Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'carbon'

English Word: carbon

Key Russian Translations:

• углерод [ʊɡlʲɪˈrot] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (often used in scientific and academic contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "углерод"

Pronunciation (Russian):

углерод: [ʊɡlʲɪˈrot]

Note on углерод: Stress falls on the last syllable. The 'г' is pronounced as a voiced velar stop, and 'е' sounds like 'i' in this context due to reduction.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Chemical Element (Carbon)

Translation(s) & Context:

• углерод - Used in scientific, academic, and technical contexts to refer to the chemical element carbon.

Usage Examples:

• Углерод является основой органической химии.

  Carbon is the basis of organic chemistry.

• Углерод образует множество соединений с другими элементами.

  Carbon forms numerous compounds with other elements.

• В атмосфере содержится углекислый газ, который включает углерод.

  The atmosphere contains carbon dioxide, which includes carbon.

• Углерод играет ключевую роль в круговороте веществ в природе.

  Carbon plays a key role in the cycle of matter in nature.

• Алмазы состоят из чистого углерода.

  Diamonds are made of pure carbon.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

углерод (noun, masculine, inanimate)

Note: The word "углерод" is rarely used in plural form as it typically refers to the element in a general sense.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• карбон (less common, used in some technical contexts)

Note on Synonyms: "карбон" is a direct borrowing from Latin and is less frequent in everyday Russian, mostly appearing in specialized texts.

Antonyms:

• N/A (No direct antonyms as "carbon" is a specific chemical element)

Related Phrases:

• углекислый газ - Carbon dioxide, a common compound containing carbon.
• углеродный цикл - Carbon cycle, referring to the natural cycle of carbon in the environment.
• углеродное волокно - Carbon fiber, a material made from carbon.

Usage Notes:

• The primary and most accurate translation of "carbon" into Russian is "углерод," which is used almost exclusively in scientific and formal contexts.
• In everyday conversation, Russian speakers might not use "углерод" unless discussing chemistry or environmental science. Instead, they may refer to carbon indirectly through compounds like "углекислый газ" (carbon dioxide).
• Be mindful of the context: "углерод" is not used in colloquial expressions or metaphors as "carbon" might be in English (e.g., "carbon footprint" is translated as "углеродный след").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "карбон" instead of "углерод" in general scientific texts. While "карбон" exists, it is rarely used and may sound unnatural to native speakers.
  Incorrect: Карбон важен для жизни.
  Correct: Углерод важен для жизни.
  Explanation: "Углерод" is the standard term in Russian for the element carbon.
• Error: Mispronouncing "углерод" by stressing the wrong syllable.
  Explanation: The stress is on the last syllable [ʊɡlʲɪˈrot], not the first or second. Incorrect stress can hinder comprehension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, discussions about "углерод" are often tied to environmental issues, such as carbon emissions ("выбросы углерода"). Awareness of carbon's role in climate change is growing, and terms like "углеродный след" (carbon footprint) are becoming more common in media and public discourse.

Related Concepts:

• кислород (oxygen)
• водород (hydrogen)
• азот (nitrogen)
• углекислота (carbonic acid)