Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'yeast'

English Word: yeast

Key Russian Translations:

• дрожжи [ˈdroʒʐɨ] - [Formal, Plural; Used in scientific, culinary, and everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts like cooking, brewing, and biology, but not as frequent as everyday words like "water" or "bread").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can grasp its usage in simple sentences, but understanding inflections may require familiarity with Russian noun declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

дрожжи: [ˈdroʒʐɨ]

Note on дрожжи: The pronunciation features a voiced retroflex fricative [ʐ] which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'zh' in 'measure'. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The substance used in baking, brewing, and fermentation to cause rising or fermentation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• дрожжи - Typically used in formal and informal contexts related to food preparation, biology, or chemistry; it refers to the living microorganisms that ferment sugars.

Usage Examples:

• Я добавил дрожжи в тесто, чтобы оно лучше подошло.

  I added yeast to the dough so that it would rise better. (This example shows yeast in a baking context, demonstrating its role in fermentation.)

• Дрожжи необходимы для приготовления домашнего пива.

  Yeast is necessary for making homemade beer. (Here, it illustrates usage in a brewing context, highlighting its biological function.)

• В лаборатории мы изучаем, как дрожжи влияют на процесс брожения.

  In the laboratory, we study how yeast affects the fermentation process. (This demonstrates a scientific or educational context, showing yeast in a plural, formal setting.)

• Без дрожжей хлеб не будет таким пышным и вкусным.

  Without yeast, the bread won't be as fluffy and tasty. (This example varies the structure, emphasizing yeast's impact in everyday cooking.)

• Магазинные дрожжи часто бывают в пакетах по 10 граммов.

  Store-bought yeast is often sold in 10-gram packets. (This shows yeast in a commercial or purchasing context, with attention to quantity.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дрожжи" is a plural-only noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension (feminine plural). It does not have a singular form in standard usage and follows regular plural noun patterns. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: As a plural-only word, it remains unchanged in number but inflects by case. There are no irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward once the declension pattern is learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ферментные культуры (fermentnye kul'tury) - Less common, used in highly technical or scientific contexts; implies a broader microbial culture.
  • закваска (zakvaska) - Sometimes used interchangeably in baking, but more specific to starters or leaven.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "yeast" is a specific substance. However, in fermentation contexts, opposites might include "ингибиторы" (inhibitory) for substances that prevent fermentation.

Related Phrases:

• пекарские дрожжи - Baker's yeast; Used specifically in bread-making to ensure proper rising.
• сухие дрожжи - Dry yeast; Refers to dehydrated forms commonly found in stores for home baking.
• жидкие дрожжи - Liquid yeast; Often used in brewing; Implies a more active, fluid state for fermentation processes.

Usage Notes:

"Дрожжи" directly corresponds to "yeast" in English, primarily as a plural noun, so it's important to use it in contexts where a collective or multiple entities are implied. In formal writing or scientific discussions, it's preferred over more casual alternatives. Be mindful of its declension when used in sentences; for example, in genitive case for possession (e.g., "без дрожжей" meaning "without yeast"). If multiple translations exist, choose "дрожжи" for general purposes, but opt for "закваска" in sourdough-specific scenarios. English learners should note that Russian often pairs it with verbs like "добавлять" (to add) or "использовать" (to use) in recipes.

Common Errors:

• Confusing case endings: English speakers might incorrectly use the nominative "дрожжи" in all contexts, e.g., saying "Я ем дрожжи" instead of the correct genitive in more complex sentences. Correct usage: "Я ем хлеб с дрожжами" (I eat bread with yeast). Explanation: Russian requires proper declension for grammatical agreement.

• Assuming a singular form: Learners may try to use a non-existent singular like "*дрожь" (which means something else entirely). Correct: Always use the plural form. Explanation: "Дрожжи" is inherently plural, so avoid singularizing it to prevent misunderstandings.

• Overgeneralizing synonyms: Mistaking "закваска" for "дрожжи" in all contexts, leading to errors like using it for beer brewing. Correct: Use "дрожжи" for standard yeast; explain the difference in specific recipes.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "дрожжи" holds significance in traditional bread-making, as seen in the preparation of rye bread (ржаной хлеб), which is a staple in Russian cuisine. Historically, yeast fermentation has roots in ancient Slavic practices, symbolizing abundance and community in festive baking, such as during holidays like Maslenitsa. This cultural tie emphasizes yeast's role not just as a ingredient, but as a symbol of warmth and hospitality in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• хлеб (khleb) - Bread
• пиво (pivo) - Beer
• брожение (brozhenie) - Fermentation
• закваска (zakvaska) - Starter or leaven