Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mustard'

English Word: mustard

Key Russian Translations:

• горчица [ɡɐrʲˈʧʲit͡sə] - [Neutral; commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered regularly in daily conversations, recipes, and general descriptions, but not as frequently as basic food items like bread or water.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary; suitable for beginners who have basic vocabulary in Russian, as it involves simple noun forms and common usage in food-related topics.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

горчица: [ɡɐrʲˈʧʲit͡sə]

Note on горчица: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ʧʲit͡sə"), and the "ч" sound is a voiceless palatal fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers accustomed to softer "ch" sounds. Practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The condiment made from the seeds of the mustard plant (primary meaning).

Translation(s) & Context:

• горчица - Used in culinary contexts to refer to the spicy paste or powder derived from mustard seeds; common in Russian cuisine for adding flavor to dishes like salads or meats.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю добавлять горчицу в салаты для пикантного вкуса.

  I like to add mustard to salads for a spicy flavor.

• В русской кухне горчица часто используется в маринадах для мяса.

  In Russian cuisine, mustard is often used in marinades for meat.

• Купите банку горчицы в магазине, чтобы приготовить соус.

  Buy a jar of mustard at the store to make the sauce.

• Горчица может быть острой или мягкой, в зависимости от сорта.

  Mustard can be hot or mild, depending on the variety.

• В рецепте супа указано добавить чайную ложку горчицы.

  The soup recipe calls for adding a teaspoon of mustard.

Other meanings (e.g., as a color or plant, though less common in Russian).

Translation(s) & Context:

• горчица - In color contexts, referring to a yellowish shade; used metaphorically in descriptions, e.g., in fashion or art.

Usage Examples:

• Её платье было горчичного цвета, что идеально подходило к осеннему настроению.

  Her dress was mustard-colored, which perfectly suited the autumn mood.

• Растение горчицы выращивают для семян и как декоративное.

  The mustard plant is grown for its seeds and as an ornamental.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Горчица" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. Always adjust based on sentence structure, e.g., use genitive for possession ("вкуса горчицы" - "taste of mustard").

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • горчичный соус (slightly more specific, referring to a prepared sauce variant; used in recipes)
  • горчица порошок (for powdered form, emphasizing the dry state)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "горчица" is a specific item. However, in a culinary context, opposites might include bland seasonings like "сахар" (sugar) for sweetness contrast.

Related Phrases:

• горчичный соус - A sauce made with mustard; used in dressings or dips (e.g., for enhancing flavor in salads).
• зернистая горчица - Grainy mustard; refers to a textured variety popular in European-style cooking.
• горчица с хреном - Mustard with horseradish; a spicy combination often used in Russian appetizers for added heat.

Usage Notes:

"Горчица" directly corresponds to the English "mustard" in its primary sense as a condiment. It is a neutral, everyday word suitable for both formal and informal contexts, such as shopping lists or recipes. Be mindful of its feminine gender in Russian sentences, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "острая горчица" - sharp mustard). When multiple translations exist, choose based on context: use "горчица" for general references and "горчичный соус" for prepared versions. This word is versatile in spoken and written Russian but is most common in domestic or culinary discussions.

• In formal writing, pair it with specific descriptors for precision.
• Avoid overusing in metaphors, as it's primarily literal in Russian unlike some English uses (e.g., "as keen as mustard").

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse case endings, such as using the nominative "горчица" in places where genitive is needed (e.g., incorrectly saying "я ем горчица" instead of "я ем горчицу" for "I eat mustard"). Correct usage: The accusative form "горчицу" is required for direct objects. Another error is confusing it with similar-sounding words like "горечь" (bitterness), which is unrelated. Example of error: "Купить горчица" (wrong) vs. "Купить горчицу" (correct), as it needs accusative for the direct object in this context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "горчица" is a staple in traditional cuisine, often featured in dishes like Olivier salad or as a accompaniment to meats. It symbolizes warmth and spice in cold climates, reflecting Russia's historical reliance on hearty, flavorful foods. Historically, mustard has been cultivated in Russia since the 18th century, with varieties like "Dijon-style" adapted to local tastes, highlighting the blend of international and native influences.

Related Concepts:

• соль (salt)
• перец (pepper)
• уксус (vinegar)
• хрен (horseradish)