Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prawn'

English Word: prawn

Key Russian Translations:

• креветка [ˈkrʲe.vʲɪt.kə] - [Informal; commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered regularly in conversations about food, cooking, and daily life in Russian-speaking regions, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "еда" (food).)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner; suitable for elementary learners as it involves basic noun forms and pronunciation, though the soft consonants in Russian may pose a slight challenge for English speakers.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

креветка: [ˈkrʲe.vʲɪt.kə]

Note on креветка: The initial "кр" sound is a voiceless alveolar trill followed by a palatalized "р", which can be tricky for English speakers. Practice the soft "e" sound as in "yes".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A marine crustacean, typically referring to a type of shrimp used in cooking or as seafood.

Translation(s) & Context:

• креветка - Used in general contexts for shrimp or prawns in culinary discussions, informal conversations, or recipes. It is the standard term in both spoken and written Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю есть креветки с лимоном.

  I love eating prawns with lemon. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting everyday food preferences.)

• В супермаркете продают свежие креветки.

  The supermarket sells fresh prawns. (Demonstrates usage in a commercial or shopping context, with the noun in its base form.)

• Креветка является ингредиентом в многих салатах.

  Prawn is an ingredient in many salads. (Illustrates the word in a more descriptive sentence, emphasizing its role in Russian cuisine.)

• Мы приготовили пасту с креветками на ужин.

  We cooked pasta with prawns for dinner. (Shows the plural form in a domestic setting, common in meal preparation discussions.)

• В ресторане подают жареные креветки с соусом.

  The restaurant serves fried prawns with sauce. (This example places the word in a dining-out scenario, varying the grammatical structure.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Креветка" is a feminine noun in Russian (first declension). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • рачок (small shrimp variant, often used for tiny or freshwater shrimp; less formal and more regional)
  • креветочный (adjectival form, e.g., for shrimp-related items)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "креветка" is a specific type of seafood. However, opposites in a broader food context might include "мясо" (meat) for non-seafood options.

Related Phrases:

• Отварные креветки - Boiled prawns (A common preparation method in Russian cuisine, often served as an appetizer.)
• Жареные креветки с чесноком - Fried prawns with garlic (Used in recipes for quick meals or restaurant dishes.)
• Салат с креветками - Salad with prawns (A popular dish in everyday and festive settings, highlighting the word in compound phrases.)

Usage Notes:

"Креветка" directly corresponds to "prawn" or "shrimp" in English and is the most accurate translation for culinary contexts. It is neutral in tone and can be used across formal and informal settings, such as in recipes, conversations, or menus. Be mindful of its feminine gender when constructing sentences, as it affects adjective agreements (e.g., "свежая креветка" for "fresh prawn"). If multiple translations exist, choose "креветка" for general purposes; use "рачок" only for smaller varieties. In Russian, this word often appears in plural forms in recipes due to prawns being consumed in quantities.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the wrong gender or case, e.g., saying "креветка" in the genitive as "креветка" instead of "креветки" (correct: "у меня есть креветка" should be "у меня есть креветки" for plural possession).
  Correct: "Я купил креветок" (I bought prawns). Explanation: English speakers might overlook Russian case endings, leading to grammatical errors; always check the context for proper declension.
• Mistake: Confusing with similar words like "краб" (crab), resulting in misuse in sentences.
  Correct: Use "креветка" specifically for prawns, not "краб". Explanation: This error stems from visual similarities in seafood; clarify through context to avoid mix-ups.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "креветка" is a staple in seafood dishes, often featured in salads like Olivier salad or as part of zakuski (appetizers) during holidays. It reflects Russia's coastal influences, particularly from the Black Sea and Pacific regions, symbolizing affordable luxury in everyday meals and festive gatherings.

Related Concepts:

• рыба (fish)
• омар (lobster)
• устрица (oyster)