Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'membrane'

English Word: membrane

Key Russian Translations:

• мембрана [mʲɪmˈbra.nə] - [Formal, Scientific; Used in technical and biological contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Primarily encountered in specialized fields like biology and science; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with scientific terminology and basic Russian noun declensions, suitable for learners with intermediate vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мембрана: [mʲɪmˈbra.nə]

Note on мембрана: The stress is on the second syllable ("bra"), which is a common feature in borrowed scientific terms. Pay attention to the palatalized 'm' sound [mʲ], which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological or structural membrane (A thin layer of tissue or material forming a barrier)

Translation(s) & Context:

• мембрана - Used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts to describe biological structures like cell membranes or synthetic filters.

Usage Examples:

• В клетке есть мембрана, которая регулирует обмен веществ.

  In the cell, there is a membrane that regulates the exchange of substances.

• Мембрана фильтра предотвращает проникновение загрязнений в воду.

  The filter membrane prevents contaminants from entering the water.

• Ученые изучают, как мембрана клетки реагирует на внешние раздражители.

  Scientists are studying how the cell membrane responds to external stimuli.

• В современной медицине искусственная мембрана используется для диализа.

  In modern medicine, an artificial membrane is used for dialysis.

• Мембрана в наушниках обеспечивает качественное звучание.

  The membrane in headphones ensures high-quality sound.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мембрана" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian, which follows standard patterns for borrowed words. It inflects based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners, but always ensure the correct case based on sentence structure.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пленка (plenka) - Similar in meaning for thin films, but less specific to biological contexts; often used for everyday thin layers.
  • оболочка (obolochka) - Refers to a covering or shell, with subtle differences in implying a protective layer.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "мембрана" is a specific technical term without a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• клеточная мембрана - Cell membrane; Used in biology to describe the outer layer of a cell.
• полупроницаемая мембрана - Semi-permeable membrane; Refers to membranes that allow selective passage of substances.
• искусственная мембрана - Artificial membrane; Common in medical or technological contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Мембрана" is a direct borrowing from English and Latin roots, making it a common term in Russian scientific literature. It precisely corresponds to the English "membrane" in biological and technical contexts but is rarely used in informal speech. When choosing this translation, consider the formality of the setting—opt for it in academic or professional discussions. Grammatically, as a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs. For example, say "эта мембрана" (this membrane) rather than a masculine form. If multiple translations exist, "мембрана" is the most accurate for scientific precision, while "пленка" might suffice in casual descriptions.

Common Errors:

• Mispronouncing the word by placing stress on the wrong syllable, e.g., saying [mʲɪm.braˈna] instead of [mʲɪmˈbra.nə]. Correct usage: Always stress the second syllable to maintain clarity in scientific discussions.
• Confusing it with "пленка" and using it interchangeably, which can lead to inaccuracy. For instance, an English learner might say "пленка клетки" instead of "мембрана клетки." Error: Пленка клетки (incorrect for biological context). Correct: Мембрана клетки. Explanation: "Пленка" implies a simple film, not a specialized biological structure.
• Forgetting case agreement, e.g., using nominative in a genitive context. Error: Исследование мембрана (incorrect). Correct: Исследование мембраны. Explanation: The genitive case is needed after words like "исследование" (study of).

Cultural Notes:

As a scientific term, "мембрана" doesn't carry significant cultural connotations in Russian everyday life. However, it reflects Russia's emphasis on scientific education and research, particularly in biology and medicine, influenced by historical figures like Ivan Pavlov. In educational contexts, it's a staple in biology curricula, highlighting the importance of technical vocabulary in Russian academia.

Related Concepts:

• клетка (cell)
• органелла (organelle)
• фильтрация (filtration)