Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'microbe'

English Word: microbe

Key Russian Translations:

• микроб [ˈmʲikrəb] - [Neutral, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, medical, and educational contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires basic knowledge of scientific vocabulary and Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

микроб: [ˈmʲikrəb]

Note on микроб: The initial 'м' is pronounced with a soft 'й' sound ([mʲ]), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress is on the first syllable. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A tiny organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus.

Translation(s) & Context:

• микроб - Used in scientific, medical, or educational contexts to refer to microscopic organisms; neutral and formal.

Usage Examples:

• В лаборатории изучают различные микробы, которые вызывают заболевания.

  In the laboratory, they study various microbes that cause diseases.

• Микробы в почве помогают в процессе разложения органических веществ.

  Microbes in the soil help in the process of decomposing organic matter.

• Учёные разрабатывают вакцины против опасных микробов.

  Scientists are developing vaccines against dangerous microbes.

• В теле человека живут полезные микробы, поддерживающие здоровье.

  In the human body, beneficial microbes live that support health.

• Микробы могут быть как вредными, так и полезными в зависимости от среды.

  Microbes can be harmful or beneficial depending on the environment.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "микроб" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular noun inflection patterns, changing based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: бактерия (bacteria; more specific to bacteria), вирус (virus; specific to viral microbes), микроорганизм (microorganism; broader term)
• Antonyms: макроорганизм (macroorganism; refers to larger visible organisms, though not a direct antonym)

Synonyms like "бактерия" are often used interchangeably in casual contexts but imply a subset of microbes.

Related Phrases:

• Патогенный микроб - A pathogenic microbe (refers to disease-causing organisms).
• Полезные микробы - Beneficial microbes (e.g., in gut health or fermentation).
• Микробная флора - Microbial flora (common in discussions of human or environmental ecosystems).

Usage Notes:

"Микроб" directly corresponds to the English "microbe" in scientific and medical contexts, but it is less common in everyday Russian speech. Use it in formal or technical settings; for general conversations, Russians might prefer more specific terms like "бактерия" or "вирус". Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as it is masculine. When choosing among translations, opt for "микроб" when emphasizing the general concept of microscopic life forms.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "микроб" interchangeably with "бактерия" without context, leading to imprecision (e.g., saying "микроб" for a viral infection). Correct: Specify the type if known, as in "вирусный микроб" for a viral microbe. Explanation: "Микроб" is a broad term, while "бактерия" is specific; this can confuse learners and alter meaning.

• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using the nominative "микроб" in a genitive context (e.g., "изучение микроб" instead of "изучение микроба"). Correct: Always decline based on sentence structure, e.g., "изучение микроба". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, the concept of "микроб" gained prominence during the 19th-century advancements in microbiology, influenced by scientists like Louis Pasteur. Terms like this are often tied to public health campaigns in Russia, reflecting a cultural emphasis on scientific education and hygiene, especially in post-Soviet contexts.

Related Concepts:

• бактерия
• вирус
• микроорганизм
• патоген