Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'medication'

English Word: medication

Key Russian Translations:

• лекарство [lʲɪˈkarsva] - [Formal, Common noun]
• медикамент [mʲɪdʲɪˈkamʲɛnt] - [Formal, Medical context]

Frequency: High (This word and its variants are commonly used in everyday Russian conversations, especially in health-related topics.)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "лекарство" is straightforward for beginners, while "медикамент" may require intermediate knowledge of formal vocabulary and noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лекарство: [lʲɪˈkarsva]

медикамент: [mʲɪdʲɪˈkamʲɛnt]

Note on лекарство: The initial "л" is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like "ly" in "million." Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A substance used to treat illness or medical conditions

Translation(s) & Context:

• лекарство - Used in general, everyday contexts for over-the-counter or prescribed drugs; informal to formal settings.
• медикамент - Typically in professional or clinical environments, emphasizing pharmaceutical products; more formal and precise.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда ношу с собой лекарство от головной боли.

  I always carry medication for headaches with me. (This example shows "лекарство" in a nominative case for everyday personal health.)

• Врач прописал мне новое лекарство для лечения аллергии.

  The doctor prescribed me new medication for treating allergies. (Illustrates "лекарство" with a genitive object in a medical advice context.)

• Этот медикамент нужно принимать три раза в день.

  This medication needs to be taken three times a day. (Demonstrates "медикамент" in a formal instruction, highlighting its use in precise dosage scenarios.)

• В аптеке нет подходящего лекарства для моего ребенка.

  There's no suitable medication for my child in the pharmacy. (Shows "лекарство" in a genitive case within a shopping or availability context.)

• Медикаменты из этой серии часто имеют побочные эффекты.

  Medications from this series often have side effects. (Uses "медикаменты" in plural form to discuss pharmaceutical categories.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лекарство" is a neuter noun in the second declension, which means it follows standard Russian noun patterns with regular inflections. It is invariable in plural form for some uses but changes by case and number. "Медикамент" is a masculine noun and also follows regular patterns.

Note: Both words are regular and do not have irregular forms, making them relatively easy to learn once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • средство (srédstvo) - More general term for a remedy; often used interchangeably with "лекарство" in casual contexts.
  • препарат (preparát) - Emphasizes a prepared pharmaceutical; slightly more formal than "лекарство."
• Antonyms:
  • яд (yad) - Poison; used to contrast harmful substances.
  • плацебо (plasebo) - Placebo; not a true antonym but contrasts ineffective treatments.

Related Phrases:

• Принимать лекарство - To take medication (Used in daily health routines; implies regular intake for treatment).
• Лекарство от простуды - Medication for a cold (A common phrase for over-the-counter remedies).
• Безрецептурный медикамент - Over-the-counter medication (Formal phrase in pharmacy contexts, emphasizing no prescription needed).

Usage Notes:

"Лекарство" is the most versatile and commonly used translation for "medication" in everyday Russian, suitable for informal conversations, while "медикамент" is preferred in professional or medical settings to convey a more scientific tone. English speakers should note that Russian nouns require declension based on case, which can affect word endings in sentences. For example, choose "лекарство" for general use and "медикамент" when discussing pharmaceuticals precisely. Be mindful of context: in Russia, self-medication is culturally common, so phrases like "принимать лекарство" might appear in casual advice.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect declension: English learners often forget to change the noun ending, e.g., saying "Я покупаю лекарство" incorrectly as "Я покупаю лекарствa" in the wrong case. Correct: Use genitive "лекарства" in phrases like "покупка лекарства" (buying medication). This error stems from English's lack of cases, so always check the sentence structure.

• Confusing synonyms: Mixing up "лекарство" and "средство" – learners might use "средство" too broadly, implying a non-medical remedy. Correct usage: Reserve "средство" for general aids, and stick with "лекарство" for drugs to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лекарство" often reflects a pragmatic approach to health, with over-the-counter medications being widely available and self-prescribed. Historically, traditional herbal remedies have influenced the term, linking it to folk medicine practices, which can add a layer of cultural trust in natural "лекарства" over synthetic ones.

Related Concepts:

• болезнь (boléznʹ) - Illness
• аптека (aptéka) - Pharmacy
• лечение (lečénije) - Treatment