Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'microscopic'

English Word: microscopic

Key Russian Translations:

• микроскопический [mʲɪkrɐˈskopʲɪt͡ɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, technical, and academic contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific vocabulary and adjective inflections in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

микроскопический: [mʲɪkrɐˈskopʲɪt͡ɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on микроскопический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("sko-"), which is a common challenge for English speakers. The "щ" sound is soft and palatalized, similar to "sh" in "she" but with more friction.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to a microscope or microscopic examination (e.g., in biology or physics).

Translation(s) & Context:

• микроскопический - Used in formal scientific contexts to describe something observed under a microscope.

Usage Examples:

• В лаборатории учёные изучают микроскопические организмы в образце воды.

  In the laboratory, scientists study microscopic organisms in a water sample.

• Микроскопический анализ показал наличие бактерий в пробе.

  The microscopic analysis revealed the presence of bacteria in the sample.

• С помощью микроскопического оборудования можно увидеть детали, невидимые невооружённым глазом.

  With microscopic equipment, you can see details invisible to the naked eye.

• Микроскопический уровень клеток играет ключевую роль в медицинских исследованиях.

  The microscopic level of cells plays a key role in medical research.

Meaning 2: Extremely small, often in a figurative sense (e.g., tiny or minute).

Translation(s) & Context:

• микроскопический - Used metaphorically in informal or semi-formal contexts to emphasize smallness, though less common than in scientific usage.

Usage Examples:

• Разница в размерах была микроскопической, но она повлияла на результат эксперимента.

  The difference in sizes was microscopic, but it affected the experiment's outcome.

• В этом старом доме микроскопические трещины в стенах со временем превратились в большие проблемы.

  In this old house, microscopic cracks in the walls have turned into major issues over time.

• Его вклад в проект был микроскопическим, но он был признан коллегами.

  His contribution to the project was microscopic, but it was acknowledged by his colleagues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Микроскопический" is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ий. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once the basic patterns are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • минимальный (minimal) - Often used for very small quantities, with a subtle difference in emphasizing measurement.
  • незначительный (insignificant) - Applies in contexts where something is small in importance or size.
• Antonyms:
  • макроскопический (macroscopic) - Refers to something visible to the naked eye.
  • огромный (huge) - General term for large size.

Related Phrases:

• микроскопический анализ (microscopic analysis) - A detailed examination at a very small scale, often in scientific contexts.
• на микроскопическом уровне (at a microscopic level) - Refers to examining something in minute detail.
• микроскопические частицы (microscopic particles) - Used in physics or chemistry to describe tiny elements.

Usage Notes:

"Микроскопический" directly corresponds to the English "microscopic" in scientific and technical fields, but English speakers should note its inflection based on Russian grammar rules. It is primarily formal and avoids casual speech; for everyday descriptions of smallness, Russians might prefer "маленький" or "крошечный." When choosing this word, ensure agreement with the noun's gender, number, and case. For multiple translations, "микроскопический" is the most precise for scientific contexts, while synonyms like "минимальный" might suit metaphorical uses.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to inflect the adjective correctly, e.g., using "микроскопический" with a feminine noun without changing it to "микроскопическая." Correct: Instead of saying "микроскопический клетка" (wrong), say "микроскопическая клетка." Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with the nouns they modify in gender, number, and case.

• Error: Overusing it in non-scientific contexts, which can sound unnatural. Correct: Use "маленький" for everyday small objects instead of "микроскопический." Explanation: This word implies a level of precision tied to microscopy, so it may come across as overly technical in casual conversation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian scientific and educational contexts, terms like "микроскопический" reflect Russia's strong tradition in fields like biology and physics, influenced by historical figures such as Mikhail Lomonosov. It often appears in academic texts or discussions about technology, emphasizing precision and detail, which aligns with cultural values of thoroughness in research.

Related Concepts:

• микроскоп (microscope)
• биология (biology)
• нанотехнологии (nanotechnology)