Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bacteria'

English Word: bacteria

Key Russian Translations:

• бактерии [bɐkˈtʲerʲɪɪ] - [Plural, Scientific/Formal]

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

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate - due to specific context and pronunciation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бактерии: [bɐkˈtʲerʲɪɪ]

Note on бактерии: Stress falls on the second syllable ('te'). The soft 'р' sound and the vowel 'и' can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Microorganisms (Scientific/Biological Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бактерии - Used in scientific, medical, or formal discussions about microorganisms.

Usage Examples:

• Бактерии могут быть как полезными, так и вредными для человека.

  Bacteria can be both beneficial and harmful to humans.

• В этой лаборатории изучают устойчивость бактерий к антибиотикам.

  In this laboratory, they study the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics.

• Некоторые бактерии вызывают опасные инфекции.

  Some bacteria cause dangerous infections.

• Бактерии играют важную роль в процессе ферментации.

  Bacteria play an important role in the fermentation process.

• Ученые обнаружили новые виды бактерий в глубинах океана.

  Scientists discovered new species of bacteria in the depths of the ocean.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бактерии is a feminine plural noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ия. Below is the declension table:

Note: The singular form "бактерия" is rarely used in everyday language; the plural "бактерии" is the standard form even when referring to bacteria in general.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• микробы (more general term for microorganisms, less formal)

Note on Synonyms: "микробы" can refer to any microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, etc., and is often used in informal contexts.

Antonyms:

• (No direct antonyms, as "bacteria" is a specific scientific term)

Related Phrases:

• полезные бактерии - beneficial bacteria (used in contexts like probiotics or digestion)
• вредные бактерии - harmful bacteria (used in medical or hygiene contexts)
• устойчивость бактерий - bacterial resistance (common in discussions about antibiotics)

Usage Notes:

• The term "бактерии" is almost exclusively used in the plural form in Russian, even when discussing bacteria as a general concept. Using the singular "бактерия" may sound unnatural or overly technical.
• This word is primarily used in formal, scientific, or medical contexts. In casual conversation, Russians might use "микробы" to refer to bacteria or germs in general.
• Be mindful of the context when translating "bacteria" into Russian, as it does not carry the same colloquial connotations as "germs" in English. For colloquial usage, consider "микробы" instead.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular "бактерия" to refer to bacteria in general.
  Incorrect: Эта бактерия опасна.
  Correct: Эти бактерии опасны.
  Explanation: The plural form "бактерии" is the standard way to refer to bacteria, even in a general sense.
• Error: Confusing "бактерии" with "микробы" in formal contexts.
  Incorrect: В научной статье написано о микробах.
  Correct: В научной статье написано о бактериях.
  Explanation: "микробы" is too informal for scientific writing; use "бактерии" instead.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions about bacteria are often tied to health and hygiene, especially in the context of food safety or medical care. The term "бактерии" might evoke associations with Soviet-era public health campaigns emphasizing cleanliness and sanitation. Additionally, the concept of "полезные бактерии" (beneficial bacteria) is widely understood due to the popularity of fermented foods like kefir and yogurt in Russian cuisine.

Related Concepts:

• вирусы (viruses)
• микроорганизмы (microorganisms)
• инфекция (infection)
• антибиотики (antibiotics)