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EN RU Dictionary

корь Primary Russian translation

Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'measles'

English Word: measles

Key Russian Translations:

  • корь [kɔrʲ] - [Formal, Medical]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in medical and everyday conversations about health, especially among parents and healthcare professionals, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary in non-medical contexts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR standards; learners at this level should recognize it in health-related discussions, though mastering its inflections may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

корь: [kɔrʲ]

Note on корь: The 'рʲ' sound is a palatalized 'r', which can be challenging for English speakers; it's softer than the standard English 'r'. Practice with native audio to get the correct emphasis on the vowel.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The infectious disease causing red spots on the skin, typically affecting children.
Translation(s) & Context:
  • корь - Used in formal medical contexts, such as doctor visits or health education, to describe the viral illness.
Usage Examples:
  • У меня была корь в детстве, и я долго болел.

    I had measles as a child, and I was sick for a long time. (This example shows the word in a personal narrative, discussing past experiences.)

  • Вакцина от кори спасает тысячи детей каждый год.

    The measles vaccine saves thousands of children every year. (Here, it's used in a preventive health context, highlighting public health discussions.)

  • Симптомы кори включают высокую температуру и сыпь.

    Symptoms of measles include high fever and a rash. (This demonstrates the word in a descriptive medical explanation.)

  • Мой ребёнок заразился корью во время поездки.

    My child caught measles during the trip. (This example illustrates usage in everyday family conversations about travel and health risks.)

  • Врачи рекомендуют прививку от кори для всех малышей.

    Doctors recommend the measles vaccine for all toddlers. (This shows the word in advisory contexts, emphasizing vaccination.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Корь" is a feminine noun in the third declension group in Russian. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in a consonant, with changes based on case and number. As a singular noun referring to a disease, it is typically used in the singular form, but it can be pluralized in certain contexts. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Case Singular Plural
Nominative (Именительный) корь корь (rarely pluralized)
Genitive (Родительный) корь корь
Dative (Дательный) корь корь
Accusative (Винительный) корь корь
Instrumental (Творительный) корью корью
Prepositional (Предложный) корь корь

Note: This noun does not change in most cases due to its unchangeable stem, which is common for some feminine nouns. In plural, it remains largely the same but is infrequently used as diseases are often discussed in singular form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

  • Synonyms:
    • измерительная сыпь (izmeritel'naya syp') - Less common, used in very specific medical jargon, implying a measurable rash.
    • инфекционная сыпь (infektsionnaya syp') - A broader term for infectious rashes, but not exact.
  • Antonyms: N/A (As "measles" is a specific disease, it doesn't have direct antonyms, but related concepts might include healthy states like "здоровье" [zdorov'ye] for health.)

Related Phrases:

  • Заболеть корью - To catch measles; used when discussing infection in everyday or medical contexts.
  • Прививка от кори - Measles vaccine; common in health advice and parental discussions.
  • Симптомы кори - Symptoms of measles; typically used in diagnostic or educational settings.

Usage Notes:

"Корь" directly corresponds to "measles" in English and is the standard term in Russian medical vocabulary. It is primarily used in formal contexts, such as healthcare, education, or public health campaigns. Be cautious with its inflections; while it doesn't change much, incorrect case usage can sound awkward. For English learners, choose "корь" over synonyms when precision is needed, as it's the most accurate and widely recognized. In informal speech, Russians might simply say "я болен" (I'm sick) without specifying, so context is key.

Common Errors:

  • Error: Confusing "корь" with "грипп" (flu) due to similar symptoms. Incorrect: "У меня корь, как у соседа с гриппом." (I have measles, like my neighbor with the flu.) Correct: "У меня корь, а у соседа грипп." Explanation: These are distinct diseases; always verify symptoms before using the term to avoid miscommunication in medical contexts.

  • Error: Forgetting inflections in sentences, e.g., using nominative in instrumental contexts. Incorrect: "Я лечу корь" (when it should be "корью" in some phrases). Correct: "Я лечусь от корь" (though rare, ensure proper case). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; practice with tables to build accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "корь" is often discussed in the context of childhood vaccinations and public health initiatives, influenced by historical epidemics. It doesn't carry unique cultural idioms but is tied to broader themes of family health and Soviet-era medicine, where vaccination campaigns were prominent. Understanding this can help English speakers appreciate the emphasis on preventive care in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

  • грипп (flu)
  • ветряная оспа (chickenpox)
  • вакцина (vaccine)