Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sugar'

English Word: sugar

Key Russian Translations:

• сахар [ˈsaxər] - [Formal, Commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is one of the most common nouns in Russian, appearing frequently in daily conversations, recipes, and literature.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary for new learners, with simple pronunciation and basic grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сахар: [ˈsaxər]

Note on сахар: The stress is on the first syllable, which is common in Russian nouns. The 'х' is pronounced as a guttural 'kh' sound, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish "loch." Be cautious of regional variations in speed and intonation.

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Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A sweet crystalline substance used as a sweetener or in food.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сахар - Used in general contexts for table sugar, such as in cooking, shopping, or health discussions. This is the standard translation for everyday English usage.

Usage Examples:

• Я добавляю сахар в чай каждое утро. (Ya dobavlyayu sakhar v chay kazhdoe utro.)

  I add sugar to my tea every morning. (This example shows the noun in a simple daily routine context.)

• Без сахара этот кофе слишком горький. (Bez sakharа etot kofe slishkom gorkiy.)

  Without sugar, this coffee is too bitter. (Illustrates the noun in a comparative sentence, highlighting its role in taste modification.)

• В рецепте указано полкило сахара. (V retsepte ukazano polkilo sakharа.)

  The recipe calls for half a kilo of sugar. (Demonstrates usage in a measurement context, common in cooking.)

• Сахар полезен в умеренных количествах. (Sakhar polezen v umerennykh kolichestvakh.)

  Sugar is beneficial in moderate amounts. (Shows the noun in a health-related discussion, with an adjective modifier.)

• Дети любят сладкое, особенно сахар. (Deti lyubyat sladkoye, osobenno sakhar.)

  Children love sweets, especially sugar. (This example places the word in a broader thematic context involving preferences.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сахар" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it easy for beginners to learn.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сладкий порошок (sladkiy poroshok) - Literally "sweet powder," used informally for sugar in powdered form; implies a more descriptive context.
  • глюкоза (glyukoza) - In scientific or health contexts, referring specifically to glucose, but can overlap in everyday talk.
• Antonyms:
  • соль (sol') - Used for salt, the opposite in taste and culinary applications.
  • горький (gorkiy) - An adjective meaning "bitter," contrasting with the sweetness of sugar.

Related Phrases:

• Сахарный диабет (Sakharnyy diabet) - Meaning: Diabetes; a common medical phrase referring to a condition related to sugar metabolism.
• Добавить сахар (Dobavit' sakhar) - Meaning: To add sugar; used in recipes or daily instructions for sweetening food or drinks.
• Без сахара (Bez sakharа) - Meaning: Sugar-free; often seen in dietary contexts, like ordering coffee or labeling products.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сахар" directly corresponds to the English "sugar" in most contexts, but it's important to note its masculine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "свежий сахар" for "fresh sugar"). It's versatile across formal and informal settings, from casual conversations to technical discussions. When choosing between translations, use "сахар" for general purposes; opt for synonyms like "глюкоза" in medical contexts. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence case to avoid errors in Russian sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in different cases, e.g., saying "Я купил сахар" correctly for accusative, but incorrectly using "сахар" in genitive as "сахар" instead of "сахара."

  Correct: Я ем сахар (nominative) vs. Я ем сахара (genitive in plural). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, unlike English, so learners must practice declensions to sound natural.

• Error: Confusing "сахар" with "сладкий" (sweet), treating them as identical. For example, saying "сладкий" when "сахар" is needed for the substance.

  Correct: Use "сахар" for the noun form. Explanation: "Сладкий" is an adjective, so they serve different roles; misuse can lead to unclear meaning in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sugar is deeply tied to tea-drinking traditions. Russians often add sugar to tea or use it in sweet pastries like blini or pirozhki, symbolizing hospitality. Historically, sugar was a luxury in Russia before the 19th century, influencing its portrayal in literature, such as in works by Tolstoy, where it represents social status or everyday comfort.

Related Concepts:

• мёд (myod) - Honey
• конфета (konfeta) - Candy
• сладкий (sladkiy) - Sweet (adjective)