Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kitchen'

English Word: kitchen

Key Russian Translations:

• кухня [kʊxˈnʲa] - [Common, Singular, Feminine noun used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in daily conversations, household descriptions, and written texts like recipes or real estate listings)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary for basic household items, easy to learn with simple pronunciation and common usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кухня: [kʊxˈnʲa]

Note on кухня: The stress is on the second syllable ("nʲa"). The "х" is pronounced as a guttural "kh" sound, similar to the Scottish "loch." Be mindful of the palatalized "nʲ" which softens the sound.

Audio: Play pronunciation audio [Insert actual audio file link or player here]

Meanings and Usage:

The room in a house where food is prepared and cooking occurs.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кухня - Refers to the physical space for cooking in a home or apartment; commonly used in informal and formal settings, such as describing living spaces or in recipes.

Usage Examples:

• В нашей кухне всегда уютно, особенно зимой.

  In our kitchen, it's always cozy, especially in winter. (This example shows the word in a descriptive, everyday context, emphasizing comfort.)

• Я обновил дизайн кухни в квартире.

  I updated the kitchen design in the apartment. (Illustrates usage in a practical, renovation-related scenario.)

• Кухня в ресторане оборудована по последнему слову техники.

  The kitchen in the restaurant is equipped with the latest technology. (Demonstrates the word in a professional or commercial context.)

• После ужина мы собираемся на кухне, чтобы выпить чай.

  After dinner, we gather in the kitchen to have tea. (Highlights social and familial usage, common in Russian culture.)

• В старом доме кухня была очень маленькой, но функциональной.

  In the old house, the kitchen was very small but functional. (Shows variation in describing size and utility.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"кухня" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -я. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple kitchens, such as in a large building or different homes.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: кухонная комната (more formal or descriptive, implying a specific room setup); камбуз (used in nautical contexts, like on a ship)
• Antonyms: гостиная (living room; contrasts as a space for relaxation rather than cooking)

Related Phrases:

• кухонная утварь - Kitchen utensils (refers to tools and equipment used in cooking)
• кухонный гарнитур - Kitchen set (a complete furniture setup for a kitchen)
• на кухне - In the kitchen (a common prepositional phrase for location)

Usage Notes:

"кухня" directly corresponds to the English "kitchen" as a physical space, but it can also carry cultural connotations of family gatherings in Russian contexts. Use it in informal daily conversations or formal descriptions, but be aware of case changes based on sentence structure (e.g., in genitive for possession). When multiple translations exist, choose "кухня" for general use; opt for synonyms like "кабуз" only in specialized contexts like maritime language.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "в кухня" instead of "в кухне" (prepositional case). Correct: "в кухне" – This mistake often occurs due to English influence, where cases don't exist; always adjust for the required case in Russian sentences.

• Error: Confusing gender, treating it as masculine. Correct: As a feminine noun, it requires feminine agreement in adjectives, e.g., "большая кухня" (big kitchen) not "большой кухня." Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the kitchen ("кухня") is often more than just a cooking space; it's a central hub for family interactions, storytelling, and even informal meetings. Historically, in communal apartments during the Soviet era, the kitchen served as a social center, fostering community bonds despite limited space.

Related Concepts:

• гостиная
• спальня
• ванная комната