Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sesame'

English Word: sesame

Key Russian Translations:

• кунжут /kʊnˈʐut/ - [Formal, Used in general contexts, such as food and agriculture]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly encountered in discussions about food, cooking, and health, but not in everyday casual conversation for all speakers.

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) - As a basic noun, it is straightforward for English learners of Russian, with no complex grammar rules initially.

Pronunciation (Russian):

кунжут: /kʊnˈʐut/

Note on кунжут: The 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure' in English, which can be challenging for beginners. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The seed of the sesame plant, used in cooking and food products

Translation(s) & Context:

• кунжут - Typically used in formal or everyday contexts related to cuisine, health foods, or agriculture in Russian-speaking regions.

Usage Examples:

• Я посыпал салат кунжутом для дополнительного вкуса.

  I sprinkled the salad with sesame for extra flavor.

• Кунжут часто добавляют в выпечку для хрустящей корочки.

  Sesame is often added to baked goods for a crunchy crust.

• В магазине я купил масло из кунжута для салатов.

  At the store, I bought sesame oil for salads.

• Кунжут богат питательными веществами, такими как кальций и железо.

  Sesame is rich in nutrients like calcium and iron.

• В традиционных рецептах кунжут используется для придания аромата блюдам.

  In traditional recipes, sesame is used to add aroma to dishes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кунжут is a masculine noun (second declension in Russian). It follows regular declension patterns for most cases. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: The plural form is used when referring to multiple seeds or types. This noun does not have irregular inflections, making it predictable for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сезам (sezam) - Often used interchangeably in botanical contexts, but less common in everyday speech; it refers specifically to the plant.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific noun without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• кунжутное масло - Sesame oil; used in cooking for flavoring and health benefits.
• семена кунжута - Sesame seeds; commonly found in salads or baked goods.
• паста из кунжута - Tahini paste; a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern and Russian-inspired dishes.

Usage Notes:

кунжут directly corresponds to the English "sesame" in most contexts, especially in food and nutrition. It is a neutral, formal term suitable for written recipes, scientific discussions, or casual conversations. Be cautious with context: in Russian, it might imply the seeds rather than the plant itself. When choosing between synonyms like "сезам," opt for "кунжут" in everyday usage for clarity. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., свежий кунжут for "fresh sesame").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the plural form incorrectly, e.g., saying "кунжуты" when referring to a single type of seed. Correct: Use singular "кунжут" for general references. Explanation: Russian nouns require precise case and number agreement; this mistake can confuse the quantity in context.

• Error: Confusing with similar seeds, e.g., mistakenly using "мак" (poppy) instead of "кунжут." Correct: "кунжут" specifically for sesame. Explanation: English learners often mix up seeds due to visual similarities; always verify through context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sesame (кунжут) is not as traditionally prominent as in Middle Eastern or Asian cuisines, but it has gained popularity in modern health-conscious diets. It appears in imported foods and recipes, symbolizing global culinary influences. Historically, sesame was introduced through trade routes, reflecting Russia's diverse cultural exchanges.

Related Concepts:

• мак (poppy)
• льняное семя (flaxseed)
• подсолнечник (sunflower seed)