Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'metabolism'

English Word: metabolism

Key Russian Translations:

• метаболизм /mʲɪˈtabəlʲɪzm/ - [Formal, Scientific/Medical]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in scientific, medical, and educational contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves specialized vocabulary; suitable for learners with a grasp of basic scientific terms.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метаболизм: /mʲɪˈtabəlʲɪzm/

Note on метаболизм: The stress falls on the third syllable ("bo"), and the initial "м" is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian loanwords. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but this IPA reflects standard Moscow dialect.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological process of metabolism (The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.)

Translation(s) & Context:

• метаболизм - Used in formal scientific, medical, or biological discussions, referring to the sum of chemical reactions in living organisms.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В организме человека метаболизм регулирует энергию и рост.

  English: In the human body, metabolism regulates energy and growth.

• Русский: Нарушения метаболизма могут привести к различным заболеваниям.

  English: Disruptions in metabolism can lead to various diseases.

• Русский: Физические упражнения ускоряют метаболизм, помогая сжигать калории.

  English: Physical exercises speed up metabolism, helping to burn calories.

• Русский: В биологии метаболизм изучается как ключевой процесс жизнедеятельности.

  English: In biology, metabolism is studied as a key process of life activity.

• Русский: Диета влияет на метаболизм, изменяя скорость обмена веществ.

  English: Diet affects metabolism, altering the rate of substance exchange.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метаболизм" is a masculine noun (masc.) borrowed from English/Greek, and it generally follows the first declension pattern for foreign words in Russian. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its status as a modern loanword, meaning it does not change form in different grammatical cases. However, in some formal or scientific contexts, it may adopt basic inflections.

Note: As an indeclinable noun in everyday use, it often remains unchanged, especially in scientific texts. If used in plural, it's uncommon and typically in specialized contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • обмен веществ (obmen veshchestv) - More descriptive, often used interchangeably in general biology; implies the exchange of substances.
  • метаболический процесс (metabolicheskiy protsess) - Emphasizes the process aspect, suitable for detailed scientific discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • не подвижность (ne podvizhnost) - Implies inactivity or stagnation, contrasting with metabolic activity, though not a direct antonym.

Related Phrases:

• метаболический баланс (metabolic balance) - Refers to the equilibrium of metabolic processes; used in nutrition and health contexts.
• ускорение метаболизма (acceleration of metabolism) - Common in fitness and dieting discussions; implies increasing metabolic rate.
• нарушение метаболизма (disruption of metabolism) - Indicates metabolic disorders; often in medical reports.

Usage Notes:

"Метаболизм" directly corresponds to the English "metabolism" and is primarily used in formal, scientific, or educational settings. It is a loanword, so it retains its original meaning without significant shifts. Be mindful of context: in Russian, it often pairs with adjectives like "быстрый" (fast) or "медленный" (slow) to describe rates. When choosing between synonyms like "обмен веществ," opt for "метаболизм" in technical writing for precision, but use the former in explanatory texts for broader accessibility. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun and can be modified by verbs in various tenses to show processes over time.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "метаболизм" with "метаболический" (adjectival form): Learners might incorrectly use "метаболизм" as an adjective, e.g., saying "метаболизм процесс" instead of "метаболический процесс." Correct usage: The noun should be used standalone or with appropriate cases, while the adjective modifies other nouns.

• Mispronouncing or stressing the wrong syllable: For example, stressing the first syllable (/ˈmʲɪtabəlʲɪzm/) instead of the third. Error example: Pronouncing it as /mʲɪtabəˈlʲɪzm/. Correct: Always stress the "bo" syllable to align with standard Russian phonetics.

• Overusing in informal contexts: English speakers might translate directly without considering register, e.g., using "метаболизм" in casual conversation. Correct approach: Reserve it for professional discussions and use simpler phrases like "обмен веществ" in everyday talk.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and science, "метаболизм" is a neutral, borrowed term without strong cultural connotations, but it reflects Russia's emphasis on biological and medical research, especially in the context of Soviet-era advancements in physiology. It may appear in health campaigns or literature promoting physical fitness, aligning with broader cultural values of resilience and scientific inquiry.

Related Concepts:

• биохимия (biochemistry)
• физиология (physiology)
• энергетический обмен (energy exchange)