Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'milk'

English Word: milk

Key Russian Translations:

• молоко /mɐˈɫɔkə/ - [Neutral, Everyday use]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in daily conversations, literature, and media in Russian-speaking contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward pronunciation and usage, suitable for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

молоко: /mɐˈɫɔkə/

Note on молоко: The stress falls on the second syllable (ло́ко). The "л" sound is a soft lateral approximant, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the "l" in "milk" but softer. Be mindful of vowel reductions in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The liquid produced by female mammals for feeding their young, or a common dairy product.

Translation(s) & Context:

• молоко - Used in everyday contexts for cow's milk or general dairy milk; applicable in formal and informal settings, such as in recipes, health discussions, or casual talk.

Usage Examples:

• Я пью молоко каждое утро для завтрака.

  I drink milk every morning for breakfast. (This example shows the noun in a simple daily routine context.)

• Молоко в этом рецепте должно быть свежим и цельным.

  The milk in this recipe should be fresh and whole. (Illustrates usage in a cooking or instructional context.)

• Дети любят молоко с шоколадом на десерт.

  Children love milk with chocolate as a dessert. (Demonstrates the noun in a familial or playful setting.)

• В магазине закончилось молоко, так что я купил альтернативу.

  The milk ran out at the store, so I bought an alternative. (Shows usage in a shopping or problem-solving scenario.)

• Молоко полезно для костей, но его нужно пить в меру.

  Milk is good for bones, but it should be consumed in moderation. (Highlights the noun in a health-related context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Молоко" is a neuter noun in the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. As a neuter noun, it does not have gender-specific inflections but varies by grammatical case.

Note: The plural forms are less common for "молоко" as it typically refers to the substance in singular, but they can be used in contexts like "types of milk."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • молочко (a diminutive form, often used in informal or affectionate contexts, e.g., for baby milk)
  • питьевое молоко (more specific, meaning "drinkable milk")
• Antonyms:
  • вода (water; implies a non-dairy liquid)

Related Phrases:

• Молоко с медом - Milk with honey (A common soothing drink, often used for colds or as a bedtime remedy.)
• Цельное молоко - Whole milk (Refers to unprocessed milk, used in nutritional or shopping contexts.)
• Молоко в пакете - Milk in a carton (A phrase for packaged dairy products, highlighting modern consumption habits.)

Usage Notes:

"Молоко" directly corresponds to the English "milk" in most contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian often specifies types (e.g., цельное молоко for whole milk). It is neutral in tone and can be used across formal and informal settings. Grammatically, always use the correct case based on sentence structure; for example, in genitive for possession (e.g., стакан молока - a glass of milk). When choosing between synonyms like "молочко," opt for it in casual or endearing situations to convey warmth.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse the case, e.g., saying "Я хочу молоко" incorrectly in a context requiring genitive, like "Я пью молоко из бутылки" (correct), but confusing it with "Я пью из молоко" (error: should be "из молока"). Explanation: Russian requires prepositional phrases to match cases; always check the governing preposition.
• Another error is overusing the diminutive "молочко" in formal writing, which can sound too informal or childish; stick to "молоко" for standard usage.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, milk is a staple in traditional cuisine, often consumed with tea or in dishes like kasha (porridge). It symbolizes nourishment and is linked to rural heritage, as many Russians associate it with fresh, farm-sourced products. Historically, milk products played a role in Soviet-era food rations, reflecting themes of simplicity and sustenance in literature and folklore.

Related Concepts:

• сметана (sour cream)
• сыр (cheese)
• кефир (kefir, a fermented milk drink)