Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'contraceptive'

English Word: contraceptive

Key Russian Translations:

• контрацептив [ˌkontrət͡sɛpˈtʲif] - [Formal, Neutral]
• противозачаточное средство [prətʲɪvəzɐˈt͡ɕatət͡ɕnəjə ˈsrʲetstvə] - [Formal, Descriptive]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

контрацептив: [ˌkontrət͡sɛpˈtʲif]

Note on контрацептив: Stress falls on the last syllable, which is common for loanwords in Russian.

противозачаточное средство: [prətʲɪvəzɐˈt͡ɕatət͡ɕnəjə ˈsrʲetstvə]

Note on противозачаточное средство: Stress is on the second syllable of "противозачаточное" and the first syllable of "средство".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A device or drug to prevent pregnancy (General/Medical Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• контрацептив - Commonly used in medical and formal contexts to refer to any contraceptive method or device.
• противозачаточное средство - Literally "anti-conception means," used in detailed or formal discussions, often in writing or educational contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Она купила контрацептив в аптеке.

  She bought a contraceptive at the pharmacy.

• Врач посоветовал использовать контрацептив для безопасности.

  The doctor recommended using a contraceptive for safety.

• Противозачаточные средства бывают разных типов.

  Contraceptive means come in different types.

• Важно обсудить с врачом выбор противозачаточного средства.

  It is important to discuss the choice of a contraceptive means with a doctor.

• Контрацептивы помогают планировать семью.

  Contraceptives help with family planning.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

контрацептив (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

противозачаточное средство (Compound Noun, Neuter): This phrase follows the declension of "средство" (neuter noun). The adjective "противозачаточное" agrees in case, number, and gender with "средство". Detailed declension omitted for brevity but follows standard neuter noun patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for контрацептив:

• презерватив (specifically for condoms)
• средство защиты (protection means, broader term)

Note: "презерватив" is more specific and refers only to condoms, while "средство защиты" can be broader and less formal.

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, as the concept opposes the idea of conception rather than a specific word.

Related Phrases:

• использовать контрацептив - to use a contraceptive
• выбрать противозачаточное средство - to choose a contraceptive means
• гормональные контрацептивы - hormonal contraceptives

Usage Notes:

• "контрацептив" is the more concise and commonly used term in both spoken and written Russian, especially in medical or neutral contexts.
• "противозачаточное средство" is more formal and often used in detailed explanations or educational materials. It literally translates to "anti-conception means," which can sound overly descriptive in casual conversation.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two terms. For everyday conversations, "контрацептив" is usually sufficient.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "презерватив" to refer to all contraceptives. Explanation: "презерватив" specifically means "condom" in Russian, not a general term for contraceptives. Correct usage: Use "контрацептив" for general reference. Incorrect: "Я купил презерватив" (I bought a condom) when meaning any contraceptive. Correct: "Я купил контрацептив."
• Error: Mispronouncing "контрацептив" by stressing the wrong syllable. Explanation: Stress should be on the last syllable [tʲif]. Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

Discussing contraceptives in Russia may still carry some cultural sensitivity, especially in conservative or older generations. While the topic is becoming more openly discussed, especially among younger people and in urban areas, it’s advisable to use neutral and formal terms like "контрацептив" in professional or unfamiliar settings to avoid discomfort.

Related Concepts:

• планирование семьи (family planning)
• безопасный секс (safe sex)
• гормональная терапия (hormonal therapy)