Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'migraine'

English Word: migraine

Key Russian Translations:

• мигрень /mʲɪˈɡrʲenʲ/ - [Formal, Medical Context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in health-related discussions but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with medical vocabulary and noun inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мигрень: /mʲɪˈɡrʲenʲ/

Note on мигрень: The pronunciation features a soft 'г' sound (/ɡrʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'g' in 'gesture' but softer. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A severe, recurring headache often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мигрень - Used in formal medical or everyday health contexts to describe the specific type of headache, as opposed to general headaches.

Usage Examples:

• У меня часто бывает мигрень, особенно после стресса.

  I often get migraines, especially after stress.

• Она принимает лекарства от мигрени, чтобы облегчить симптомы.

  She takes medication for migraines to alleviate the symptoms.

• Приступ мигрени может продлиться несколько часов.

  A migraine attack can last for several hours.

• Из-за мигрени он был вынужден отменить встречу.

  Because of the migraine, he had to cancel the meeting.

• Мигрень у неё наследственная, как и у матери.

  Her migraines are hereditary, just like her mother's.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мигрень" is a feminine noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows standard feminine noun patterns with regular inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table of its inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • головная боль (golóvnaya bol') - More general term for headache; used when the pain is not specified as a migraine.
  • мигренозная головная боль (migrénóznaya golóvnaya bol') - Emphasizes the migraine aspect but is less common in casual speech.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a medical condition rather than a quality or state.

Related Phrases:

• приступ мигрени - An attack of migraine; used to describe sudden onset (e.g., in emergency medical contexts).
• хроническая мигрень - Chronic migraine; refers to frequent, long-term occurrences.
• лекарство от мигрени - Medicine for migraine; common in pharmacy or self-care discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Мигрень" directly corresponds to the English "migraine" as a specific type of headache, but in Russian, it's primarily used in formal or medical settings. Avoid using it interchangeably with "головная боль" (headache), as that is more general. In everyday conversation, Russians might specify triggers like stress or light. When choosing between translations, opt for "мигрень" in professional health contexts for accuracy. Grammatically, remember its feminine gender for adjective agreements, e.g., "сильная мигрень" (strong migraine).

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "мигрень" with "головная боль" and using them synonymously. Incorrect: "У меня головная боль, как мигрень." (This implies a general headache is the same as a migraine.)

  Correct: "У меня мигрень, а не просто головная боль." (This distinguishes it properly.)

  Explanation: English learners often overlook the specificity; "мигрень" implies a clinical condition, so use it only when describing severe, recurring headaches.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using the nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я боюсь мигрень" (should be genitive for fear of something).

  Correct: "Я боюсь мигрени."

  Explanation: Russian requires proper case agreement; always decline based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, migraines are often linked to the fast-paced modern lifestyle, including stress from work or urban living. There's a historical association in literature, such as in works by Russian authors like Tolstoy, where characters suffer from intense headaches, symbolizing deeper emotional or existential struggles. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on holistic health in Slavic traditions.

Related Concepts:

• головная боль
• стресс
• неврология