Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'miasma'

English Word: miasma

Key Russian Translations:

• миазма [mʲɪˈazma] - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in scientific, literary, or historical contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners at this level should be familiar with borrowed words and basic noun declensions, but the specific pronunciation and context may require additional practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

миазма: [mʲɪˈazma]

Note on миазма: The soft sign (ь) in "миазма" softens the preceding consonant, making the "з" sound more palatalized. Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable for natural pronunciation. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A noxious vapor or unhealthy atmosphere, often used metaphorically for moral or environmental corruption.

Translation(s) & Context:

• миазма - Used in formal or scientific contexts to describe polluted air or a pervasive negative influence, such as in environmental discussions or literature.

Usage Examples:

• Влажные болота часто порождают миазму, которая может привести к заболеваниям. (The damp swamps often generate a miasma that can lead to illnesses.)

  English Translation: The damp swamps often generate a miasma that can lead to illnesses.

• В романе писатель описывает миазму коррупции, охватившую город. (In the novel, the author describes the miasma of corruption that has engulfed the city.)

  English Translation: In the novel, the author describes the miasma of corruption that has engulfed the city.

• Историки связывают миазму с древними теориями болезней, передаваемых через воздух. (Historians link miasma to ancient theories of diseases transmitted through the air.)

  English Translation: Historians link miasma to ancient theories of diseases transmitted through the air.

• Современные города иногда ощущают миазму от промышленных выхлопов. (Modern cities sometimes feel the miasma from industrial emissions.)

  English Translation: Modern cities sometimes feel the miasma from industrial emissions.

• Миазма отходов в реке сделала воду непригодной для питья. (The miasma from waste in the river made the water unfit for drinking.)

  English Translation: The miasma from waste in the river made the water unfit for drinking.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Миазма" is a feminine noun (1st declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its declension, but learners should be cautious with the soft sign in genitive and other forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • загрязнение (pollution; more general and environmental)
  • токсины (toxins; emphasizes harmful substances)
  • Note: "Загрязнение" is often used in modern contexts, while "миазма" has a more archaic or literary feel.
• Antonyms:
  • свежесть (freshness; implies clean, invigorating air)
  • чистота (purity; contrasts with any form of contamination)

Related Phrases:

• атмосфера миазмы (atmosphere of miasma) - Refers to a pervasive unhealthy or corrupt environment, often in metaphorical contexts.
• миазма болот (miasma of swamps) - Describes the specific noxious vapors from marshy areas, linked to historical disease theories.
• борьба с миазмой (fight against miasma) - Used in discussions of environmental cleanup or combating moral decay.

Usage Notes:

"Миазма" directly corresponds to the English "miasma" as a borrowed term, often retaining its original connotations in Russian. It is typically used in formal, scientific, or literary settings rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of its feminine gender and standard declension when constructing sentences. When choosing between synonyms like "загрязнение," opt for "миазма" in contexts involving historical or atmospheric elements, as it carries a more poetic nuance. Avoid overuse in modern speech, as it may sound archaic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing the word as [mɪˈazma] without the palatalized "мʲ." Correct: [mʲɪˈazma]. Explanation: The soft sign affects the pronunciation, and ignoring it can make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

• Error: Using it in plural form incorrectly, e.g., saying "миазмас" instead of "миазмы." Correct: Follow the declension table above. Explanation: Russian nouns have specific case endings, and beginners often overlook plural genitive forms.

• Error: Confusing it with "миазм" (a related but less common term). Correct: Use "миазма" for the standard noun. Explanation: This can lead to grammatical errors in sentences, so context is key.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "миазма" is often associated with 19th-century medical theories, such as those influenced by Western ideas like the miasma theory of disease (predating germ theory). It appears in literature by authors like Tolstoy, symbolizing social ills or environmental hazards, reflecting Russia's historical struggles with industrialization and health crises.

Related Concepts:

• эпидемия (epidemic)
• загрязнение (pollution)
• токсичность (toxicity)