Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'snack'

English Word: snack

Key Russian Translations:

• перекус [pʲɪrʲɪˈkus] - [Informal, commonly used for a quick, casual bite]
• закуска [zɐˈkuskə] - [Formal, often refers to appetizers or small dishes in social settings]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, especially in informal contexts like meals or daily routines)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and everyday vocabulary. For 'перекус', it's straightforward; for 'закуска', slight nuance in formal contexts may add complexity)

Pronunciation (Russian):

перекус: [pʲɪrʲɪˈkus]

Note on перекус: The stress falls on the second syllable ('ɪˈkus'), which is a common feature in Russian words ending in -kus. Palatalization of 'p' may be challenging for beginners.

закуска: [zɐˈkuskə]

Note on закуска: Stress on the second syllable ('kus'), with a soft 's' sound. The final 'a' is often reduced in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A small amount of food eaten between meals or as a quick bite.

Translation(s) & Context:

• перекус - Used in everyday, informal situations, such as grabbing something quick during a break.
• закуска - Applied in more structured contexts, like parties or meals, where it's part of a spread of small dishes.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял перекус из холодильника перед работой.

  I took a snack from the fridge before work. (This example shows 'перекус' in a daily routine, emphasizing convenience.)

• На вечеринке подали вкусные закуски с овощами и сыром.

  At the party, they served tasty snacks with vegetables and cheese. (Here, 'закуска' illustrates a formal social setting.)

• После пробежки я всегда ем перекус, чтобы восстановить силы.

  After my run, I always eat a snack to regain energy. (Demonstrates 'перекус' in a health or fitness context.)

• Эти закуски идеальны для фуршета с друзьями.

  These snacks are perfect for a buffet with friends. (Highlights 'закуска' in plural form for events.)

• Дети любят перекус во время просмотра мультфильмов.

  Kids love having a snack while watching cartoons. (Shows 'перекус' in a family or leisure context.)

Meaning 2: A light meal or something eaten casually without formality.

Translation(s) & Context:

• перекус - Informal and versatile, often implying something portable or impromptu.
• закуска - Can overlap but leans towards culturally specific uses, like in Russian traditions.

Usage Examples:

• В парке мы устроили быстрый перекус с фруктами.

  In the park, we had a quick snack with fruits. (Illustrates outdoor, casual use.)

• Закуска из соленых огурцов всегда на столе во время праздников.

  Pickled cucumber snacks are always on the table during holidays. (Shows cultural integration.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'перекус' and 'закуска' are masculine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender.

Note: These words do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • закуска (similar to 'перекус' but more formal)
  • лёгкий ужин (light supper, implying a small meal with subtle differences in timing)
• Antonyms:
  • полный обед (full meal, contrasting with the lightness of a snack)
  • основное блюдо (main course, emphasizing substantiality)

Related Phrases:

• быстрый перекус - A quick snack; used for on-the-go eating in busy schedules.
• закуска к чаю - Snacks with tea; a common Russian tradition for afternoon tea.
• свежие закуски - Fresh snacks; often refers to healthy or homemade options.

Usage Notes:

'Перекус' is the most direct and informal equivalent to 'snack' in English, ideal for everyday contexts, while 'закуска' carries a cultural connotation, often linked to Russian hospitality and social gatherings. Choose 'перекус' for casual, personal use and 'закуска' for formal or event-based scenarios. Be mindful of grammatical gender (both are masculine), which affects adjective agreements, e.g., 'вкусный перекус' (tasty snack). In spoken Russian, these words may vary by region, so context is key for accurate usage.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'перекус' with 'закуска': Learners might use 'закуска' in informal settings, which sounds overly formal. Correct: Use 'перекус' for quick eats; Error example: "Я ем закуска на улице" (incorrect); Correct: "Я ем перекус на улице".
• Improper inflection: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., saying "без перекус" instead of "без перекуса" in genitive. Error: "Я без перекус"; Correct: "Я без перекуса" (without a snack), as it requires the genitive form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'закуска' is deeply tied to traditions like the 'закуска table' at feasts or holidays, symbolizing hospitality and community. It often includes preserved foods like pickles or smoked fish, reflecting historical preservation methods in Russia's climate. This adds a social layer to the word, unlike the more utilitarian 'snack' in English.

Related Concepts:

• еда (food)
• обед (meal)
• фрукты (fruits, often as healthy snacks)