Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lager'

English Word: lager

Key Russian Translations:

• лагер (/ˈlaɡər/) - [Informal, Used in everyday contexts for beer types]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions about beverages, alcohol, or casual social settings, but not as ubiquitous as basic food terms).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; as a borrowed word, it's straightforward for English speakers to learn and pronounce, with minimal grammatical complexity).

Pronunciation (Russian):

лагер: /ˈlaɡər/ (The stress is on the first syllable. The 'г' is pronounced as a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go", but softer in some dialects.)

Note on лагер: In fast speech, the final 'р' may be slightly softened or devoiced, especially in informal Russian. Be mindful of regional variations, such as in Moscow vs. St. Petersburg accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A type of pale lager beer, light and crisp, often associated with European brewing traditions.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лагер - Used in informal or casual contexts when referring to this specific beer style, such as in bars, restaurants, or everyday conversations about drinks.

Usage Examples:

• Я предпочитаю лагер к ужину. (Ya predpočitayu lager k užinu.)

  I prefer lager with dinner. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting personal preference in a meal context.)

• В баре подают свежий лагер из Чехии. (V bare podavayut svežij lager iz Čexii.)

  The bar serves fresh lager from the Czech Republic. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a descriptive context, emphasizing origin and quality.)

• Лето — идеальное время для холодного лагера. (Leto — ideal'noe vremya dlja xolodnogo lagera.)

  Summer is the perfect time for a cold lager. (This illustrates usage in seasonal or environmental contexts, with an adjective modifier.)

• Мой друг варит свой лагер дома. (Moj drug varit svoj lager doma.)

  My friend brews his own lager at home. (Shows the word in a possessive and action-oriented sentence, related to homebrewing.)

• В меню есть лагер и эль на выбор. (V menju est' lager i èl' na vybor.)

  The menu has lager and ale to choose from. (This example places the word in a comparative context, common in dining or shopping scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лагер" is a masculine noun in Russian, borrowed from German/English, and generally follows the second declension pattern for inanimate nouns. It is relatively straightforward but can inflect based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: As a modern borrowed word, it doesn't have irregular forms, making it easier for beginners. In plural, it's used when referring to multiple types or brands, e.g., "разные лагеры" (different lagers).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • светлое пиво (svetloye pivo) - A general term for light beer, often interchangeable in casual contexts but less specific.
  • пильзнер (pil'zner) - Refers to a subtype, with a slight historical connotation; used when emphasizing Czech origins.
• Antonyms:
  • тёмное пиво (tyomnoe pivo) - Dark beer, contrasting in color and flavor profile.
  • стаут (staout) - Stout, implying a heavier, darker style.

Related Phrases:

• Холодный лагер (Xolodnyj lager) - Cold lager; a common way to order in bars, implying refreshment on a hot day.
• Бутылка лагера (Butylka lagera) - Bottle of lager; used when specifying packaging in a store or restaurant context.
• Локальный лагер (Lokalnyj lager) - Local lager; refers to regionally brewed varieties, often in discussions of craft beer.

Usage Notes:

"Лагер" directly corresponds to the English "lager" as a type of beer, making it a near-cognate for English speakers. It's primarily used in informal settings like social gatherings or dining, but avoid it in formal writing where more descriptive terms like "светлое пиво" might be preferred. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "холодный лагер" for "cold lager"). When choosing between synonyms, opt for "лагер" in international contexts, as it's widely understood due to borrowing.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the word without proper inflection, e.g., saying "в лагер" instead of "в лагере" (in the lager).
  Correct: "В лагере" is the prepositional case for locations or contexts.
  Explanation: English learners often forget Russian case endings, which can make sentences sound incomplete or incorrect.
• Mistake: Confusing it with "lager" as in a military camp (which is the same spelling but different meaning in some languages); in Russian, it's distinctly for beer.
  Correct: Stick to beer-related contexts to avoid ambiguity.
  Explanation: The word is a borrowing, so context is key—pair it with food/drink discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лагер" is often associated with European beer traditions, particularly from Germany or the Czech Republic, and is popular during summer festivals or casual meetups. It reflects Russia's growing craft beer scene, influenced by Western imports, but historically, it contrasts with traditional Russian beverages like kvass or vodka, symbolizing modernization in social drinking habits.

Related Concepts:

• пшеничное пиво (pshenichnoye pivo)
• элей (èl')
• крафт (kraft)