Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Chemist'

English Word: Chemist

Key Russian Translations:

• химик [ˈxʲimʲɪk] - [Formal, Refers to a scientist in chemistry]
• фармацевт [fərmɐˈtsɛft] - [Formal, Refers to a pharmacist]

Frequency: Medium (both terms are used depending on context)

Difficulty: химик - B1 (Intermediate); фармацевт - B2 (Upper-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

химик: [ˈxʲimʲɪk]

Note on химик: Stress falls on the first syllable; the 'х' sound is a voiceless fricative, similar to the Scottish 'loch'.

фармацевт: [fərmɐˈtsɛft]

Note on фармацевт: Stress on the third syllable; the 'ц' sound is like 'ts' in 'cats'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Chemist as a Scientist (specialist in chemistry)

Translation(s) & Context:

• химик - Used in academic, scientific, or professional contexts to refer to someone who studies or works in chemistry.

Usage Examples:

• Он известный химик, который разработал новый метод синтеза.

  He is a renowned chemist who developed a new synthesis method.

• Химики работают в лаборатории над новыми материалами.

  Chemists are working in the lab on new materials.

• Она училась на химика в университете.

  She studied to become a chemist at university.

2. Chemist as a Pharmacist (person working in a pharmacy)

Translation(s) & Context:

• фармацевт - Used specifically for someone who prepares or sells medicines in a pharmacy.

Usage Examples:

• Фармацевт посоветовал мне это лекарство от простуды.

  The pharmacist recommended this medicine for my cold.

• В аптеке фармацевт проверил рецепт.

  At the pharmacy, the pharmacist checked the prescription.

• Фармацевты должны знать состав всех препаратов.

  Pharmacists must know the composition of all medications.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

химик (noun, masculine):

фармацевт (noun, masculine):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for химик:

• учёный-химик (scientist-chemist, more specific)

Synonyms for фармацевт:

• аптекарь (older or informal term for pharmacist)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either term.

Related Phrases:

• химик-органик - Organic chemist (refers to a chemist specializing in organic chemistry).
• работать фармацевтом - To work as a pharmacist (common expression for the profession).
• аптека с фармацевтом - Pharmacy with a pharmacist (used to emphasize professional presence).

Usage Notes:

• The English word "chemist" has two distinct meanings, and the Russian translations reflect this. Use "химик" when referring to a scientist or researcher in chemistry, and "фармацевт" when referring to someone working in a pharmacy.
• "фармацевт" is more formal and widely used in modern Russian compared to the older term "аптекарь," which might appear in literature or informal contexts.
• Be mindful of context when translating, as mixing up the terms can lead to confusion. For example, calling a pharmacist "химик" would be incorrect and misleading.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "химик" to refer to a pharmacist.
  Incorrect: Я пошёл к химику за лекарством. (I went to the chemist for medicine.)
  Correct: Я пошёл к фармацевту за лекарством.
  Explanation: "химик" refers to a chemistry scientist, not a pharmacist.
• Error: Mispronouncing "фармацевт" by stressing the wrong syllable.
  Incorrect: Stressing the first syllable [ˈfarmətsɛft].
  Correct: Stressing the third syllable [fərmɐˈtsɛft].
  Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, the role of a "фармацевт" (pharmacist) is highly respected, as they often provide medical advice in addition to dispensing medication, especially in smaller towns where access to doctors may be limited. Historically, the term "аптекарь" was more common, and it still carries a nostalgic or literary connotation.

Related Concepts:

• химия (chemistry)
• аптека (pharmacy)
• лекарство (medicine)