Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'diffusion'

English Word: diffusion

Key Russian Translations:

• диффузия [dʲɪfˈfuʐɨjə] - [Formal, Scientific context]
• распространение [rɐsprəˈstanʲɪje] - [Informal, General or metaphorical use]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific and technical fields, less so in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate for learners with basic scientific vocabulary; for "диффузия", it may be C1 for advanced physics contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

диффузия: [dʲɪfˈfuʐɨjə]

Note on диффузия: The stress falls on the third syllable ("fu"), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the soft "f" sound, influenced by the palatalized "dʲ".

распространение: [rɐsprəˈstanʲɪje]

Note on распространение: The stress is on the third syllable ("stan"), and the word often softens in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The process of spreading or dispersing something, often in a scientific context (e.g., physics, chemistry).

Translation(s) & Context:

• диффузия - Used in formal scientific discussions, such as molecular movement in gases or liquids.
• распространение - Applied in broader contexts, like the spread of ideas or information, where a more metaphorical sense is intended.

Usage Examples:

• В физике диффузия играет ключевую роль в перемещении молекул.

  In physics, diffusion plays a key role in the movement of molecules.

• Процесс диффузии газов в воздухе происходит постоянно.

  The process of diffusion of gases in the air occurs constantly.

• Распространение идей через социальные сети напоминает диффузию в химии.

  The spread of ideas through social networks is reminiscent of diffusion in chemistry.

• В лаборатории мы наблюдаем за диффузией красителей в воде.

  In the laboratory, we observe the diffusion of dyes in water.

• Распространение информации в обществе может быть хаотичным, подобно диффузии.

  The spread of information in society can be chaotic, similar to diffusion.

2. A metaphorical spread, such as of cultural or social phenomena.

Translation(s) & Context:

• распространение - Common in social or cultural contexts, where "diffusion" implies gradual adoption.

Usage Examples:

• Глобальное распространение технологий изменило повседневную жизнь.

  The global diffusion of technologies has changed everyday life.

• Распространение западной культуры в России произошло в XIX веке.

  The diffusion of Western culture in Russia occurred in the 19th century.

• В современном мире распространение идей происходит мгновенно.

  In the modern world, the diffusion of ideas happens instantly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Диффузия" is a feminine noun (feminine gender, first declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflections, with changes based on case and number. "Распространение" is a neuter noun (neuter gender, second declension) and also inflects regularly.

Note: These words do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • диффузия (exact match in scientific terms)
  • распространение (more general, often used interchangeably in metaphorical contexts)
  • дисперсия (implies scattering, with subtle differences in physics)
• Antonyms:
  • концентрация (concentration, as it opposes spreading)
  • сжатие (compression, in physical contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Молекулярная диффузия - Refers to the diffusion of molecules, commonly used in chemistry contexts.
• Газированная диффузия - Involves the diffusion of gases, with applications in environmental science.
• Распространение информации - The spread of information, often in media or social contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Диффузия" directly corresponds to the scientific meaning of "diffusion" in English and is preferred in formal, academic settings. "Распространение" is more versatile for everyday or metaphorical uses, but it lacks the precision of "диффузия" in technical discussions. Choose based on context: use "диффузия" for physical processes and "распространение" for social phenomena. Grammatically, both nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs in Russian sentences.

• In formal writing, pair "диффузия" with scientific terms to maintain accuracy.
• Avoid overusing "распространение" in scientific contexts, as it may sound less precise.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake "диффузия" for a verb and attempt to conjugate it as one, but it is a noun. For example, incorrectly saying "я диффузирую" (I diffuse) instead of the proper verb form like "я распространяю". Correct usage: Use the noun in its inflected form, e.g., "Процесс диффузии" (The process of diffusion). Another error is confusing it with "диффузия" in plural without context, as it's rarely used that way; always check the case for agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian scientific literature, "диффузия" reflects influences from Western physics, particularly from 19th-century translations of works by scientists like Faraday. It doesn't carry strong cultural connotations but is emblematic of Russia's emphasis on technical education, where such terms are integral to STEM fields.

Related Concepts:

• осмос
• диффузия газа
• конвекция