Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'methane'

English Word: methane

Key Russian Translations:

• метан [mʲɪˈtan] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in scientific, environmental, and industrial contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific vocabulary and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метан: [mʲɪˈtan]

Note on метан: The initial 'м' is palatalized (as in 'm' before 'e' in Russian), which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds softer than in English. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The flammable gas methane, the main component of natural gas and a significant greenhouse gas.

Translation(s) & Context:

• метан - Used in formal scientific, environmental, and industrial contexts to refer to the chemical compound CH₄.

Usage Examples:

• В атмосфере Земли метан является одним из основных парниковых газов.

  In Earth's atmosphere, methane is one of the primary greenhouse gases.

• Метан добывается из природного газа для использования в энергетике.

  Methane is extracted from natural gas for use in energy production.

• Повышенный уровень метана в воздухе может привести к взрыву.

  High levels of methane in the air can lead to an explosion.

• Ученые изучают, как метан в океанах влияет на глобальное потепление.

  Scientists are studying how methane in the oceans affects global warming.

• Метан часто используется в химических реакциях для синтеза других соединений.

  Methane is often used in chemical reactions to synthesize other compounds.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метан" is a masculine noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but is invariant in plural forms as it is typically uncountable in scientific contexts. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: In everyday usage, the plural form is uncommon, as "метан" is often treated as a mass noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: углеводород (hydrocarbon, in a broader sense) - Note: This is a general term and less specific than "метан".
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "метан" is a specific chemical term without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• метан в атмосфере - Methane in the atmosphere; refers to its role in climate change.
• природный метан - Natural methane; used for sources like biogas or fossil fuels.
• метан как топливо - Methane as fuel; common in discussions about alternative energy.

Usage Notes:

"Метан" directly corresponds to the English "methane" in scientific and technical contexts, making it a precise translation. It is primarily used in formal settings, such as academic papers, environmental reports, or industrial discussions. Be aware of its declension based on Russian case requirements; for example, use the genitive form "метана" after prepositions like "из" (from). When choosing between translations, "метан" is the standard and most accurate for general use, but in broader contexts, related terms like "углеводороды" might be needed. English learners should note that Russian scientific vocabulary often integrates with environmental themes, reflecting real-world applications in Russia.

Common Errors:

• Common mistake: Incorrectly using the plural form unnecessarily, e.g., saying "метаны" when referring to methane in general. Correct usage: Stick to the singular "метан" for uncountable references. Example of error: "Я видел метаны в лаборатории" (incorrect). Correct: "Я видел метан в лаборатории" (I saw methane in the laboratory) – because it's treated as a substance, not countable items.

• Another error: Confusing "метан" with similar gases, such as "углекислый газ" (carbon dioxide). This can lead to mistranslation in environmental discussions. Explanation: Always verify the chemical context; "метан" specifically means CH₄, not other greenhouse gases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "метан" is particularly relevant in discussions about energy resources and climate change, given the country's vast natural gas reserves. It often appears in public discourse on environmental policies, such as reducing methane emissions from oil and gas extraction, which ties into global sustainability efforts but is framed within Russia's energy-dependent economy.

Related Concepts:

• углеводороды (hydrocarbons)
• парниковые газы (greenhouse gases)
• природный газ (natural gas)