Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spoon'

English Word: spoon

Key Russian Translations:

• ложка [ˈloʂkə] - [Feminine noun, Common in everyday language]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in daily conversations and is a basic vocabulary item in Russian.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a simple noun with straightforward usage, suitable for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ложка: [ˈloʂkə]

Note on ложка: The "ж" sound is a voiced palatal fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers; it sounds similar to the "s" in "measure." Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A utensil consisting of a bowl and a handle, used for eating, stirring, or serving food.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ложка - Used in general contexts for any spoon, especially in informal or everyday situations (e.g., in kitchens or dining).

Usage Examples:

• Возьми ложку и перемешай сахар в чае.

  Take a spoon and stir the sugar in the tea.

• Дети едят суп ложками.

  Children eat soup with spoons.

• В ящике лежат разные ложки: большая и маленькая.

  In the drawer, there are different spoons: a big one and a small one.

• Она накрыла стол, включая ложки и вилки.

  She set the table, including spoons and forks.

• Ложка упала на пол во время обеда.

  The spoon fell on the floor during lunch.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ложка" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, changing based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Ковш (kovsh) - For a larger spoon or ladle; used in cooking contexts.
  • Ложечка (lozhechka) - A diminutive form, implying a smaller or endearing spoon.
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for "ложка" as it is a concrete noun, but conceptually, it might contrast with tools like "вилка" (fork) in a dining set.

Related Phrases:

• Чайная ложка (chaynaya lozhka) - Teaspoon; a smaller spoon used for tea or measuring. (Used in kitchen measurements or tea preparation.)
• Столовая ложка (stolovaya lozhka) - Tablespoon; a larger spoon for eating or serving. (Common in formal dining or recipes.)
• Ложка дегтя в бочке меда (lozhka degtya v bocheke meda) - A spoonful of tar in a barrel of honey; an idiom meaning a small flaw that spoils something good. (Used metaphorically in expressions of disappointment.)

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "ложка" directly corresponds to the English "spoon" in most everyday contexts, but be aware that Russian often specifies types (e.g., "чайная ложка" for teaspoon). It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used across casual and formal settings. Grammatically, as a feminine noun, it requires feminine agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "эта ложка большая" - this spoon is big). When choosing between translations, use "ложка" for general references and more specific forms for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong gender agreement, e.g., saying "этой ложка" instead of "эта ложка" (where "этой" is for feminine genitive, but the sentence structure is incorrect).

  Correct: "Эта ложка чистая" (This spoon is clean). Explanation: "Ложка" is feminine, so adjectives must agree (e.g., use "чистая" not "чистый").

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "вилка" (fork), leading to misuse in sentences.

  Correct: Say "Возьми ложку" for "Take the spoon," not "Возьми вилку." Explanation: Ensure context is clear to avoid swapping everyday objects.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, spoons are integral to traditional meals, such as in borscht or tea-drinking rituals. The idiom "ложка дегтя в бочке меда" reflects a cultural pessimism, emphasizing how a small negative element can overshadow positives, which is common in Russian literature and proverbs.

Related Concepts:

• Вилка (fork)
• Нож (knife)
• Тарелка (plate)