Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gypsum'

English Word: gypsum

Key Russian Translations:

• гипс [ɡʲips] - [Noun, Formal, Used in scientific, geological, and construction contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly encountered in specialized fields like geology, construction, and medicine, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and basic Russian noun declensions, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гипс: [ɡʲips]

Note on гипс: The initial "г" is pronounced as a palatalized [ɡʲ] sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. It sounds similar to the "g" in "gesture" but softer. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, often used in construction, sculpture, or medicine (e.g., for casts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• гипс - Typically used in formal, technical, or professional contexts such as geology, building materials, or medical applications.

Usage Examples:

• Гипс широко используется в строительстве для создания прочных конструкций.

  Gypsum is widely used in construction to create durable structures.

• Этот минерал, известный как гипс, имеет множество промышленных применений.

  This mineral, known as gypsum, has numerous industrial applications.

• В медицине гипс применяется для фиксации переломов костей.

  In medicine, gypsum is used to immobilize broken bones.

• Гипс можно найти в природе в виде крупных залежей.

  Gypsum can be found in nature as large deposits.

• Художники часто используют гипс для лепки скульптур.

  Artists often use gypsum for sculpting statues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гипс" is a masculine inanimate noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word does not change in the plural form as frequently as some nouns, but it follows standard rules for inanimate objects.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • селитра (selitra) - Less common, used in specific chemical contexts, but not exact; implies a related mineral compound.
  • алебастр (alebastr) - Refers to a finer, decorative form of gypsum.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "гипс" is a specific mineral term without clear opposites. In broader contexts, terms like "металл" (metal) could contrast in material science, but this is not standard.

Related Phrases:

• строительный гипс - Building gypsum; refers to processed gypsum used in construction materials.
• медицинский гипс - Medical gypsum; used for casts in orthopedic treatments.
• гипсовый раствор - Gypsum mortar; a mixture for plastering walls, with the connotation of quick-setting material.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "гипс" directly corresponds to the English "gypsum" in technical and scientific contexts, maintaining a formal tone. It is gender-neutral as a noun but requires correct declension based on case (e.g., use genitive "гипса" after prepositions like "из"). English learners should note that while "гипс" is versatile, context dictates its usage—opt for it in professional settings rather than casual speech. If multiple translations exist, choose based on specificity: "гипс" is the most precise for the mineral, whereas synonyms like "алебастр" imply artistic or decorative uses.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Misdeclining the noun, e.g., using "гипс" in the dative case instead of "гипсу" (saying "Я даю гипс" instead of "Я даю гипсу пациенту"). Correct Usage: Always adjust for case, as in "Я даю гипсу пациенту" (I give gypsum to the patient). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English speakers often overlook.

• Common Error: Confusing with similar-sounding words like "грызть" (to gnaw), leading to pronunciation mistakes. Correct Usage: Pronounce as [ɡʲips], not confusing it with verbs. Explanation: Pay attention to palatalization to avoid semantic errors in spoken Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "гипс" is not only a practical material but also holds historical significance in art and architecture, as seen in iconic structures like the Moscow Metro stations, where gypsum-based plaster was used for decorative elements. This reflects Russia's emphasis on durable, ornate designs in public spaces, influenced by Soviet-era engineering.

Related Concepts:

• известь (izvest')
• цемент (tsement)
• минерал (mineral)