Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'caustic'

English Word: caustic

Key Russian Translations:

• саркастический [sɐrˈkastʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, Informal; Commonly used for sarcastic or biting speech]
• каустический [kaʊˈstɪk] - [Technical, Formal; Used in scientific or chemical contexts]
• ядовитый [ˈjadəvʲɪtɨj] - [Informal; Applied to corrosive or metaphorically harmful meanings]

Frequency: Medium (e.g., 'саркастический' is frequently encountered in everyday conversations and literature, while 'каустический' is more niche in technical fields)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate for 'саркастический' and 'ядовитый'; C1 for 'каустический' due to specialized vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

саркастический: [sɐrˈkastʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on саркастический: The stress falls on the third syllable ('kas'), and the 'т' sound can soften in fast speech. Pay attention to the palatalized consonants for accurate pronunciation.

каустический: [kaʊˈstɪk]

Note on каустический: This is a loanword from English, so pronunciation closely mirrors the English "caustic." The 'ау' diphthong is pronounced as in "cow."

ядовитый: [ˈjadəvʲɪtɨj]

Note on ядовитый: The initial 'я' is a soft vowel, and the word ends with a reduced vowel, common in Russian adjectives.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Sarcastic or biting in manner (e.g., speech or comments)

Translation(s) & Context:

• саркастический - Used in both formal discussions (e.g., literary analysis) and informal conversations (e.g., everyday banter) to describe ironic or mocking remarks.
• ядовитый - Applied in informal contexts for emotionally harmful speech, often with a metaphorical edge.

Usage Examples:

• Его саркастический комментарий о погоде заставил всех рассмеяться, но с ноткой обиды.

  His caustic comment about the weather made everyone laugh, but with a hint of offense.

• Она ответила ядовитым тоном, чтобы подчеркнуть несерьёзность предложения.

  She replied in a caustic tone to highlight the absurdity of the suggestion.

• В книге автор использует саркастический юмор, чтобы критиковать социальные нормы.

  In the book, the author employs caustic humor to criticize social norms.

• Его ядовитые замечания на собрании показали скрытое раздражение.

  His caustic remarks at the meeting revealed underlying irritation.

• Саркастический отзыв в прессе был направлен против политического лидера.

  The caustic review in the press was aimed at the political leader.

2. Causing corrosion or chemical burning

Translation(s) & Context:

• каустический - Primarily used in scientific, medical, or industrial contexts to describe substances that corrode materials.

Usage Examples:

• Каустический натрий используется в лабораториях для очистки поверхностей.

  Caustic soda is used in laboratories for cleaning surfaces.

• Этот каустический раствор может вызвать ожоги, поэтому обращайтесь с ним осторожно.

  This caustic solution can cause burns, so handle it with care.

• В химии каустический эффект объясняется реакцией с органическими веществами.

  In chemistry, the caustic effect is explained by its reaction with organic substances.

• Каустический компонент в продукте делает его опасным для кожи.

  The caustic component in the product makes it hazardous to the skin.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most translations like 'саркастический' and 'ядовитый' are adjectives, which inflect for gender, number, and case in Russian. 'Каустический' follows similar patterns as a loanword adjective.

For 'ядовитый', it follows standard adjective inflections with no irregularities. 'Каустический' is invariable in most contexts but can inflect like other adjectives in formal writing.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • острый (sharp; often used for witty or pointed remarks, with a nuance of intelligence)
  • ироничный (ironic; similar to 'саркастический' but less biting)
• Antonyms:
  • дружелюбный (friendly; directly opposite in tone)
  • нейтральный (neutral; lacks emotional edge)

Related Phrases:

• саркастический юмор - Sarcastic humor; A common phrase used in cultural discussions to describe ironic comedy.
• ядовитый комментарий - Caustic comment; Refers to harmful or biting feedback in conversations.
• каустический эффект - Caustic effect; Used in scientific contexts for chemical reactions.

Usage Notes:

'Саркастический' is the most direct equivalent for the everyday English use of 'caustic' in social contexts, but it carries a stronger connotation of irony than simple harshness. Choose 'ядовитый' for more informal or metaphorical applications, especially in spoken Russian. 'Каустический' should be reserved for technical scenarios, as it's a direct borrowing. Be mindful of context: Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case, so always inflect correctly. For learners, start with 'саркастический' in intermediate-level dialogues to build familiarity.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'саркастический' with 'ироничный': Learners might overuse 'ироничный' for all ironic speech, but 'саркастический' implies a more negative, biting tone. Error: "Его ироничный комментарий был злым." (Incorrect for caustic intent) Correct: "Его саркастический комментарий был злым." Explanation: 'Ироничный' is neutral irony, while 'саркастический' adds emotional sting.

• Misinflecting adjectives: Forgetting case agreement, e.g., saying "саркастический книгу" instead of "саркастическую книгу" (for accusative feminine). Error: "Я читал саркастический книгу." Correct: "Я читал саркастическую книгу." Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's case, gender, and number.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sarcasm ('саркастический') is often prevalent in literature and humor, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov, where it serves as a tool for social critique. However, in everyday interactions, excessive sarcasm can be seen as rude, reflecting cultural values of directness and warmth in communication.

Related Concepts:

• ироничный
• острый
• сатирический