Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Chemistry'

English Word: Chemistry

Key Russian Translations:

• химия [ˈxʲimʲɪjə] - [Formal, General Usage]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

химия: [ˈxʲimʲɪjə]

Note on химия: The stress falls on the first syllable. The 'х' sound is a voiceless fricative, similar to the 'h' in 'hat' but more guttural.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Science of Matter and Substances

Translation(s) & Context:

• химия - Refers to the scientific study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter.

Usage Examples:

• Химия — это наука о веществах и их превращениях.

  Chemistry is the science of substances and their transformations.

• Она изучает химию в университете.

  She studies chemistry at the university.

• В школе у меня были проблемы с химией.

  I had trouble with chemistry in school.

• Химия играет важную роль в медицине.

  Chemistry plays an important role in medicine.

• Органическая химия изучает соединения углерода.

  Organic chemistry studies carbon compounds.

2. Emotional or Personal Connection (Figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• химия - Used metaphorically to describe a special connection or attraction between people.

Usage Examples:

• Между нами сразу возникла химия.

  There was instant chemistry between us.

• На свидании не было никакой химии.

  There was no chemistry on the date.

• Химия в команде очень важна для успеха.

  Chemistry in a team is very important for success.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

химия is a feminine noun in Russian. It follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -я.

Note: This noun is typically used in the singular form, as it refers to an abstract concept or field of study. Plural forms are not commonly used.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for химия (as a science):

• наука о веществах (science of substances - more descriptive, less common)

Antonyms for химия:

• None directly applicable, as it is a specific field of study.

Synonyms for химия (figurative, connection):

• влечение (attraction)
• симпатия (sympathy, liking)

Note: Synonyms in the figurative sense may vary slightly in nuance. 'Влечение' emphasizes physical or emotional attraction, while 'симпатия' is more about mutual liking.

Related Phrases:

• органическая химия - Organic chemistry (branch of chemistry dealing with carbon compounds).
• неорганическая химия - Inorganic chemistry (branch dealing with non-carbon compounds).
• химическая реакция - Chemical reaction (a process in chemistry).
• химия отношений - Chemistry of relationships (figurative, emotional connection).

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word химия directly corresponds to the English "chemistry" in both literal (scientific) and figurative (emotional connection) senses, making it a straightforward translation.
• In formal or academic contexts, химия is used without variation. In informal contexts, especially when referring to personal connections, it retains the same form but is understood through context.
• Be mindful of the grammatical case when using химия in sentences, as Russian nouns decline based on their role in the sentence (see the declension table above).

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect case usage, e.g., saying *Я интересуюсь химия* instead of *Я интересуюсь химией* (Instrumental case required after 'интересуюсь'). Explanation: Russian prepositions and verbs often govern specific cases, and failing to decline the noun correctly results in grammatical errors.
• Error: Mispronunciation by stressing the wrong syllable, e.g., pronouncing it as [xʲiˈmʲijə] instead of [ˈxʲimʲɪjə]. Explanation: Stress in Russian is critical, as it can change meaning or make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, chemistry as a subject is a fundamental part of the school curriculum, often perceived as challenging. The figurative use of химия to describe personal connections is a modern borrowing influenced by Western culture and is commonly understood among younger generations or in romantic contexts.

Related Concepts:

• физика (physics)
• биология (biology)
• наука (science)
• эксперимент (experiment)