Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'stewpot'

English Word: stewpot

Key Russian Translations:

• кастрюля [kʌˈstru.lʲə] - [Common, Informal]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday contexts related to cooking and household items, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "дом" for house.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it involves simple vocabulary for everyday objects; suitable for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кастрюля: [kʌˈstru.lʲə]

Note on кастрюля: The stress is on the second syllable ("stru"), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers used to harder consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A cooking vessel used for making stew or similar dishes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кастрюля - Used in everyday domestic settings for boiling, stewing, or simmering food; common in informal conversations about cooking.

Usage Examples:

• Я варю суп в кастрюле каждый вечер.

  I cook soup in the stewpot every evening. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing routine household activities.)

• Эта кастрюля слишком большая для моей кухни.

  This stewpot is too big for my kitchen. (Illustrates the noun with an adjective, demonstrating size descriptions in everyday complaints.)

• Не забудь помыть кастрюлю после ужина.

  Don't forget to wash the stewpot after dinner. (Shows the noun in an imperative sentence, common in family or shared living contexts.)

• В кастрюле можно приготовить вкусный плов.

  In the stewpot, you can make a tasty pilaf. (Demonstrates the noun in a recipe-related context, highlighting its versatility in Russian cuisine.)

• Моя бабушка использует старую кастрюлю для варенья.

  My grandmother uses an old stewpot for making jam. (This example places the noun in a familial, traditional context, showing its role in cultural cooking practices.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кастрюля is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for most Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for beginners. Always ensure agreement with adjectives and verbs based on gender and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • котел (kotel) - A larger pot, often used for boiling; differs from кастрюля by implying a more industrial or bulk-cooking context.
  • посуда (posuda) - General term for cookware, but less specific; used when referring to kitchen items broadly.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a concrete noun. However, conceptually, something like тарелка (tarelka, plate) could contrast as a non-cooking vessel.

Related Phrases:

• Большая кастрюля - Big stewpot; used for preparing large meals, e.g., for families or events. (Implies volume and capacity in cooking.)
• Металлическая кастрюля - Metal stewpot; common in modern kitchens, contrasting with traditional materials. (Highlights material specifications.)
• Кипятить в кастрюле - To boil in the stewpot; a fixed phrase for heating liquids. (Emphasizes action with the noun.)

Usage Notes:

кастрюля directly corresponds to "stewpot" in English, referring specifically to a deep pot for simmering or stewing. It is most commonly used in informal, everyday language, especially in domestic or culinary discussions. When choosing this translation, note that Russian nouns must agree in gender (feminine), number, and case with accompanying words. For example, use the genitive case in phrases like "в кастрюле" (in the stewpot). If the context involves a larger or more general pot, consider synonyms like "котел" for better precision. Avoid overusing in formal writing; opt for it in spoken or casual texts.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect case usage: English learners often forget to change the ending based on context. For example, saying "Я ем кастрюля" (wrong: I eat stewpot) instead of "Я ем из кастрюли" (correct: I eat from the stewpot). Explanation: Russian requires the genitive or prepositional case after prepositions like "из" (from).
• Gender agreement mistakes: Treating кастрюля as masculine, e.g., "Этот кастрюля" (wrong: This stewpot) instead of "Эта кастрюля" (correct: This stewpot). Explanation: Always use feminine adjectives and pronouns with this noun.
• Overgeneralization: Confusing it with "сковорода" (frying pan), leading to misuse in recipes. Correct usage: Reserve кастрюля for boiling/stewing, not frying.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the кастрюля holds a practical role in traditional cuisine, such as preparing borscht or pelmeni. It symbolizes home-cooked meals and family gatherings, often featured in folk stories or proverbs about hospitality. For instance, it's common in rural settings where large stewpots are used for communal feasts, reflecting the value of shared meals in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• сковорода (frying pan)
• чайник (kettle)
• посуда (cookware)