Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'equilibrium'

English Word: equilibrium

Key Russian Translations:

• равновесие [rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪje] - [Formal, used in scientific, technical, or abstract contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in academic, scientific, and professional discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves abstract concepts and requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and scientific vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

равновесие: [rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪje]

Note on равновесие: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("vʲesʲɪje"), which is a common challenge for learners due to the word's length and the soft consonants. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical or chemical equilibrium (a state of balance in systems, such as in physics or chemistry)

Translation(s) & Context:

• равновесие - Used in scientific and technical contexts to describe a stable state where forces or reactions are balanced.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В химической реакции система достигает равновесие, когда скорость прямой реакции равна скорости обратной.

  English: In a chemical reaction, the system reaches equilibrium when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse.

• Русский: Физическое равновесие объекта поддерживается, если все действующие силы компенсируют друг друга.

  English: The physical equilibrium of an object is maintained if all acting forces compensate for each other.

• Русский: В экосистеме равновесие нарушается из-за внешних факторов, таких как загрязнение.

  English: In an ecosystem, equilibrium is disrupted due to external factors like pollution.

• Русский: Учёные изучают, как достичь равновесие в термодинамических процессах.

  English: Scientists study how to achieve equilibrium in thermodynamic processes.

2. Metaphorical or emotional equilibrium (a state of mental or emotional balance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• равновесие - Applied in psychological or everyday contexts to mean emotional stability, though less common than in scientific usage.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: После стресса она восстановила внутреннее равновесие через медитацию.

  English: After the stress, she restored her inner equilibrium through meditation.

• Русский: В повседневной жизни важно поддерживать равновесие между работой и отдыхом.

  English: In everyday life, it's important to maintain equilibrium between work and rest.

• Русский: Экономическое равновесие общества зависит от социальной стабильности.

  English: The economic equilibrium of society depends on social stability.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

равновесие is a neuter noun in Russian, following the standard third declension pattern for neuter nouns ending in -ие. It undergoes regular inflections based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • баланс [bɐˈlans] - More general term for balance, often used interchangeably in non-scientific contexts.
  • стабильность [stɐˈbʲilʲnəsʲtʲ] - Emphasizes stability over perfect balance, commonly used in social or economic discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • дисбаланс [dʲisˈbɐlans] - Implies a lack of balance, often in economic or physical contexts.
  • нестабильность [nʲesˈtɐbʲilʲnəsʲtʲ] - Suggests instability or fluctuation, highlighting the absence of equilibrium.

Related Phrases:

• В состоянии равновесия [v sostoˈjanʲij rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪja] - Meaning: In a state of equilibrium; used to describe systems or situations that are balanced.
• Нарушение равновесия [nɐˈruʂenʲije rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪja] - Meaning: Disruption of equilibrium; common in discussions of environmental or economic issues.
• Динамическое равновесие [dʲinɐˈmʲit͡ɕeskoje rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪje] - Meaning: Dynamic equilibrium; refers to a balance that involves ongoing changes, as in chemical reactions.

Usage Notes:

равновесие directly corresponds to "equilibrium" in English, particularly in scientific and abstract contexts, but it is less flexible in everyday speech. Use it in formal or technical settings to maintain precision. For emotional balance, English speakers might prefer "баланс" in casual conversations. Always consider the grammatical case when using it in sentences, as Russian requires agreement with other elements. When choosing between translations, opt for равновесие in scientific texts for its specificity, but be aware of context to avoid over-formality.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Incorrectly using the nominative form in all cases, e.g., saying "в равновесие" instead of "в равновесии".
  Correct: Use the prepositional case "в равновесии" for locations or states.
  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with prepositions, which can confuse English learners accustomed to less inflection.
• Mistake: Confusing it with synonyms like "баланс" and using them interchangeably without context, e.g., "экономическое равновесие" when "баланс" might suffice.
  Correct: Stick to равновесие for precise scientific meanings to avoid dilution of intent.
  Explanation: While similar, равновесие implies a more stable, equilibrium-specific state, whereas баланс is broader.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and literature, равновесие often symbolizes harmony and stability, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy, where it represents emotional or social balance. Historically, it ties to Russian scientific advancements, such as in physics during the Soviet era, reflecting a cultural emphasis on theoretical equilibrium in the face of real-world instability.

Related Concepts:

• стабильность
• баланс
• динамика