Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ecology'

English Word: ecology

Key Russian Translations:

• экология [ɪkɐˈlʲoɡʲɪjə] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, environmental, and media discussions, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of scientific terminology and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

экология: [ɪkɐˈlʲoɡʲɪjə]

Note on экология: The stress falls on the third syllable ("lo"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers. Pronounce the "лʲ" as a soft "l" sound, similar to the "l" in "million."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• экология - Used in formal scientific, educational, and environmental contexts, such as discussions on climate change or biodiversity.

Usage Examples:

• Экология играет ключевую роль в сохранении биоразнообразия на Земле.

  Ecology plays a key role in preserving biodiversity on Earth.

• Современные проблемы экологии требуют глобальных решений.

  Modern ecology problems require global solutions.

• Изучение экологии помогает понять влияние человека на окружающую среду.

  Studying ecology helps understand the impact of humans on the environment.

• В университете я специализируюсь на экологии морских экосистем.

  At university, I specialize in the ecology of marine ecosystems.

• Экология не только наука, но и основа устойчивого развития.

  Ecology is not only a science but also the foundation of sustainable development.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Экология" is a feminine noun in Russian (from Greek origin) and follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ия. It is inflected based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic forms:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "ecology" often refers to the field in general. It does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • экосистема (ecosystem) - Focuses on specific systems rather than the broader science.
  • биоэкология (bioecology) - A more specialized term for biological aspects.
• Antonyms:
  • загрязнение (pollution) - Refers to environmental degradation, contrasting with ecological preservation.
  • деградация (degradation) - Implies environmental decline, opposing ecological balance.

Related Phrases:

• защита окружающей среды - Protection of the environment; often used in ecological campaigns.
• устойчивое развитие - Sustainable development; a key concept in modern ecology discussions.
• экологический баланс - Ecological balance; refers to the equilibrium in natural systems.
• проблемы экологии - Ecology problems; commonly discussed in media and policy contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Экология" directly corresponds to the English "ecology" as a scientific discipline, but in Russian, it can also imply broader environmental concerns. It is typically used in formal contexts like academia or policy discussions. When choosing translations, stick with "экология" for general references; avoid casual alternatives unless specifying subfields. Grammatically, remember it is a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree (e.g., "экология важна" - ecology is important). In spoken Russian, it's often paired with phrases like "проблемы экологии" for everyday environmental talks.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "изучение экология" instead of "изучение экологии" (genitive case required after "изучение").
  Correct: "Изучение экологии" - Explanation: Russian requires genitive case for objects of study.
• Mistake: Confusing it with "экономика" (economy), which sounds similar but means something different.
  Correct: Double-check pronunciation and context to avoid mix-ups, as both are common in discussions.
• Mistake: Overusing in informal speech, e.g., saying "экология" for minor issues like littering, when "мусор" (trash) might be more appropriate.
  Correct: Reserve for scientific or serious contexts to maintain precision.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "экология" carries significant cultural weight due to historical environmental challenges, such as pollution from the Soviet era and ongoing issues like deforestation in Siberia. It often appears in public discourse as a symbol of national efforts toward sustainability, influenced by global movements like those led by figures such as Greta Thunberg, adapted to Russian contexts.

Related Concepts:

• биология (biology)
• природа (nature)
• экосистема (ecosystem)
• загрязнение (pollution)