Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ladle'

English Word: ladle

Key Russian Translations:

• ковш [ˈkovʃ] - [Common noun, Informal, Used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in domestic or culinary discussions but not in high-frequency everyday speech.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; straightforward as a basic noun, suitable for beginners learning Russian vocabulary related to household items.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ковш: [ˈkovʃ]

Note on ковш: The "ш" sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the "sh" in "shoe" in English. Stress falls on the first syllable, which is common in Russian nouns.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A large spoon with a long handle used for serving soup, stew, or other liquids.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ковш - Typically used in informal, everyday settings like home cooking or dining; appropriate for general conversation about kitchen tools.

Usage Examples:

• Я беру ковш, чтобы разлить суп по тарелкам.

  I take the ladle to serve the soup into bowls. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing its role in meal preparation.)

• В ресторане повар использует ковш для наливания борща.

  In the restaurant, the chef uses the ladle to pour borscht. (Illustrates usage in a professional context, highlighting the tool's functionality.)

• Не забудь помыть ковш после ужина.

  Don't forget to wash the ladle after dinner. (Demonstrates the word in an imperative sentence, common in household instructions.)

• Ковш в нашей кухне всегда лежит рядом с кастрюлей.

  The ladle in our kitchen is always kept next to the pot. (Shows spatial relationships and possessive structures in Russian.)

• Для приготовления компота нужен большой ковш.

  A large ladle is needed for making compote. (Example in a recipe context, varying the adjective to specify size.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "ковш" is a masculine noun in the third declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for singular and plural forms. Below is a table outlining its declensions:

Note: This noun has regular inflections, making it relatively easy for learners to master. There are no irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Ложка (lozhka) - A more general term for spoon, but less specific to ladles; often used for smaller utensils.
  • Черпак (cherpak) - Similar to a ladle but typically larger; preferred in industrial or bulk contexts.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "ковш" is a specific tool without a clear opposite in Russian vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• Столовый ковш (stolovyy kovsh) - Table ladle; a phrase referring to a ladle used for serving at the table, often in formal dining.
• Ковш для супа (kovsh dlya supa) - Ladle for soup; a common combination emphasizing its primary use.
• Большой ковш (bol'shoy kovsh) - Big ladle; used to describe size variations in everyday speech.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "ковш" directly corresponds to the English "ladle" in most contexts, particularly in culinary settings. It is a neutral, everyday noun without strong formal or informal restrictions, making it versatile for both spoken and written Russian. When choosing between synonyms like "ложка" or "черпак," opt for "ковш" when referring to a long-handled spoon specifically for liquids. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., большой ковш for "big ladle"). In sentences, it often appears in the accusative case when indicating direct objects, as in recipes or instructions.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "ковш" with "ложка": English learners might mistakenly use "ложка" (spoon) for "ladle" due to similarity. Incorrect: "Я беру ложку для супа." (I take the spoon for soup.) Correct: "Я беру ковш для супа." Explanation: "Ложка" refers to a smaller eating spoon, while "ковш" is for serving, so context matters to avoid understatement of size and function.

• Improper inflection: Beginners may forget to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "ковш" in the genitive instead of "ковша." Incorrect: "Я ищу ковш" (when meaning "of the ladle"). Correct: "Я ищу ковша." Explanation: Always apply the correct case based on sentence structure to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "ковш" is a staple in traditional kitchens, often used in preparing and serving hearty soups like borscht or shchi, which are central to Russian cuisine. It symbolizes practicality in daily life rather than carrying deep historical connotations, but it reflects the importance of communal meals in Russian social traditions.

Related Concepts:

• Кастрюля (kastrulya) - Pot
• Ложка (lozhka) - Spoon
• Тарелка (tarelka) - Plate