Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'leprosy'

English Word: leprosy

Key Russian Translations:

• проказа [prɐˈkazə] - [Formal, Medical]

Frequency: Low (This term is primarily used in medical or academic contexts and is not common in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners at this level should be familiar with medical vocabulary, but the word's specificity may require additional context.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

проказа: [prɐˈkazə]

Note on проказа: The stress falls on the second syllable ('ka'), which is common in Russian feminine nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'a' sound at the end, which can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A chronic infectious disease causing skin lesions and nerve damage.

Translation(s) & Context:

• проказа - Used in formal medical discussions, historical texts, or public health contexts to refer to the disease; it carries a neutral, clinical connotation in modern Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Он был диагностирован с проказой в раннем возрасте.

  He was diagnosed with leprosy at an early age.

• В некоторых регионах мира проказа всё ещё является проблемой здравоохранения.

  In some parts of the world, leprosy is still a public health issue.

• Лечение проказы включает комбинацию антибиотиков и уход за кожей.

  Treatment for leprosy involves a combination of antibiotics and skin care.

• Исторические записи показывают, что проказа была распространена в средневековой Европе.

  Historical records show that leprosy was widespread in medieval Europe.

• Медицинские волонтёры работают над предотвращением распространения проказы в эндемичных районах.

  Medical volunteers are working to prevent the spread of leprosy in endemic areas.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Проказа" is a feminine noun (3rd declension) in Russian, which means it undergoes regular inflection based on case, number, and gender. It is invariant in plural forms for most contexts but changes in singular cases. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "leprosy" is often discussed in singular contexts. There are no irregular inflections for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • лепра - A more technical synonym, often used interchangeably in medical literature; it emphasizes the bacterial origin.
  • гансоновская болезнь - Less common, refers specifically to the historical or etiological aspects.
• Antonyms:
  • здоровье (health) - A general opposite, implying absence of disease.
  • нормальная кожа (normal skin) - Contextual antonym in dermatological discussions.

Related Phrases:

• пациент с проказой - (Patient with leprosy) - Used in clinical settings to describe an affected individual.
• лечение проказы - (Treatment of leprosy) - Refers to medical interventions for the disease.
• эпидемия проказы - (Epidemic of leprosy) - Describes outbreaks in historical or modern contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "проказа" directly corresponds to the English "leprosy" as a medical term, but it is reserved for formal or professional contexts due to its sensitivity. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may evoke historical stigma. When choosing between synonyms like "лепра," opt for "проказа" in general discussions for its broader recognition. Grammatically, always treat it as a feminine noun, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "тяжёлая проказа" for "severe leprosy"). English learners should note that Russian medical terminology often incorporates Latin influences, making it similar to English roots.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "проказа" with "проказник" (a mischievous person): English learners might mishear or misuse this due to similar sounds. Incorrect: "Он проказник" (meaning he is mischievous). Correct: "У него проказа" (He has leprosy). Explanation: "Проказник" is unrelated and refers to behavior, so context is key to avoid embarrassment.

• Improper inflection: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., using nominative in all contexts. Incorrect: "О лечении проказа" (wrong case). Correct: "О лечении проказы" (genitive for "of leprosy"). Explanation: Russian requires precise case agreement, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "проказа" is associated with stigma from medieval times, similar to Western perceptions, where affected individuals were often isolated in colonies. This reflects broader themes in Russian literature, such as in Dostoevsky's works, where disease symbolizes social exclusion. Understanding this helps English users grasp the word's emotional weight beyond its medical definition.

Related Concepts:

• инфекционные болезни (infectious diseases)
• кожные заболевания (skin conditions)
• эпидемиология (epidemiology)