Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'morsel'

English Word: morsel

Key Russian Translations:

• кусок [ˈkusək] - [Informal, Common for everyday food items]
• кусочек [ˈkusət͡ɕɪk] - [Diminutive, Informal, Used to emphasize smallness or endearment]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations appear regularly in casual conversations about food but are not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "еда" (food).)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level; learners should understand basic noun inflections and diminutives, with some practice needed for contextual usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кусок: [ˈkusək]

кусочек: [ˈkusət͡ɕɪk]

Note on кусок: The 'к' sound is a hard velar stop, similar to the 'k' in "kite," and the word has a stressed first syllable. For кусочек, note the palatalized 'ч' (as in "church"), which can be tricky for beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A small piece of food, often implying something tasty or bite-sized

Translation(s) & Context:

• кусок - Used in informal settings for a general small piece of food, such as in meals or snacks; common in everyday speech.
• кусочек - Applied in affectionate or precise contexts, like describing a tiny treat; often used with children or in diminutive expressions.

Usage Examples:

• Она взяла маленький кусочек сыра с тарелки.

  She took a small morsel of cheese from the plate. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing everyday eating.)

• Дети любят есть сладкий кусочек фруктов после обеда.

  Children love eating a sweet morsel of fruit after lunch. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a habitual context with plural subjects.)

• В ресторане он заказал только один вкусный кусочек мяса.

  At the restaurant, he ordered just one tasty morsel of meat. (This illustrates usage in a formal dining scenario, focusing on specificity.)

• Моя бабушка всегда готовила нежный кусочек пирога для гостей.

  My grandmother always prepared a tender morsel of pie for guests. (This example highlights cultural or familial contexts with possessive structures.)

Meaning 2: Figuratively, a small amount of something desirable (e.g., information or pleasure)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кусочек - Used metaphorically for abstract concepts, like a "morsel of gossip"; less common but effective in informal storytelling.

Usage Examples:

• Он поделился крошечным кусочком тайны со своими друзьями.

  He shared a tiny morsel of the secret with his friends. (This shows metaphorical use in narrative contexts.)

• Книга дала мне всего один кусочек необходимых знаний.

  The book gave me just one morsel of the necessary knowledge. (Illustrates extension to intellectual contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are masculine nouns, which undergo typical Russian declension. "Кусок" is a regular noun with standard patterns, while "кусочек" (a diminutive form) follows similar rules but may vary slightly in informal speech.

Note: These forms are regular, but "кусочек" as a diminutive may not always inflect in very informal speech.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: обломок (a fragment, often for broken pieces), лакомство (a delicacy, emphasizing tastiness), крошечка (a tiny bit, more diminutive)
• Antonyms: целое (whole), громадный кусок (huge piece, implying the opposite of smallness)

Note: "Обломок" is similar but often implies something broken, whereas "лакомство" adds a positive connotation of enjoyment.

Related Phrases:

• маленький кусочек хлеба - A small morsel of bread; used in contexts of simple meals or hunger.
• вкусный кусочек торта - A tasty morsel of cake; common in social or celebratory settings.
• кусочек счастья - A morsel of happiness; a figurative phrase for a brief moment of joy.

Usage Notes:

"Мorsel" directly corresponds to "кусок" or "кусочек" in Russian, but choose "кусочек" for a more affectionate or precise tone, especially with food. Be mindful of context: in formal writing, opt for "кусок" to avoid diminutives. Grammatically, always inflect based on case (e.g., use genitive for possession). If the English word implies rarity or delight, "кусочек" enhances that nuance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form in all cases, e.g., saying "Я ем кусок" instead of "Я ем кусок" (correct in accusative, but wrong in other cases like "Я думаю о кусок" which should be "Я думаю о куске"). Correct: Я думаю о куске. (Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; learners often forget to change endings.)
• Error: Confusing with similar words, e.g., using "кусок" for non-food items when "обломок" is better. Correct: For a broken toy, say "обломок игрушки" instead of "кусок игрушки". (Explanation: This misapplication can lead to unnatural phrasing.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "кусочек" often appear in contexts of hospitality, such as offering a small treat to guests, reflecting the tradition of "хлеб-соль" (bread and salt) as a welcome gesture. This emphasizes the cultural value of sharing even a "morsel" as an act of warmth and generosity.

Related Concepts:

• еда (food)
• лакомство (delicacy)
• закуска (appetizer)