Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'napkin'

English Word: napkin

Key Russian Translations:

• салфетка /sɑlˈfʲɛtkə/ - [Common usage, typically for cloth or paper napkins in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium - This word is commonly encountered in daily conversations related to dining and household items, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "water" or "food".

Difficulty: A1 - Beginner level, as it involves simple feminine nouns and basic vocabulary, making it accessible for new learners of Russian.

Pronunciation (Russian):

салфетка: /sɑlˈfʲɛtkə/

Note on салфетка: The stress is on the second syllable ("fʲɛt"), and the "ф" is pronounced as a soft "f" sound. Be mindful of the palatalized "л" which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A piece of cloth or paper used at meals for wiping the lips or fingers.

Translation(s) & Context:

• салфетка - Used in formal and informal dining settings, such as restaurants or home meals, to refer to a napkin for hygiene purposes.

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, передайте мне салфетку, она упала на пол.

  Please pass me the napkin; it fell on the floor.

• На столе лежат чистые салфетки для гостей.

  There are clean napkins on the table for the guests.

• В ресторане всегда подают бумажные салфетки с едой.

  In the restaurant, they always serve paper napkins with the food.

• Я использую салфетку, чтобы вытереть руки после обеда.

  I use the napkin to wipe my hands after lunch.

• Не забудьте взять салфетку из ящика, если идете на пикник.

  Don't forget to take a napkin from the drawer if you're going on a picnic.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тряпка (tryapka) - More general term for a cloth, often used informally for cleaning rags, but can overlap in non-dining contexts.
  • бумажная салфетка (bumazhnaya salfetka) - Specifically for paper napkins, emphasizing the material.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "napkin" is a neutral object without clear opposites in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• Бумажная салфетка - Paper napkin; Used for disposable napkins in fast-food settings or picnics.
• Тканевая салфетка - Cloth napkin; Refers to reusable fabric napkins, often in formal dining.
• Салфетка для рук - Hand napkin; A phrase emphasizing its use for wiping hands, common in everyday hygiene contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Салфетка" directly corresponds to the English "napkin" in most contexts, particularly for dining. It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings without restrictions. However, in Russian, specifying the material (e.g., "бумажная" for paper) helps avoid ambiguity. When choosing between translations, use "салфетка" for general purposes, but opt for more descriptive phrases if the context requires detail. Grammatically, it must agree in case, number, and gender with other elements in the sentence, as it's a feminine noun.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "салфетка" with "платок" (a handkerchief or scarf): English learners might misuse "платок" for a napkin, thinking it's similar. Incorrect: "Я взял платок для еды" (I took a handkerchief for food). Correct: "Я взял салфетку для еды" (I took a napkin for food). Explanation: "Платок" is for personal items like tissues, not table settings.

• Forgetting case agreement: Learners often use the nominative form everywhere. Incorrect: "Я ищу салфетка" (I am looking for napkin, wrong case). Correct: "Я ищу салфетку" (I am looking for a napkin, accusative case). Explanation: Always adjust for the sentence structure to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "салфетка" is a staple in both everyday and formal meals, reflecting the importance of cleanliness and hospitality. During family gatherings or holidays like New Year's Eve, cloth napkins might be used to enhance the table setting, symbolizing warmth and tradition, though paper versions are common in modern, casual settings.

Related Concepts:

• стол (table)
• еда (food)
• посуда (dishes)