Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Alchemy'

English Word: Alchemy

Key Russian Translations:

• Алхимия [alˈxʲimʲɪjə] - [Formal, Historical]

Frequency: Low

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Алхимия: [alˈxʲimʲɪjə]

Note on Алхимия: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "х" sound is a voiceless fricative, similar to the Scottish "loch."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Historical Practice of Transforming Metals into Gold

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алхимия - Refers to the medieval practice of attempting to transform base metals into gold or seeking the philosopher's stone.

Usage Examples:

• Алхимия была популярна в Средние века.

  Alchemy was popular in the Middle Ages.

• Многие алхимики искали философский камень.

  Many alchemists sought the philosopher's stone.

• Алхимия считается предшественницей современной химии.

  Alchemy is considered the predecessor of modern chemistry.

• В книгах часто описывают алхимию как магическое искусство.

  Books often describe alchemy as a magical art.

• Алхимия окружена тайнами и легендами.

  Alchemy is surrounded by mysteries and legends.

2. Metaphorical Transformation or Mysterious Process

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алхимия - Used metaphorically to describe a mysterious or transformative process.

Usage Examples:

• Его творчество — это настоящая алхимия идей.

  His creativity is a true alchemy of ideas.

• Любовь — это алхимия человеческих душ.

  Love is the alchemy of human souls.

• Этот процесс напоминает алхимию, полную загадок.

  This process resembles alchemy, full of mysteries.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Алхимия is a feminine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ия.

Note: This noun is rarely used in the plural form as it typically refers to the concept or practice as a whole.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Нет точных синонимов, но в переносном смысле иногда используется "магия" (magic) для описания загадочного процесса.

Antonyms:

• Химия (chemistry) - in the context of modern science versus historical pseudoscience.

Related Phrases:

• Философский камень - Philosopher's stone, a legendary substance in alchemy.
• Алхимический процесс - Alchemical process, referring to the transformative methods of alchemy.
• Алхимия любви - Alchemy of love, a metaphorical expression for the mysterious nature of love.

Usage Notes:

• The term "Алхимия" is mostly used in historical or literary contexts in Russian. It is not a common everyday word.
• When used metaphorically, it often implies a mysterious or almost magical transformation, so context is key to understanding its meaning.
• Unlike in English, where "alchemy" might sometimes be used casually, in Russian, it retains a more formal or historical tone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "Алхимия" with "Химия" (chemistry). While related historically, "Химия" refers to the modern scientific field, whereas "Алхимия" is strictly historical or metaphorical.
  • Incorrect: Я изучаю алхимию в университете. (I study alchemy at university.)
  • Correct: Я изучаю химию в университете. (I study chemistry at university.)
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation. Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., first instead of second) can make the word sound unnatural.
  • Incorrect Pronunciation: [ˈalxʲimʲɪjə]
  • Correct Pronunciation: [alˈxʲimʲɪjə]

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, alchemy is often associated with medieval European history and mysticism rather than local traditions. It frequently appears in literature and fantasy genres as a symbol of mystery and the quest for impossible knowledge, much like in Western culture. Famous Russian literary works or translations of Western texts (e.g., about Faust) often reference alchemy in this context.

Related Concepts:

• Магия (Magic)
• Философия (Philosophy)
• Химия (Chemistry)
• Мистика (Mysticism)