Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Catalyst'

English Word: Catalyst

Key Russian Translations:

• катализатор [kətɐˈlʲizətər] - [Formal, Scientific, Technical]
• стимул [ˈstʲimul] - [Informal, Figurative]

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

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "катализатор"; B1 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "стимул"

Pronunciation (Russian):

катализатор: [kətɐˈlʲizətər]

Note on катализатор: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "р" at the end is pronounced softly in Russian.

стимул: [ˈstʲimul]

Note on стимул: Stress on the first syllable. The "л" is palatalized, sounding softer than in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction (Scientific Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• катализатор - Used in chemistry and technical contexts to refer to a substance facilitating reactions.

Usage Examples:

• Этот катализатор ускоряет реакцию в два раза.

  This catalyst speeds up the reaction twofold.

• Катализатор используется в производстве бензина.

  A catalyst is used in gasoline production.

• Без катализатора процесс займёт гораздо больше времени.

  Without a catalyst, the process will take much longer.

2. Something that causes or accelerates a change or action (Figurative Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• стимул - Used metaphorically to describe a motivating factor or trigger for change.
• катализатор - Occasionally used in a figurative sense, though less common than "стимул".

Usage Examples:

• Его слова стали стимулом для перемен в моей жизни.

  His words became a catalyst for change in my life.

• Этот кризис послужил стимулом для реформ.

  This crisis served as a catalyst for reforms.

• Её успех был катализатором для развития всей команды.

  Her success was a catalyst for the development of the entire team.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

катализатор (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

стимул (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for катализатор (Scientific Context):

• ускоритель

Synonyms for стимул (Figurative Context):

• мотив
• побуждение
• толчок

Antonyms for стимул (Figurative Context):

• препятствие
• тормоз

Note: "тормоз" can mean both "brake" and metaphorically something that slows down progress, contrasting with "стимул".

Related Phrases:

• действовать как катализатор - To act as a catalyst (used in both literal and figurative senses).
• дать стимул - To give a stimulus or motivation for something.
• стимул к действию - A stimulus for action, often used in motivational contexts.

Usage Notes:

• "катализатор" is predominantly used in scientific or technical contexts. Using it in a figurative sense is possible but less common and may sound overly formal or academic.
• "стимул" is the preferred choice for metaphorical uses of "catalyst" (e.g., something that sparks change or progress). It is more versatile in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as mixing them up can lead to misunderstandings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "катализатор" in casual conversation to mean a motivating factor.
  Incorrect: "Его речь была катализатором для меня."
  Correct: "Его речь стала стимулом для меня."
  Explanation: "катализатор" sounds overly technical in personal or informal contexts; "стимул" is more natural.
• Error: Incorrect stress or pronunciation of "стимул". Many learners stress the second syllable, which is wrong.
  Explanation: The stress is on the first syllable: [ˈstʲimul].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of a "стимул" often carries a motivational or psychological connotation, frequently used in discussions about personal growth, education, or workplace incentives. It reflects a cultural emphasis on external motivators in driving behavior, which may differ from Western interpretations of internal drive.

Related Concepts:

• мотивация (motivation)
• вдохновение (inspiration)
• реакция (reaction, often paired with "катализатор" in scientific contexts)