Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flu'

English Word: flu

Key Russian Translations:

• грипп [ɡrʲip] - [Formal, Medical]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday health discussions, especially during winter months)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary word for health-related topics)

Pronunciation (Russian):

грипп: [ɡrʲip]

Note on грипп: The initial 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in 'go' but softer; the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: Listen to pronunciation

Meanings and Usage:

The flu as an infectious illness

Translation(s) & Context:

• грипп - Used in formal medical, everyday conversations, or public health announcements to refer to the influenza virus.

Usage Examples:

• У меня грипп, поэтому я останусь дома.

  I have the flu, so I'll stay home. (This example shows the word in a personal health context, using the nominative case.)

• Грипп распространяется быстро в холодное время года.

  The flu spreads quickly during the cold season. (Illustrates use in a general statement about epidemiology.)

• Врач диагностировал у меня грипп и прописал лекарства.

  The doctor diagnosed me with the flu and prescribed medication. (Demonstrates the word in a medical consultation scenario.)

• Из-за гриппа школа была закрыта на неделю.

  Due to the flu, the school was closed for a week. (Shows usage in a community or institutional context.)

• Я сделал прививку от гриппа, чтобы избежать болезни.

  I got a flu shot to avoid getting sick. (Highlights preventive measures in health discussions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"грипп" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has some irregularities in plural forms. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "грипп" typically refers to the illness in singular. It does not change for gender or number in compound phrases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • инфекция (infektsiya) - More general term for infection, often used interchangeably in casual contexts but less specific.
  • вирус гриппа (virus grippa) - Emphasizes the viral aspect, used in scientific or detailed discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • здоровье (zdorov'ye) - Health, implying the absence of illness.
  • иммунитет (immunitet) - Immunity, contrasting with vulnerability to the flu.

Related Phrases:

• Гриппный сезон - Flu season (Refers to the period when flu outbreaks are common, typically in winter.)
• Прививка от гриппа - Flu shot (A common preventive measure against the illness.)
• Симптомы гриппа - Flu symptoms (Used when discussing signs like fever or fatigue.)

Usage Notes:

"Грипп" directly corresponds to the English "flu" as an acute viral infection, but it's more formal and precise in Russian medical contexts. Use it in situations involving health discussions, as it's neutral and widely understood. Be mindful of case changes based on sentence structure; for example, in genitive phrases like "заражение гриппом" (infection with the flu). If the context is casual, "грипп" is preferred over synonyms like "инфекция" to avoid ambiguity. When multiple translations exist, choose based on specificity: "грипп" for direct equivalents.

Common Errors:

• Common mistake: Confusing "грипп" with "простуда" (cold). English learners often use "грипп" interchangeably, but "простуда" refers to a milder cold, while "грипп" implies a more severe illness. Incorrect: "У меня простуда, как грипп" (implying they are the same). Correct: "У меня грипп, а не простуда" (I have the flu, not a cold). Explanation: This error stems from overlapping symptoms; always specify based on severity for accuracy.

• Another error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using nominative "грипп" in dative contexts. Incorrect: "Я боюсь грипп" (I am afraid of flu – wrong case). Correct: "Я боюсь гриппа" (I am afraid of the flu). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so pay attention to prepositions like "боюсь" which govern genitive.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "грипп" is a significant public health concern, especially during the winter months. Annual flu vaccination campaigns are heavily promoted by the government, reflecting a cultural emphasis on communal health and prevention. Historically, flu epidemics have influenced Russian society, such as during the 1918 pandemic, adding a layer of awareness to the term.

Related Concepts:

• вирус (virus)
• кашель (cough)
• лихорадка (fever)