Significado
A situation that is difficult.
Contexto cultural
Sugar cubes (рафинад) were historically a treat eaten while sipping tea through the teeth (вприкуску). The absence of this 'sweetness' in tea mirrored the absence of ease in life. During times of deficit, sugar was a rationed commodity. The idiom gained even more weight as 'sugar' was literally hard to get, making the metaphor of a 'sweet life' even more poignant. In the fast-paced life of Moscow or St. Petersburg, 'не сахар' is often used to describe the 'grind'—the difficult commute, the high pressure, and the lack of work-life balance. Classic Russian writers often use the contrast between 'sweetness' and 'bitterness' to describe the Russian soul. 'Не сахар' is a linguistic reflection of this duality.
Use with 'Далеко'
To sound like a native, use 'далеко не сахар.' It’s the most common way to emphasize that something is really tough.
Avoid Literal Use
Never use this to complain about the taste of food in a restaurant; the waiter will be very confused.
Significado
A situation that is difficult.
Use with 'Далеко'
To sound like a native, use 'далеко не сахар.' It’s the most common way to emphasize that something is really tough.
Avoid Literal Use
Never use this to complain about the taste of food in a restaurant; the waiter will be very confused.
Stoic Tone
When you use this, try to sound a bit resigned or stoic. It’s not a 'loud' complaint; it’s a quiet acknowledgment of reality.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Я знаю, что мой начальник — человек ______, но он профессионал.
The idiom 'не сахар' is used here to describe a difficult personality.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct option:
The second sentence uses the idiom figuratively to mean 'difficult.' The others use it literally (and incorrectly).
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
— Как тебе работа на заводе? — Ой, там совсем ______.
'Не сахар' fits perfectly to describe a tough working environment.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are describing a very strict teacher who gives too much homework.
Only 'не сахар' is a standard idiom for a difficult person.
Add an intensifier to the idiom.
Жизнь в 90-е годы была ______ не сахар.
'Далеко не сахар' is a very common emphatic form of the idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejerciciosЯ знаю, что мой начальник — человек ______, но он профессионал.
The idiom 'не сахар' is used here to describe a difficult personality.
Choose the correct option:
The second sentence uses the idiom figuratively to mean 'difficult.' The others use it literally (and incorrectly).
— Как тебе работа на заводе? — Ой, там совсем ______.
'Не сахар' fits perfectly to describe a tough working environment.
You are describing a very strict teacher who gives too much homework.
Only 'не сахар' is a standard idiom for a difficult person.
Жизнь в 90-е годы была ______ не сахар.
'Далеко не сахар' is a very common emphatic form of the idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it implies they are difficult. You might say it about a brilliant but grumpy professor you respect.
It's quite blunt. It's better to use it when talking *about* someone, or in a very close, honest relationship.
There is virtually no difference in meaning. 'Не сахар' is slightly more common in modern speech.
Only if the book is very difficult to read or understand. It's not usually used for 'boring' things, only 'hard' things.
No, it is a standard idiom. It's informal but not slangy.
Use 'будет не сахар'. For example: 'Экзамен будет не сахар.'
Yes. If you say someone is 'сахар,' it's not a standard idiom, though people would understand you mean they are very sweet/easy.
Yes! 'Погода — не сахар' is a great way to describe a cold, rainy day.
In informal business meetings or among colleagues, yes. In a formal presentation, no.
There isn't one single idiom, but 'сказка' (fairytale) or 'малина' (raspberry) are often used for very easy/pleasant situations.
Frases relacionadas
не мёд
synonymNot honey; difficult.
не подарок
similarNot a gift; a difficult person.
несладко
builds onUnsweetly; having a hard time.
сладкая жизнь
contrastThe sweet life; a life of luxury.
