Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'drugstore'

English Word: drugstore

Key Russian Translations:

• аптека [ɐˈptʲekə] - [Formal, commonly used for pharmacies selling medicines and everyday items]
• аптечный магазин [ɐˈptʲeʧnɨj mɐˈɡazʲin] - [Informal, emphasizes a store-like aspect rather than just a pharmacy]

Frequency: High (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversations, especially in urban contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 for 'аптека' (Beginner level, as it's a basic noun); A2 for 'аптечный магазин' (Elementary, due to compound structure)

Pronunciation (Russian):

аптека: [ɐˈptʲekə]

аптечный магазин: [ɐˈptʲeʧnɨj mɐˈɡazʲin]

Note on аптека: The stress is on the second syllable ('te-'), and the 'тʲ' represents a palatalized 't' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers—similar to the 't' in 'tune'. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A pharmacy or drugstore where medicines and related items are sold.

Translation(s) & Context:

• аптека - Used in formal and everyday contexts for a standard pharmacy, often implying a place for over-the-counter drugs and health products.
• аптечный магазин - Applied in informal settings when referring to a larger store that combines pharmacy services with general retail, such as in shopping centers.

Usage Examples:

• Я вчера заходил в аптеку за аспирином.

  I went to the drugstore yesterday to get aspirin.

• В этом аптечном магазине есть отдел с косметикой и витаминами.

  This drugstore has a section with cosmetics and vitamins.

• Если у тебя температура, иди в ближайшую аптеку и спроси у фармацевта.

  If you have a fever, go to the nearest drugstore and ask the pharmacist.

• Аптека на углу работает круглосуточно, так что можно купить лекарства в любое время.

  The drugstore on the corner is open 24/7, so you can buy medicines at any time.

• Мой друг работает в аптечном магазине и всегда советует хорошие средства от простуды.

  My friend works at the drugstore and always recommends good remedies for colds.

A broader retail outlet including non-medical items (e.g., in American English contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• аптека - In extended contexts, but less common; typically sticks to health-related items.
• аптечный магазин - More appropriate for scenarios involving mixed retail, such as buying snacks alongside medicine.

Usage Examples:

• В аптечном магазине можно найти не только лекарства, но и журналы.

  At the drugstore, you can find not only medicines but also magazines.

• Я предпочитаю ходить в аптеку, где есть широкий ассортимент товаров для дома.

  I prefer going to the drugstore where there's a wide selection of household items.

• Аптека в торговом центре предлагает скидки на косметику каждую неделю.

  The drugstore in the shopping mall offers discounts on cosmetics every week.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Аптека' is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian grammar) and follows the first declension pattern for nouns ending in -a. It has regular inflections based on case and number. 'Аптечный магазин' is a noun phrase where 'аптечный' is an adjective and 'магазин' is a masculine noun following the second declension.

Note: 'Аптека' has no irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Лекарственная лавка (lekarsvennaya lavka) - More archaic or informal, implying a small shop.
  • Фармацевтический пункт (farmacevticheskiy punkt) - Used for smaller outlets, with a slight emphasis on pharmaceutical services.
• Antonyms:
  • Больница (bol'nitsa) - Hospital, as it represents a medical facility rather than a retail store.
  • Супермаркет (supermarket) - For general retail without a focus on health products, though some overlap exists.

Related Phrases:

• Идти в аптеку (Idti v apteku) - To go to the drugstore; used for routine errands.
• Аптека на углу (Apteka na uglu) - The drugstore on the corner; refers to a nearby location.
• Купить лекарства в аптеке (Kupit' lekarstva v apteke) - To buy medicines at the drugstore; a common phrase for purchasing health items.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'аптека' directly corresponds to the core meaning of 'drugstore' as a pharmacy, but it may not always capture the broader retail aspect found in American English. Use 'аптечный магазин' for contexts involving non-medical items. Be mindful of gender agreements in sentences (e.g., adjectives must agree with 'аптека' as feminine). In formal writing or speech, 'аптека' is preferred, while 'аптечный магазин' suits casual conversations. When choosing between translations, consider the context: if it's primarily about medicines, stick with 'аптека'.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'аптека' as a masculine noun (e.g., saying "аптека большой" instead of "аптека большая"). Correct: Adjectives must agree in gender, so use "большая аптека" (big drugstore). Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and mistakes here can make sentences sound unnatural.

• Error: Confusing with 'больница' (hospital) when describing a drugstore. Correct: Say "Я иду в аптеку" instead of "Я иду в больницу" for buying medicine. Explanation: This mix-up can occur for English learners due to overlapping medical contexts, but 'аптека' is specifically for retail pharmacies.

• Error: Omitting case inflections (e.g., saying "в аптека" instead of "в аптеке"). Correct: Use the prepositional case "в аптеке". Explanation: Prepositions like 'в' require the correct case, and neglecting this leads to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, 'аптека' often serves as a community hub, not just for medicines but for health advice, reflecting the cultural emphasis on accessible healthcare. Many 'аптеки' are open late or 24/7 in cities, stemming from Soviet-era practices where pharmacies were essential public services. This contrasts with some Western models, highlighting Russia's focus on practical, everyday health support.

Related Concepts:

• Больница (bol'nitsa) - Hospital
• Фармацевт (farmacevt) - Pharmacist
• Лекарство (lekarstvo) - Medicine