Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'picnic'

English Word: picnic

Key Russian Translations:

• пикник [pʲɪkˈnʲik] - [Informal, Commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is not among the most common in Russian, but it is widely understood in modern contexts, especially in urban or leisure-related discussions.)

Difficulty: A2 (Borrowed from English, making it relatively easy for beginners to recognize and use, but proper inflection requires basic knowledge of Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пикник: [pʲɪkˈnʲik]

Note on пикник: The stress falls on the second syllable ('nik'), which is a common feature in Russian borrowed words. Be mindful of the soft 'пʲ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A social gathering where people eat outdoors in a natural setting.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пикник - Used in casual conversations about leisure activities, such as family outings or picnics in parks; appropriate for informal or everyday contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Мы устроили пикник в лесу, чтобы насладиться свежим воздухом.

  We had a picnic in the forest to enjoy the fresh air. (This example shows the word in a nominative case, describing a planned outdoor event.)

• Пикник с друзьями всегда поднимает настроение в выходные.

  A picnic with friends always lifts the spirits on weekends. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a singular nominative form, emphasizing emotional context.)

• Во время пикника мы играли в игры и ели бутерброды.

  During the picnic, we played games and ate sandwiches. (This illustrates the word in the prepositional case, as part of a temporal phrase.)

• Организовать пикник на природе стало традицией для нашей семьи.

  Organizing a picnic in nature has become a tradition for our family. (Shows the word in various syntactic roles, highlighting routine usage.)

• После дождя пикник пришлось отменить из-за грязи.

  After the rain, we had to cancel the picnic because of the mud. (This example uses the word in an accusative context, discussing interruptions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'пикник' is a masculine noun (third declension) borrowed from English, so it follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns. It changes based on case, number, and gender agreement. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners, but always ensure agreement with adjectives or verbs in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пикник на природе (outdoor meal) - Often used interchangeably but emphasizes the natural setting.
  • загородный обед (country lunch) - A more descriptive synonym for formal contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • домашний ужин (home dinner) - Refers to indoor meals, contrasting with outdoor activities.

Related Phrases:

• Организовать пикник (Organize a picnic) - A common phrase for planning outdoor events; used in casual planning.
• Пикник на свежем воздухе (Picnic in the fresh air) - Emphasizes health benefits; often in health or family contexts.
• Летний пикник (Summer picnic) - Refers to seasonal activities; implies enjoyment during warmer months.

Usage Notes:

'Пикник' directly corresponds to the English 'picnic' as a borrowed word, making it a straightforward translation for leisure activities. However, in Russian, it is typically used in informal settings and may require proper case inflection to fit grammatically. For example, choose 'пикник' in nominative for subjects, but adjust to genitive (пикника) when indicating possession. If multiple translations exist, opt for 'пикник' in modern contexts, but 'загородный обед' for more traditional or formal descriptions. Be aware of regional variations; in urban Russia, it's common, but in rural areas, native equivalents might be preferred.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'пикник' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я иду на пикник" but incorrectly as "Я иду на пикника" in contexts requiring genitive.

  Correct: "Я иду на пикник" (nominative for direct objects). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; always check the sentence structure to avoid this beginner mistake.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like 'пикет' (picket or protest), leading to misuse in sentences.

  Correct: Use 'пикник' only for outdoor meals. Explanation: These words sound alike but have entirely different meanings, so context is key for English learners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'пикник' often evokes images of family gatherings in nature, such as in dachas (country houses) or parks, reflecting a deep appreciation for outdoor activities amidst vast landscapes. It can carry connotations of relaxation and community, especially during summer festivals like Maslenitsa, where outdoor feasting is traditional.

Related Concepts:

• барбекю (barbecue)
• прогулка (walk or stroll)
• отдых на природе (outdoor rest)