Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vodka'

English Word: vodka

Key Russian Translations:

• водка [ˈvodkə] - [Formal, Common noun]

Frequency: High (This word is very commonly used in everyday Russian conversations, especially in social, cultural, or culinary contexts.)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

водка: [ˈvodkə]

Note on водка: The stress is on the first syllable ('vo'), and the 'o' is pronounced as a short vowel similar to the 'o' in "hot" in English. Be cautious with the soft 'd' sound, which can vary slightly in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: An alcoholic beverage made from distilled grains or potatoes, often associated with Russian culture.

Translation(s) & Context:

• водка - Used in formal and informal contexts to refer to the drink, such as in social gatherings, recipes, or historical discussions (e.g., in a sentence about traditional Russian drinks).

Usage Examples:

• Я пью водку только по особым случаям.

  I drink vodka only on special occasions.

• В России водка является частью национальной кухни.

  In Russia, vodka is part of the national cuisine.

• Он налил стакан водки для тоста.

  He poured a glass of vodka for the toast.

• Водка в этом рецепте придает блюду особый вкус.

  Vodka in this recipe gives the dish a special flavor.

• Многие туристы пробуют водку, чтобы понять русскую культуру.

  Many tourists try vodka to understand Russian culture.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"водка" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "водка" typically refers to the substance in singular contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: спиртное (spirtnoye) - A general term for alcoholic drinks; самогон (samogon) - Informal, referring to homemade distilled spirits, often with a rustic connotation.
• Antonyms: безалкогольный напиток (bezalkogol'nyy napitok) - Non-alcoholic beverage, highlighting the absence of alcohol.

Related Phrases:

• Русская водка (Russkaya vodka) - Refers to traditional Russian vodka; meaning: A specific type of vodka associated with Russian heritage.
• Выпить стопку водки (Vypit' stopku vodki) - To drink a shot of vodka; meaning: Common in social or celebratory contexts, often implying a toast.
• Водка с закуской (Vodka s zakuskoj) - Vodka with appetizers; meaning: A traditional way of consuming vodka in Russia, paired with food to mitigate effects.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "водка" directly corresponds to the English "vodka" and is used in similar contexts, but it carries strong cultural associations in Russia, such as in toasts, holidays, or literature. It is neutral in formality but should be used cautiously in professional settings due to its link with alcohol. When choosing between translations, "водка" is the most precise; avoid synonyms like "спиртное" if specificity is needed. Grammatically, as a feminine noun, it requires feminine agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "хорошая водка" for "good vodka").

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я пью водка" instead of "Я пью водку" (accusative case after the verb "пью").
  Correct: "Я пью водку" - Explanation: Verbs of consumption require the accusative case for direct objects.
• Mistake: Confusing with plural forms unnecessarily, e.g., "Я купил водки" when singular is intended.
  Correct: "Я купил водку" - Explanation: Use singular unless referring to multiple types or bottles explicitly.
• Mistake: Pronouncing it as [vɒdka] like the English version.
  Correct: [ˈvodkə] - Explanation: The Russian pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable and uses a softer vowel sound.

Cultural Notes:

"Водка" is more than just a drink in Russian culture; it symbolizes hospitality, celebration, and even resilience. Originating from Russia in the 14th century, it's often featured in literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy) and traditions like New Year's toasts. However, due to historical issues with alcoholism, it's sometimes viewed critically in modern contexts, reflecting broader social attitudes toward alcohol consumption.

Related Concepts:

• самогон
• закуска
• тост