Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sardine'

English Word: sardine

Key Russian Translations:

• сардина /sarˈdʲina/ - [Formal, Singular; Used in general and culinary contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in food-related discussions but not everyday conversation; appears in recipes, markets, and dietary contexts in Russian media).

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner; Straightforward vocabulary for learners familiar with basic food terms, with no complex grammar involved).

Pronunciation (Russian):

сардина: /sarˈdʲina/ (The stress is on the second syllable; the "дʲ" represents a palatalized 'd' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers).

Note on сардина: Be mindful of the palatalization in "дʲ," which softens the sound similar to the 'd' in "duty" in English. Pronunciation can vary slightly by region, with a more rolled 'r' in some dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fish (Clupea sardina) - Refers to the small, oily fish commonly used in food.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сардина - Used in formal and everyday contexts related to cuisine, fishing, or nutrition; often in singular or plural forms when discussing canned or fresh fish.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил банку сардин для салата.

  I bought a can of sardines for the salad. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting its use in grocery or meal preparation contexts.)

• Сардина — это полезная рыба, богатая омега-3.

  Sardine is a healthy fish, rich in omega-3. (Demonstrates the word in a descriptive context, emphasizing nutritional aspects in informational writing.)

• В ресторане подают свежие сардины с лимоном.

  The restaurant serves fresh sardines with lemon. (Illustrates usage in a dining or menu-related scenario, showing plural form for multiple items.)

• Моя бабушка консервирует сардины каждое лето.

  My grandmother cans sardines every summer. (This shows the word in a familial or traditional context, incorporating verbs like "консервирует" for preservation.)

• Сардина в масле — популярный ингредиент в русских салатах.

  Sardines in oil are a popular ingredient in Russian salads. (Highlights cultural adaptation, using the word with modifiers like "в масле" in a recipe context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сардина" is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard noun inflections for case, number, and gender. Unlike some irregular nouns, it has predictable changes based on grammatical rules.

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. In plural, it is commonly used in contexts like "банка сардин" (a can of sardines).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: анчоус (anchovy; similar small fish, but with a saltier taste; used interchangeably in some recipes), шпрот (sprat; a related fish, often in canned forms).
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "sardine" is a specific type of fish; however, larger fish like лосось (salmon) could be considered opposites in size or type.

Related Phrases:

• Консервированная сардина — Canned sardine; a common pantry item in Russian households, often used in quick meals.
• Свежая сардина — Fresh sardine; Refers to fish bought directly from markets, emphasizing seasonal availability.
• Сардина в масле — Sardines in oil; A popular preparation method, typically for salads or appetizers.
• Салат с сардиной — Salad with sardines; A fixed phrase for dishes like the traditional Russian Olivier salad variant.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сардина" directly corresponds to the English "sardine" as a type of fish, but it's most commonly used in formal or written contexts like recipes and nutrition labels. English learners should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for grammatical agreement (e.g., genitive for possession). When choosing between synonyms like "анчоус," opt for "сардина" if the context specifically involves this fish species. It's neutral in terms of formality but can sound more technical in scientific discussions.

• Avoid overusing in casual speech; Russians might simply say "рыба" (fish) in everyday talk unless specifying.
• Grammar tip: As a feminine noun, it pairs with feminine adjectives, e.g., "свежая сардина" (fresh sardine).

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "сардина" with "анчоус" (anchovy), leading to incorrect substitutions in recipes. For example:

• Error: "Я ем анчоусы" when meaning sardines, which might imply a different, saltier fish.
• Correct: "Я ем сардины" — The plural form is key for multiple items. Explanation: Always check the specific fish type; "анчоусы" has a stronger flavor, so context matters to avoid culinary mismatches.
• Another common mistake is incorrect case usage, e.g., saying "банка сардина" instead of "банка сардин" (genitive plural). Correct form: "банка сардин" — This ensures proper grammatical agreement in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sardines are a staple in preserved foods, often linked to Soviet-era traditions where canned fish like "сардина в масле" was a common, affordable protein source. They appear in everyday dishes such as salads or zakuski (appetizers), reflecting resourcefulness in Russian cuisine, especially in coastal regions like the Black Sea area.

Related Concepts:

• анчоус (anchovy)
• шпрот (sprat)
• лосось (salmon)
• консервы (canned goods)