Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'helium'

English Word: helium

Key Russian Translations:

• гелий [ˈɡɛlʲɪj] - [Formal, Scientific, Singular]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in scientific, technical, or educational contexts; not common in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) - Requires familiarity with scientific vocabulary and basic Russian noun declensions for English learners.

Pronunciation (Russian):

гелий: [ˈɡɛlʲɪj]

Note on гелий: The stress is on the first syllable. The "й" sound is a soft palatal approximant, which can be challenging for beginners. Pronounce it similarly to "gel-ee" in English but with a softer "l" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A chemical element (noble gas, atomic number 2)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гелий - Used in scientific discussions, such as chemistry, physics, or everyday references to balloons and airships. Context: Formal or technical writing and speech.

Usage Examples:

• Гелий используется для заполнения воздушных шаров, так как он легче воздуха.

  Helium is used to fill balloons because it is lighter than air.

• В космонавтике гелий применяется для охлаждения двигателей.

  In astronautics, helium is used for cooling engines.

• Гелий - это инертный газ, который не реагирует с другими веществами.

  Helium is an inert gas that does not react with other substances.

• Медицинские центры используют гелий в МРТ-сканерах для создания сильных магнитных полей.

  Medical centers use helium in MRI scanners to create strong magnetic fields.

• Из-за дефицита гелия цена на этот элемент значительно выросла в последние годы.

  Due to the shortage of helium, the price of this element has significantly increased in recent years.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Гелий is a masculine noun in Russian and follows the standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. It is a loanword from Greek via English and has regular inflections based on its ending. Below is a table showing its declensions:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used since "helium" typically refers to the element in singular contexts, but they apply in discussions of multiple samples or isotopes.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • гелиум (an alternative transliteration, though less common and essentially identical)
  Note: "Гелиум" is a rare variant and is used interchangeably with "гелий" in scientific texts, with no significant difference in meaning.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "гелий" is a specific chemical element and not part of a binary opposition.

Related Phrases:

• жидкий гелий - Liquid helium; used in cryogenic applications for extreme cooling.
• газовый гелий - Gaseous helium; refers to its common state at room temperature.
• гелиевый баллон - Helium balloon; a everyday phrase for party or scientific demonstrations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "гелий" directly corresponds to the English "helium" as a chemical element, but it's important to use it in formal or technical contexts to maintain accuracy. Always decline it according to Russian case requirements; for example, use the genitive "гелия" in phrases like "атома гелия" (atom of helium). English learners should note that Russian scientific vocabulary often retains foreign loanwords like this one, so pronunciation and declension practice is key. If multiple translations exist (e.g., in different scientific fields), "гелий" is the standard choice without regional variations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using "гелий" in the dative case instead of "гелию" (as in "Я дал гелий" instead of "Я дал гелию").

  Correct: "Я дал гелию" (I gave helium). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; this mistake often stems from treating it as an indeclinable word, which it's not.

• Error: Confusing it with similar-sounding words like "гелий" vs. "железо" (iron), leading to mix-ups in element names.

  Correct: Use "гелий" specifically for helium. Explanation: Pay attention to spelling and context; "железо" means iron, so context clues in scientific texts can help avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

While "гелий" itself is a neutral scientific term, it ties into Russian advancements in space exploration and physics, such as those by scientists like Dmitri Mendeleev. In popular culture, helium is associated with fun elements like floating balloons at festivals, reflecting a lighthearted side in Russian media, but it doesn't carry deep cultural symbolism.

Related Concepts:

• водород (hydrogen)
• неон (neon)
• азот (nitrogen)