Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'raisin'

English Word: raisin

Key Russian Translations:

• изюм [/ɪˈzʲum/] - [Informal, Common in everyday language]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in contexts related to food, cooking, and daily life, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "water" or "bread").

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward for new learners of Russian due to its simple form and common usage in basic sentences).

Pronunciation (Russian):

изюм: /ɪˈzʲum/ (The stress is on the second syllable, with a soft 'z' sound, which is typical in Russian palatalization.)

Note on изюм: Be mindful of the soft 'й' sound after 'з', which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'y' in "yes" but integrated into the word. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A dried grape used in cooking, baking, or as a snack.

Translation(s) & Context:

• изюм - Typically used in informal or everyday contexts, such as discussing food, recipes, or health snacks. It's the standard term for raisins in Russian grocery lists or conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю добавлять изюм в кашу по утрам.

  I love adding raisins to my oatmeal in the mornings. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing its use in daily routines.)

• В этом пироге много изюма, он придает сладость.

  This pie has a lot of raisins; it adds sweetness. (Here, the word is used in a descriptive context related to flavor in cooking.)

• Изюм полезен для здоровья, потому что содержит витамины.

  Raisins are healthy because they contain vitamins. (This demonstrates the word in a health-related discussion, showing its plural implied form in context.)

• В магазине я купил пакет изюма для десерта.

  At the store, I bought a bag of raisins for dessert. (This example illustrates the word in a shopping or transactional scenario.)

• Дети не едят изюм, они предпочитают свежие фрукты.

  Kids don't eat raisins; they prefer fresh fruits. (This shows contrast in preferences, highlighting the word in comparative structures.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Изюм" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, making it easy for beginners. No irregular forms exist, but remember that in plural, it can refer to a collection of raisins.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сушеный виноград (dried grape; more descriptive and formal, often used in written recipes or scientific contexts), засахаренный виноград (candied grape; for sweetened variants)
• Antonyms: свежий виноград (fresh grape; implies the opposite state, uncooked and not dried)

Explanation: "Сушеный виноград" is a near synonym but less common in casual speech, highlighting a slight difference in formality and specificity.

Related Phrases:

• Изюм в компоте - Raisins in compote (a traditional Russian fruit drink or dessert).
• Сдобный хлеб с изюмом - Sweet bread with raisins (common in baking, referring to enriched doughs).
• Изюм для здоровья - Raisins for health (used in wellness contexts, emphasizing nutritional benefits).

Usage Notes:

"Изюм" directly corresponds to the English "raisin" as a dried grape, but it's important to note that in Russian, it's primarily used in informal settings like home cooking or casual conversations. Unlike English, where "raisin" might be specified by type (e.g., golden raisins), Russian often relies on context or additional descriptors. When choosing between translations, use "изюм" for general purposes, but opt for "сушеный виноград" in formal writing. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence structure to avoid errors in Russian word order.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing "изюм" with "виноград" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Я ем виноград" when meaning raisins. Correct: "Я ем изюм". Explanation: "Виноград" means fresh grapes, so this mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in food-related discussions; always specify the processed state for raisins.

• Common Error: Forgetting to inflect the noun in sentences. Incorrect: "Купить изюм" in a context requiring genitive (e.g., "пакет изюма"). Correct: "Пакет изюма". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so learners should practice declensions to match the sentence's grammatical flow.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "изюм" is a staple in traditional desserts and compotes, often featured in holiday baking like during Maslenitsa or New Year's celebrations. It symbolizes simple, wholesome ingredients in rural and home cooking traditions, reflecting Russia's agricultural heritage and the importance of preserved foods in colder climates.

Related Concepts:

• виноград
• сушеный
• фрукты