Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'restaurant'

English Word: restaurant

Key Russian Translations:

• ресторан /rʲɪˈsran/ - [Formal, Common noun, Used in everyday contexts such as dining out]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in modern Russian speech and writing, especially in urban and tourist contexts.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary) - Straightforward for beginners due to its phonetic similarity to English, but requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions.

Pronunciation (Russian):

ресторан: /rʲɪˈsran/

Note on ресторан: The initial 'р' is rolled and palatalized (rʲ), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in pronunciation may occur in dialects, such as a softer 'р' in southern regions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A commercial establishment where meals are prepared and served to customers.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ресторан - Used for formal or upscale dining establishments; common in both casual and professional contexts, such as travel or business discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Мы пошли в ресторан, чтобы отметить день рождения.

  We went to the restaurant to celebrate the birthday.

• Этот ресторан предлагает блюда из русской кухни.

  This restaurant offers dishes from Russian cuisine.

• В выходные ресторан был полон посетителей.

  The restaurant was full of visitors on the weekend.

• Я забронировал столик в ресторане на восемь вечера.

  I booked a table at the restaurant for eight in the evening.

• Ресторан находится недалеко от центра города.

  The restaurant is located not far from the city center.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ресторан is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no irregularities. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not change in the plural for some contexts, but the above covers standard usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кафе (cafe) - Often used for smaller, casual eateries; less formal than ресторан.
  • столовая (canteen) - Implies a more communal or institutional setting, like a workplace cafeteria.
• Antonyms:
  • домашняя кухня (home kitchen) - Refers to cooking or eating at home, contrasting with public dining.

Related Phrases:

• Итальянский ресторан - An Italian restaurant; used when specifying cuisine types.
• Ресторан быстрого питания - Fast-food restaurant; common in modern urban contexts.
• Элитный ресторан - Upscale or luxury restaurant; implies high-end dining experiences.
• Семейный ресторан - Family-oriented restaurant; emphasizes casual, kid-friendly environments.

Usage Notes:

ресторан directly corresponds to the English "restaurant" but is typically used for establishments with table service. It is neutral in formality and can appear in both spoken and written Russian. Be mindful of declensions when using it in sentences; for example, in prepositional phrases like "в ресторане" (in the restaurant). If the context involves casual eating, consider synonyms like кафе for better nuance. Multiple translations aren't common here, but choose based on the level of formality.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "ресторан" in all cases, e.g., saying "Я иду в ресторан" instead of correctly declining it in other contexts.

  Correct Usage: In genitive, say "Я ем в ресторане" (I eat in the restaurant). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners often forget to adjust for prepositions like "в" (in).

• Error: Confusing with "кафе" and using ресторан for very informal settings.

  Correct Usage: Use кафе for coffee shops; ресторан for full meals. Explanation: This can make speech sound overly formal in casual situations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, restaurants (рестораны) often reflect a mix of traditional and international influences, such as blini or pelmeni alongside Italian pasta. Historically, they became popular in urban areas during the Soviet era as social hubs, and today, they symbolize hospitality and celebration, especially during events like New Year's Eve or weddings.

Related Concepts:

• кафе
• столовая
• бистро
• кухня