Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'laser'

English Word: laser

Key Russian Translations:

• лазер /ˈla.zʲɛr/ - [Formal, Scientific/Technical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, technological, and everyday contexts involving modern devices, but not as frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific vocabulary and basic Russian noun declensions, suitable for learners with a good grasp of everyday language)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лазер: /ˈla.zʲɛr/

Note on лазер: The stress falls on the first syllable (/ˈla/), and the 'з' is pronounced as a voiced 'z' sound. Be mindful of the palatalized 'зʲ' in some regional accents, which softens the sound slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A device that emits light through optical amplification, used in various applications like medicine, industry, and entertainment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лазер - Used in formal, technical, or scientific contexts to describe the device; common in discussions about technology or physics.

Usage Examples:

• Врач использовал лазер для удаления родинки. (The doctor used a laser to remove the mole.)

  Translation: The doctor used a laser to remove the mole. (This example shows the noun in a medical context, demonstrating its use with verbs like "использовал".)

• Лазер в смартфоне помогает сканировать отпечатки пальцев. (The laser in the smartphone helps scan fingerprints.)

  Translation: The laser in the smartphone helps scan fingerprints. (Illustrates the noun in a technological gadget context, highlighting its integration into everyday devices.)

• Учёные разрабатывают новый тип лазера для космических исследований. (Scientists are developing a new type of laser for space exploration.)

  Translation: Scientists are developing a new type of laser for space exploration. (This demonstrates the noun in a research-oriented sentence, showing its use in plural or modified forms.)

• На концерте использовали лазеры для создания световых эффектов. (At the concert, lasers were used to create light effects.)

  Translation: At the concert, lasers were used to create light effects. (Shows the plural form in an entertainment context, emphasizing cultural applications.)

• Лазерный указатель помогает в презентациях. (A laser pointer helps in presentations.)

  Translation: A laser pointer helps in presentations. (This example uses a derived adjective form "лазерный" in a professional setting.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лазер" is a masculine noun (second declension) and follows standard Russian noun patterns. It is invariable in some contexts but changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: оптический генератор (optical generator) - More descriptive, used in highly technical contexts; квантовый генератор (quantum generator) - Specific to certain types of lasers.
• Antonyms: традиционный свет (traditional light) - Implies non-laser light sources, highlighting the contrast in technology.

Related Phrases:

• Лазерный луч - Laser beam (Refers to the focused light emitted by a laser, commonly used in optics and weaponry contexts.)
• Лазерная терапия - Laser therapy (A medical treatment method involving lasers, often in dermatology or surgery.)
• Лазерный принтер - Laser printer (A type of printer using laser technology, prevalent in office settings.)

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "лазер" directly corresponds to the English "laser" as a noun, primarily in scientific and technological contexts. It is gender-specific (masculine), so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "новый лазер" for "new laser"). Use it in formal settings or when discussing modern inventions; in informal speech, it might be replaced with descriptive phrases. When choosing between translations, "лазер" is the most precise and commonly used term, but "оптический генератор" could be employed for emphasis on the mechanism. Pay attention to declensions to maintain grammatical accuracy in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Incorrectly declining the noun, e.g., using "лазер" in the genitive case as "лазер" instead of "лазера".
  Correct: "Я видел лазера в лаборатории" should be "Я видел лазер в лаборатории" (for accusative) or properly adjusted.
  Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case; learners often forget this, leading to confusion in prepositional phrases.
• Mistake: Confusing "лазер" with similar-sounding words like "лазарь" (an archaic term for a leper hospital).
  Correct: Use "лазер" only for the device; avoid mixing it with unrelated vocabulary.
  Explanation: This error stems from phonetic similarities, so context is key to proper usage.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лазер" symbolizes modern technological advancement, often linked to Soviet-era innovations in physics and space exploration. For instance, the development of lasers played a role in Cold War-era scientific competitions, and today, they are integral to Russian medical and military applications, reflecting the country's emphasis on engineering prowess.

Related Concepts:

• свет (light)
• оптика (optics)
• фотон (photon)
• квант (quantum)