Learn Hardcore Russian: Меню включает напитки и закуски.

меню is an indeclinable noun borrowed from French. It remains меню in all cases (nominative, accusative, genitive, etc.). Here it’s in the nominative case as the sentence’s subject.

What case are напитки and закуски, and why do they look exactly like the nominative?

They are in the accusative plural as direct objects of включает. For inanimate nouns in Russian, the accusative plural form is identical to the nominative plural.

Why is there no preposition before напитки и закуски?

In Russian, direct objects follow a transitive verb without a preposition. Since включать (“to include”) is transitive, its objects напитки and закуски appear without any preposition.

Why is the verb включает in the singular form? Wouldn’t включают work?

Verbs in Russian agree with their subjects. Меню is singular (neuter), so the correct form is third-person singular включает. Включают would require a plural subject.

Could we say меню включает в себя напитки и закуски? What’s the difference?

Yes, you can add в себя for emphasis on inclusion.
• включает = “includes”
• включает в себя = “literally ‘includes into itself,’” slightly more formal or emphatic

What’s the difference between включает, содержит, состоит из and входит (в меню входят)?

These verbs all describe parts or contents but with subtle nuances:
• включает – “includes” as part of a list
• содержит – “contains,” focusing on what’s inside
• состоит из – “consists of,” highlighting the whole is made up of these parts
• входят – “are included in,” passive construction (“в меню входят …”)

Could we rephrase the sentence as В меню входят напитки и закуски? Is that common?

Absolutely. В меню входят напитки и закуски is a common, neutral way to say “Drinks and snacks are included in the menu.” It simply shifts to a passive-like, intransitive construction.

What exactly are закуски? Are they “snacks,” “appetizers,” or something else?

Закуски are small dishes or bites served often with drinks. In English you could call them “snacks,” “appetizers,” or “hors d’oeuvres,” depending on context. They’re usually light, meant to accompany beverages.

Where is the stress in напитки and закуски, and how are they pronounced?

• напитки – на-ПИ-тки (nap-EE-tki)
• закуски – за-КУ-ски (za-KOO-ski)
The stress falls on the second syllable in both words.