Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'whiskey'

English Word: whiskey

Key Russian Translations:

• виски [ˈvʲiskʲi] - [Neutral; commonly used in everyday contexts for the alcoholic beverage]

Frequency: Medium (This term is moderately common in modern Russian, especially in urban or social settings discussing beverages, but not as frequent as basic food items.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner; as a borrowed word from English, it is straightforward for learners, requiring basic recognition of loanwords and simple pronunciation.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

виски: [ˈvʲiskʲi]

Note on виски: The initial 'в' is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative [v], and the 'и' at the end can vary slightly in speeded speech. Stress is on the first syllable, which is common for many Russian loanwords.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash (e.g., Scotch, bourbon).

Translation(s) & Context:

• виски - Used in neutral or informal contexts when referring to whiskey as a drink, often in social or culinary discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я предпочитаю виски с колой на вечеринках.

  I prefer whiskey with cola at parties.

• Виски из Шотландии считается элитным напитком.

  Whiskey from Scotland is considered an elite drink.

• Он заказал двойной виски в баре.

  He ordered a double whiskey at the bar.

• Виски может быть частью коктейля, например, в мохито.

  Whiskey can be part of a cocktail, for example, in a mojito variant.

• После ужина мы выпили по стакану виски.

  After dinner, we had a glass of whiskey each.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "виски" is a masculine noun (from English "whiskey") and follows the standard patterns for Russian third-declension nouns, though as a loanword, it may not always inflect regularly. It is typically indeclinable in informal use, but in formal contexts, it can show basic case changes.

Note: As a modern loanword, "виски" often remains unchanged across cases, especially in spoken Russian, making it simpler for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • вискарь (viskar' - a more colloquial or regional variant, implying a stronger or homemade version)
  • бурбон (burbon - specifically for bourbon whiskey, with a nuance of American origin)
• Antonyms:
  • вода (voda - water, as a non-alcoholic opposite)
  • сок (sok - juice, emphasizing non-alcoholic beverages)

Related Phrases:

• стакан виски (stakan viski) - A glass of whiskey; used in casual drinking contexts.
• двойной виски (dvoynoy viski) - Double whiskey; common in bar orders, implying a larger serving.
• виски с содовой (viski s sodovoy) - Whiskey with soda; a popular mixed drink, often for lighter consumption.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "виски" directly corresponds to the English "whiskey" as a borrowed term, making it easy for English speakers to adopt. It is neutral in tone but can carry a connotation of sophistication or Western influence. Use it in informal or social settings; for formal writing, pair it with descriptors like "шотландское виски" for precision. When multiple translations exist, choose based on context: "виски" for general use, "бурбон" for specifics. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun and rarely inflects, so no major adjustments are needed in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "виски" with "вино" (wine): Learners might mistakenly use "вино" when meaning whiskey, e.g., saying "Я пью вино" instead of "Я пью виски." Correct usage: "Я пью виски" – This error stems from similar sounds in English words like "wine" and "whiskey," but they are distinct in Russian.

• Over-inflecting the word: Some might add unnecessary endings, like "виский" (incorrect). Correct: Keep it as "виски" in most cases, as in "Пить виски" (To drink whiskey), not "Пить виский."

• Ignoring context: Using "виски" in non-drinking contexts, e.g., confusing it with the English "whisky" as a surname. Correct: Reserve for beverages, as in "Этот виски из Ирландии" (This whiskey is from Ireland).

Cultural Notes:

"Виски" in Russian culture often evokes associations with Western, particularly Scottish or American, traditions, as it is a foreign loanword. It may symbolize luxury or modernity in media and social events, but it's not deeply rooted in traditional Russian folklore. In contemporary Russia, it's popular in urban nightlife, reflecting globalization, though excessive consumption is sometimes critiqued in cultural discussions.

Related Concepts:

• водка (vodka)
• коньяк (konyak)
• бренди (brendi)