Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mug'

English Word: mug

Key Russian Translations:

• чашка [ˈtʃaʂ.kə] - [Common, Informal]
• кружка [ˈkruʐ.kə] - [Common, Informal; Often used for larger mugs]

Frequency: Medium (чашка and кружка are frequently used in everyday conversations about beverages)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; Basic vocabulary for daily objects, though pronunciation of 'ш' in чашка may require practice)

Pronunciation (Russian):

чашка: [ˈtʃaʂ.kə]

кружка: [ˈkruʐ.kə]

Note on чашка: The 'ш' sound is similar to the 'sh' in English "shoe," but with a more guttural quality. Stress is on the first syllable.

Note on кружка: The 'ж' sound is like the 's' in "measure" in English. It's a soft, voiced fricative.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A large cup, typically cylindrical with a handle, used for drinking beverages.

Translation(s) & Context:

• чашка - Used in casual, everyday contexts for any cup, especially for hot drinks like tea.
• кружка - Used specifically for a larger, sturdier mug, often in informal or home settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я наливаю кофе в свою любимую чашку каждое утро.

  I pour coffee into my favorite mug every morning.

• Эта кружка сделана из керамики и идеально подходит для чая.

  This mug is made of ceramic and is perfect for tea.

• В кафе я всегда заказываю горячий шоколад в большой чашке.

  In the cafe, I always order hot chocolate in a large mug.

• Моя кружка с ручкой удобно лежит в руке во время прогулки.

  My mug with a handle fits comfortably in my hand during a walk.

• Дети любят пить молоко из яркой пластиковой чашки.

  Children love drinking milk from a bright plastic mug.

2. Slang meaning: A person's face (informal or derogatory, though less common for 'mug' in standard English).

Translation(s) & Context:

• рожа - Used in very informal or slang contexts, often with a negative connotation, like describing an unattractive face.

Usage Examples:

• Не показывай свою рожу на публике, если не хочешь проблем.

  Don't show your mug in public if you don't want trouble.

• У него такая смешная рожа, что все смеются.

  He has such a funny mug that everyone laughs.

• В зеркале я увидел свою усталую рожу после долгого дня.

  In the mirror, I saw my tired mug after a long day.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'чашка' and 'кружка' are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard first-declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. They are regular and do not have irregularities, but they change based on case and number.

For plural forms, they follow similar patterns but adjust for number. These nouns do not change in gender or have verbal inflections since they are not verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • чашка: стакан (stakan) - More general for any cup or glass, but less specific to handled mugs.
  • кружка: бокал (bokal) - Typically for larger drinking vessels, with a slight formal connotation.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as these are concrete nouns without natural opposites.

Related Phrases:

• чайная чашка - A teacup; often used in contexts involving traditional Russian tea culture.
• кофейная кружка - A coffee mug; common in casual coffee-drinking scenarios.
• пластиковая чашка - A plastic mug; refers to disposable or everyday items.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'чашка' is the most direct translation for 'mug' when referring to a drinking vessel, especially for hot beverages, and is widely used in both formal and informal settings. 'Кружка' emphasizes a larger or more robust version, making it ideal for contexts like camping or home use. Be mindful of context: in slang for 'face,' use 'рожа' sparingly as it can be rude. When learning, note that Russian nouns require case agreement, so 'mug' in sentences will change based on its role (e.g., direct object uses accusative). For beginners, start with 'чашка' as it's more versatile and aligns closely with the English 'mug'.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking 'чашка' for 'стакан' (stakan), which means a glass without a handle. Error: Saying "Я пью из стакана" when meaning a handled mug. Correct: "Я пью из чашки." Explanation: 'Стакан' implies transparency and no handle, leading to confusion in descriptions.
• Overusing 'кружка' in formal contexts. Error: Using "кружка" in a restaurant menu description. Correct: Opt for "чашка" for generality. Explanation: 'Кружка' sounds too casual for upscale settings.
• Forgetting case changes. Error: Saying "Я вижу чашка" (incorrect nominative in object position). Correct: "Я вижу чашку" (accusative). Explanation: Russian requires grammatical agreement, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'чашка' or 'кружка' is often associated with tea-drinking traditions, such as using a самовар (samovar) for brewing. Mugs are central to social gatherings, symbolizing warmth and hospitality, especially in winter. The slang use for 'face' in words like 'рожа' can reflect a humorous or critical tone in literature and media, drawing from folk traditions where physical appearances are playfully exaggerated.

Related Concepts:

• чай (chay) - Tea
• кофе (kofe) - Coffee
• самовар (samovar) - A traditional Russian tea urn