Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'teaspoon'

English Word: teaspoon

Key Russian Translations:

• чайная ложка [ˈtʃajnajə ˈlozhka] - [Formal, Common in everyday and culinary contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in recipes, cooking, and daily life but not in casual conversations as frequently as basic nouns.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary with simple pronunciation and usage, suitable for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

чайная ложка: [ˈtʃajnajə ˈlozhka]

Note on чайная ложка: The stress is on the first syllable of each word. The 'ч' is pronounced like 'ch' in 'church', and the 'ж' sounds like 'zh' in 'measure'. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) which softens the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A small spoon used for stirring tea or as a unit of measurement for small quantities of ingredients.

Translation(s) & Context:

• чайная ложка - Used in culinary contexts for measuring ingredients or referring to the spoon itself; common in formal recipes and everyday Russian speech.

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, добавьте одну чайную ложку сахара в чай.

  Please add one teaspoon of sugar to the tea. (Demonstrates basic measurement in a beverage context.)

• В рецепте указано использовать две чайные ложки соли.

  The recipe calls for using two teaspoons of salt. (Shows usage in cooking instructions.)

• Эта чайная ложка идеально подходит для измерения специй.

  This teaspoon is perfect for measuring spices. (Illustrates the tool in a kitchen setting.)

• Не забудьте взять чайную ложку меда из шкафа.

  Don't forget to take a teaspoon of honey from the cupboard. (Example of referring to the physical object.)

• В диетах часто рекомендуют чайную ложку масла в день.

  In diets, a teaspoon of oil per day is often recommended. (Context in health and nutrition.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"чайная ложка" is a feminine noun in Russian. It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The adjective "чайная" agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case, which is a regular feature of Russian adjectives.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: маленькая ложка (little spoon; used informally for the same object, emphasizing size rather than specific function)
• ложечка (diminutive form; implies affection or smallness, often in casual contexts)
• Antonyms: столовая ложка (tablespoon; a larger spoon for measuring bigger quantities)

Related Phrases:

• чайная ложка сахара - A teaspoon of sugar (Common in recipes; refers to a small measured amount of sweetener.)
• добавить чайную ложку соли - To add a teaspoon of salt (Used in cooking instructions for seasoning.)
• измерить чайной ложкой - To measure with a teaspoon (Implies using the spoon as a tool for precise quantities.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "чайная ложка" directly corresponds to the English "teaspoon" as both a physical object and a unit of measurement (approximately 5 ml). It is neutral in formality but leans formal in written recipes. When choosing between translations, use "чайная ложка" for standard contexts; opt for "ложечка" in affectionate or informal speech. Grammatically, always ensure adjectives agree with the noun in case, number, and gender. For example, in plural forms, it becomes "чайные ложки" to maintain agreement.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "чайная ложка" with "столовая ложка" (tablespoon), leading to incorrect measurements in recipes.

  Correct: Use "чайная ложка" for small amounts (e.g., "Добавьте чайную ложку перца" - Add a teaspoon of pepper).

  Explanation: "Столовая ложка" is larger (about 15 ml), so this mix-up can alter outcomes in cooking; always check the context for size.

• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "чайная ложек" instead of "чайных ложек" in plural genitive.

  Correct: "Несколько чайных ложек" (Several teaspoons).

  Explanation: Russian requires full agreement, which English learners often overlook due to the lack of similar rules in English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "чайная ложка" is a staple in everyday life, reflecting the importance of tea-drinking traditions. Tea is a central part of social interactions, and using a teaspoon for sugar or honey underscores hospitality and precision in preparation, though it doesn't carry deep historical connotations beyond practical kitchen use.

Related Concepts:

• столовая ложка
• грамм
• мерная чашка