смета́на
smetánafeminine
The Russian word for sour cream is смета́на (smetána).
смета́на refers to cream which has been treated with a benign bacterium.
Meaning: cream which has been treated with a benign bacterium (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is smetána.
Did you know?
- The word смета́на is etymologically related to the verb 'смета́ть', which means 'to sweep away' or 'to skim off', referring to the process of skimming the cream from the top of milk.
- In Russia, смета́на is not just a condiment but a primary ingredient in many desserts, such as the cake сметанник, where it acts as the main fat source instead of butter.
- Смета́на is often served alongside 'blini' (pancakes) as a primary pairing, much like how Americans might use maple syrup, making it a staple of the breakfast table.
Examples in context
- В холодильнике есть смета́на.V kholodil'nike yest' smetana.There is sour cream in the refrigerator.
- Эта смета́на очень вкусная.Eta smetana ochen' vkusnaya.This sour cream is very tasty.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Ekaterina are preparing lunch in the kitchen.
- Дмитрий DmitryЕка́терина, у нас есть смета́на?Ekaterina, u nas yest' smetana?Ekaterina, do we have sour cream?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, она в дверце холодильника.Da, ona v dveritse kholodil'nika.Yes, it is in the refrigerator door.
- Дмитрий DmitryОтлично, я добавлю её в суп.Otlichno, ya dobavlyu yeyo v sup.Great, I will add it to the soup.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДмитрий, не забудь про соль.Dmitriy, ne zabud' pro sol'.Dmitry, don't forget the salt.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sour cream” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
