Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cavity'

English Word: cavity

Key Russian Translations:

• полость [ˈpoləsʲtʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• кариес [ˈkarʲɪ(j)ɪs] - [Informal, Specifically for Dental Cavities]
• впадина [ˈvpadʲɪnə] - [Formal, Often for Natural or Anatomical Depressions]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like medicine, dentistry, or geology)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "полость" and "впадина"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "кариес" due to specific usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

полость: [ˈpoləsʲtʲ]

Note on полость: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "о" is pronounced as a clear "o" sound.

кариес: [ˈkarʲɪ(j)ɪs]

Note on кариес: Stress on the first syllable. The "е" may sometimes be pronounced as "ye" depending on regional accents.

впадина: [ˈvpadʲɪnə]

Note on впадина: Stress on the first syllable. The final "а" is reduced to a schwa sound [ə].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Hollow Space or Hole (General/Physical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• полость - Used for hollow spaces in the body (e.g., nasal cavity) or objects.
• впадина - Often refers to a natural depression or hollow in landscapes or anatomy.

Usage Examples:

• В теле есть несколько важных полостей.

  There are several important cavities in the body.

• Эта впадина на поверхности земли образовалась после дождя.

  This cavity on the ground formed after the rain.

• Полость в стене была скрыта за картиной.

  The cavity in the wall was hidden behind a painting.

2. Dental Decay or Hole in a Tooth

Translation(s) & Context:

• кариес - Specifically refers to tooth decay or cavities in a dental context.

Usage Examples:

• У меня кариес, нужно идти к стоматологу.

  I have a cavity; I need to go to the dentist.

• Кариес может разрушить зуб, если его не лечить.

  A cavity can destroy a tooth if not treated.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

полость (feminine noun): Follows the standard feminine declension pattern.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	полость	полости
Genitive	полости	полостей
Dative	полости	полостям
Accusative	полость	полости
Instrumental	полостью	полостями
Prepositional	полости	полостях

кариес (masculine noun): Does not change in plural as it is typically used as a singular concept (tooth decay).

впадина (feminine noun): Follows a similar feminine declension pattern as "полость."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for полость:

• пустота (emptiness, void)
• дыра (hole, informal)

Note: "пустота" often carries a more abstract meaning, while "дыра" is more colloquial and less formal.

Antonyms for полость:

• выпуклость (protrusion, bulge)

Related Phrases:

• полость рта - Oral cavity (refers to the inside of the mouth)
• кариес зуба - Tooth cavity (dental decay in a specific tooth)
• впадина на коже - Skin depression (a hollow or indented area on the skin)

Usage Notes:

• "полость" is the most general and formal term for any hollow space and is widely used in medical and scientific contexts.
• "кариес" is strictly limited to dental contexts and should not be used for other types of cavities or hollows.
• "впадина" is often used for natural or anatomical depressions and may sound less technical than "полость."
• Be cautious when translating "cavity" as the context determines the appropriate Russian term. Always consider whether the reference is medical, dental, or descriptive.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кариес" for non-dental cavities (e.g., "кариес в стене" for a hole in the wall).
  Correct Usage: Use "полость" or "дыра" instead (e.g., "полость в стене").
  Explanation: "кариес" exclusively refers to tooth decay and is incorrect in other contexts.
• Error: Using "полость" in casual conversation about tooth decay.
  Correct Usage: Use "кариес" when speaking informally about dental issues.
  Explanation: "полость" sounds overly formal or technical in everyday dental discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, dental health is often emphasized, and the term "кариес" is commonly understood even among children due to public health campaigns. Discussions about cavities in teeth are frequent in family and school settings, making "кариес" a widely recognized term in this specific context.

Related Concepts:

• зубная боль (toothache)
• пломба (dental filling)
• анатомия (anatomy, for body cavities)