Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'marijuana'

English Word: marijuana

Key Russian Translations:

• марихуана (/mɐˈrʲixənə/) - [Informal, often used in medical or legal contexts]

Frequency: Medium - Commonly used in discussions about drugs, health, or law, but not in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2) - The word is a loanword, making it accessible, but its pronunciation and cultural connotations may pose challenges for learners.

Pronunciation (Russian):

марихуана: /mɐˈrʲixənə/

Note on марихуана: The stress is on the third syllable ('xənə'). The 'х' sound is a guttural fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch', which can be tricky for English speakers. Pay attention to the palatalized 'рʲ'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant, used for medicinal, recreational, or illegal purposes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• марихуана - Used in informal and formal contexts, such as medical discussions or legal debates; often implies recreational use in casual speech.

Usage Examples:

• Он курит марихуану для облегчения боли. (He smokes marijuana for pain relief.)

  Translation: He smokes marijuana for pain relief. (This example shows the word in a medicinal context, with a simple verb structure.)

• В некоторых странах марихуана легализована. (In some countries, marijuana is legalized.)

  Translation: In some countries, marijuana is legalized. (This demonstrates the word in a legal or societal discussion, highlighting its noun form.)

• Молодые люди иногда экспериментируют с марихуаной. (Young people sometimes experiment with marijuana.)

  Translation: Young people sometimes experiment with marijuana. (This illustrates informal, social usage, showing the word in a sentence with verbs of action.)

• Полиция конфисковала партию марихуаны. (The police seized a batch of marijuana.)

  Translation: The police seized a batch of marijuana. (This example places the word in a law enforcement context, emphasizing its plural or mass noun aspect.)

• Марихуана может иметь как преимущества, так и риски. (Marijuana can have both benefits and risks.)

  Translation: Marijuana can have both benefits and risks. (This shows a balanced, neutral usage in discussions about pros and cons.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Марихуана" is a feminine noun (from the first declension group in Russian). It follows standard noun inflections for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: каннабис (kannabis) - More formal, often used in scientific contexts; гашиш (gashish) - Refers specifically to a concentrated form, with slight differences in potency and usage.
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, as this is a specific substance, but conceptually opposite terms might include "трезвость" (trezvost) - sobriety, in the context of substance use.

Related Phrases:

• Курить марихуану - To smoke marijuana; often used in discussions about recreational drug use.
• Легализация марихуаны - Legalization of marijuana; common in political or social debates.
• Медицинская марихуана - Medical marijuana; refers to its use for health purposes, with a more regulated connotation.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "марихуана" directly corresponds to the English "marijuana" as a loanword, but it's important to note its informal and potentially sensitive connotations. In Russia, discussions around this term are often linked to legal restrictions, so use it cautiously in formal settings. For learners, choose "марихуана" over synonyms like "каннабис" when referring to recreational contexts, but opt for the latter in scientific writing. Grammatically, it functions as a feminine noun, requiring agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "эта марихуана опасна" - this marijuana is dangerous).

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "марихуана" as /mæri'hwɑːnə/ (like the English version). Correct: Use the Russian IPA /mɐˈrʲixənə/, emphasizing the guttural 'х'. Explanation: English speakers often apply native phonetics, leading to confusion in communication.
• Error: Using it in plural form incorrectly, e.g., saying "марихуanas" instead of "марихуаны". Correct: In Russian, the plural is "марихуаны", and it doesn't borrow English plural markers. Explanation: This is a common interference from English grammar.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "марихуана" is often associated with taboo topics due to strict anti-drug laws. Historically, its use has been linked to counterculture movements in the 20th century, influenced by Western trends. However, ongoing debates about medical legalization reflect shifting attitudes, making it a symbol of social change in modern Russia.

Related Concepts:

• наркотики (narkotiki) - Drugs in general.
• каннабис (kannabis) - Cannabis, as a broader plant category.
• психоактивные вещества (psikhoaktivnye veshchestva) - Psychoactive substances.