Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vinegar'

English Word: vinegar

Key Russian Translations:

• уксус [ˈuksʊs] - [Common, used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (уксус is a frequently used word in Russian, especially in culinary and household discussions).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; the word is straightforward and commonly encountered in basic vocabulary lists for language learners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

уксус: [ˈuksʊs]

Note on уксус: The stress falls on the first syllable. The 'у' is pronounced like the 'oo' in "book," and the 'с' is a soft s sound. Pronunciation can vary slightly by dialect, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A liquid used as a condiment or preservative, made from fermented alcohol.

Translation(s) & Context:

• уксус - Used in general contexts for vinegar as a food ingredient or cleaning agent.

Usage Examples:

• Я добавляю уксус в салат, чтобы сделать его вкуснее.

  I add vinegar to the salad to make it tastier.

• Уксус необходим для маринада мяса.

  Vinegar is necessary for marinating meat.

• В домашних средствах часто используют уксус для чистоты.

  Vinegar is often used in household remedies for cleaning.

• Купи яблочный уксус в магазине для здоровья.

  Buy apple vinegar at the store for health benefits.

• Без уксуса суп кажется пресным.

  Without vinegar, the soup tastes bland.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

уксус is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows regular noun inflection patterns in Russian, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its forms:

Note: The plural form is less common, as vinegar is typically referred to in singular contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: оцет (ocet) - An older or regional variant, often used in poetic or historical contexts.
• Antonyms: сахар (sahkar) - Sugar, as it represents a sweet opposite to the sour nature of vinegar.

Related Phrases:

• Яблочный уксус - Apple vinegar; a common type used for health and cooking.
• Бальзамический уксус - Balsamic vinegar; refers to a specific gourmet variety.
• Уксусная эссенция - Vinegar essence; a concentrated form used in cleaning or pickling.

Usage Notes:

уксус directly corresponds to "vinegar" in English and is used in similar contexts, such as cooking, cleaning, or health remedies. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both everyday conversations and formal writing. Be mindful of its inflections when constructing sentences; for example, in the genitive case (уксуса), it indicates possession or origin. When choosing between synonyms like оцет, opt for уксус in modern contexts for clarity. In recipes, it's often paired with other ingredients, emphasizing its role as a flavor enhancer.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я ем уксус" (incorrect for "I eat vinegar" in certain contexts) instead of "Я ем салат с уксусом" (I eat salad with vinegar). Correct: Always adjust for prepositional phrases. Explanation: Russian requires precise case agreement, which English speakers might overlook.

• Error: Confusing with similar-sounding words like "укроп" (dill). Incorrect Example: "Добавь укроп в суп" when meaning vinegar. Correct: Use "уксус" for vinegar to avoid mix-ups. Explanation: Pay attention to vowel sounds to differentiate vocabulary.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, уксус is a staple in traditional cuisine, often featured in salads, pickles, and homemade remedies. It symbolizes simplicity and resourcefulness, as seen in rural or Soviet-era practices where vinegar was used for preservation during winters. While not deeply symbolic, it reflects the practical aspects of Russian daily life and home cooking.

Related Concepts:

• соль (salt)
• перец (pepper)
• масло (oil)