Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'alkali'

English Word: alkali

Key Russian Translations:

• щелочь [ˈʂːelətʲ] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in scientific and chemical contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - due to specialized usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

щелочь: [ˈʂːelətʲ]

Note on щелочь: The initial sound [ʂː] is a retroflex fricative unique to Russian, often challenging for non-native speakers. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A base that dissolves in water (Chemical Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• щелочь - Used in scientific, chemical, and industrial contexts to refer to alkaline substances.

Usage Examples:

• Щелочь используется для нейтрализации кислот.

  Alkali is used to neutralize acids.

• В лаборатории нужно осторожно обращаться с щелочью.

  In the laboratory, one must handle alkali with care.

• Щелочь может вызвать ожоги кожи.

  Alkali can cause skin burns.

• Этот раствор содержит сильную щелочь.

  This solution contains a strong alkali.

• Щелочь часто используется в производстве мыла.

  Alkali is often used in soap production.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• основание (in a chemical context, referring to a base)

Note: "основание" is broader and can refer to any base, while "щелочь" specifically implies a soluble base (alkali).

Antonyms:

• кислота (acid)

Related Phrases:

• сильная щелочь - strong alkali (used for highly reactive alkaline substances)
• щелочной раствор - alkaline solution (common in chemical descriptions)
• щелочная реакция - alkaline reaction (used in chemistry to describe pH levels)

Usage Notes:

• The term "щелочь" is primarily used in formal, scientific, or technical contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation unless discussing chemistry or industrial processes.
• Unlike English, where "alkali" might occasionally appear in non-scientific contexts metaphorically, "щелочь" does not carry metaphorical meanings in Russian.
• Be mindful of the grammatical gender (feminine) when using adjectives or pronouns with "щелочь."

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "щелочь" (alkali) with "кислота" (acid) due to lack of familiarity with chemical terms. For example, incorrectly saying "кислота" when referring to a base.
  Correct Usage: Щелочь нейтрализует кислоту. (Alkali neutralizes acid.)
  Incorrect: Кислота нейтрализует кислоту. (Acid neutralizes acid.)
• Error: Mispronouncing "щелочь" by stressing the second syllable.
  Correct Pronunciation: Stress on the first syllable [ˈʂːelətʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking contexts, the term "щелочь" might evoke associations with industrial or laboratory settings, as chemistry education is emphasized in schools. It is less likely to appear in casual or cultural discussions compared to English, where "alkali" might be referenced in dietary or environmental contexts (e.g., alkaline diets). Understanding this term is particularly useful for students of science or those engaging with Russian technical texts.

Related Concepts:

• кислота (acid)
• основание (base)
• нейтрализация (neutralization)
• pH (пэ-аш)