk on the corner of the street.

• В парке есть киоск, где продают мороженое и напитки. (V parke est' kiosk, gde prodajut morozhenoe i napitki.)

  In the park, there's a kiosk where they sell ice cream and drinks.

• Киоск на вокзале работает круглосуточно. (Kiosk na vokzale rabotaet kruglosutochno.)

  The kiosk at the station operates 24 hours a day.

• Летом уличные киоски заполняют городские площади. (Letom ulichnye kioski zapolnyayut gorodskie ploshchadi.)

  In the summer, street kiosks fill the city squares.

• Мой друг управляет небольшим киоском с сувенирами. (Moy drug upravlyaet nebol'shim kioskom s suvenrami.)

  My friend manages a small kiosk selling souvenirs.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Киоск" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: The plural form is used for multiple kiosks, and it changes according to case as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • магазинчик (magazinchik) - A diminutive form, implying a small shop; often used interchangeably but with a cozier connotation.
  • палатка (palatka) - More informal, often for temporary market stalls; differs by suggesting portability.
• Antonyms:
  • большой магазин (bol'shoy magazin) - Large store; contrasts with the small-scale nature of a kiosk.

Related Phrases:

• Уличный киоск (Ulichnyy kiosk) - Street kiosk; a common outdoor retail setup.
• Киоск с газетами (Kiosk s gazetami) - Kiosk with newspapers; refers to newsstands.
• Рабочий киоск (Rabochiy kiosk) - Operating kiosk; used in contexts involving daily business operations.

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "киоск" directly corresponds to the English "kiosk" in most contexts, especially for physical retail structures, but it may not always imply digital interfaces like in modern English usage (e.g., information kiosks).
• It is neutral in terms of formality but is more common in everyday spoken Russian; avoid using it in highly formal writing where "торговый пункт" (trading point) might be preferred.
• When choosing between translations like "киоск" and "магазинчик," opt for "киоск" if the structure is standalone and public-facing; "магазинчик" adds a diminutive, affectionate tone.
• Grammatically, always consider case agreement; for example, use the genitive form "киоска" after prepositions like "в" (in).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "киоск" in all cases, e.g., saying "в киоск" instead of "в киоске."
  Correct: "в киоске" (in the kiosk). Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on context; "в" requires the prepositional case.
• Error: Confusing with "киоск" and assuming it's feminine, leading to incorrect adjectives like "красивая киоск" instead of "красивый киоск."
  Correct: "красивый киоск" (beautiful kiosk). Explanation: "Киоск" is masculine, so adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case.
• Error: Overgeneralizing to mean any small shop, potentially mistranslating as "магазин" (shop).
  Correct: Use "киоск" specifically for booth-like structures. Explanation: "Киоск" implies a temporary or open-air setup, unlike a permanent "магазин."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, kiosks ("киоски") are iconic in urban landscapes, often associated with Soviet-era street life where they sold essentials like cigarettes and snacks. They symbolize convenience and accessibility in daily routines, especially in cities like Moscow, and can evoke nostalgia for the post-Soviet transition period when private kiosks boomed as symbols of emerging capitalism.

Related Concepts:

• магазин (magazin) - Shop
• рынок (rynok) - Market
• палатка (palatka) - Tent or stall