Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cell'

English Word: cell

Key Russian Translations:

• клетка [ˈklʲetkə] - [Biological context, e.g., a cell in an organism]
• ячейка [jɪˈtɕejkə] - [Organizational or structural context, e.g., a cell in a table or group]
• камера [ˈkamʲɪrə] - [Prison cell or small enclosed space]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "клетка" and "ячейка" are more common in specific domains)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "камера" is easier for A1 learners due to broader usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

клетка: [ˈklʲetkə]

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

ячейка: [jɪˈtɕejkə]

Note on ячейка: The initial "я" sounds like "ya," and stress is on the second syllable.

камера: [ˈkamʲɪrə]

Note on камера: Stress on the first syllable; often used in contexts beyond "cell" (e.g., camera).

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Biological Cell (e.g., in organisms)

Translation(s) & Context:

• клетка - Used in scientific or biological contexts to refer to a cell in a living organism.

Usage Examples:

• Клетка делится на две части.

  The cell divides into two parts.

• Клетки человеческого тела очень сложны.

  The cells of the human body are very complex.

• Мы изучали строение клетки на уроке биологии.

  We studied the structure of a cell in biology class.

2. Structural or Organizational Cell (e.g., in a table or group)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ячейка - Refers to a cell in a spreadsheet, grid, or a small unit within an organization.

Usage Examples:

• В этой таблице 100 ячеек.

  There are 100 cells in this table.

• Ячейка памяти в компьютере повреждена.

  The memory cell in the computer is damaged.

• Эта ячейка общества активно развивается.

  This cell of society is actively developing.

3. Prison Cell or Small Enclosed Space

Translation(s) & Context:

• камера - Refers to a prison cell or a small confined space.

Usage Examples:

• Заключённый провёл ночь в камере.

  The prisoner spent the night in a cell.

• Камера была очень тесной и холодной.

  The cell was very cramped and cold.

• Его поместили в одиночную камеру.

  He was placed in a solitary cell.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

клетка (feminine noun, 1st declension):

ячейка (feminine noun, 1st declension): Follows similar declension patterns as "клетка."

камера (feminine noun, 1st declension): Also follows standard feminine declension patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for клетка (biological):

• элемент (element, in specific contexts)

Synonyms for ячейка (structural):

• отсек (compartment)
• секция (section)

Synonyms for камера (prison cell):

• тюремная клетка (prison cell, more descriptive)

Antonyms: None directly applicable across all meanings.

Related Phrases:

• клеточная мембрана - Cell membrane (biological term).
• ячейка таблицы - Table cell (common in computing or data contexts).
• одиночная камера - Solitary cell (used in prison contexts).

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "клетка," "ячейка," and "камера" depends heavily on context. "Клетка" is strictly biological, "ячейка" is metaphorical or structural, and "камера" is often related to confinement.
• "Камера" can also mean "camera" (as in photography), so context clarification is essential.
• Ensure proper grammatical agreement when using these nouns, as they are all feminine and follow the 1st declension pattern.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "клетка" to mean a prison cell. Incorrect: "Он сидит в клетке." Correct: "Он сидит в камере." (Explanation: "Клетка" refers to a biological cell or a cage for animals, not a prison cell.)
• Error: Confusing "камера" with its meaning as "camera." Incorrect: Using "камера" in a photography context without clarification. (Explanation: Specify context to avoid ambiguity.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the word "камера" often carries a negative connotation due to its association with imprisonment. It is frequently encountered in literature and media discussing Soviet-era prisons or gulags, so learners should be aware of the historical weight it may carry in certain contexts.

Related Concepts:

• тюрьма (prison)
• организм (organism)
• структура (structure)