Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'molecule'

English Word: molecule

Key Russian Translations:

• молекула [mɐˈlʲekʊlə] - [Formal, Scientific context]

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

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level, as it involves understanding scientific terminology and basic noun inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

молекула: [mɐˈlʲekʊlə]

Note on молекула: The stress is on the third syllable ('ku-'). Pay attention to the palatalized 'л' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents might slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.

Translation(s) & Context:

• молекула - Used in formal scientific, educational, or technical discussions, such as in chemistry or biology classes.

Usage Examples:

• Вода состоит из молекул H₂O, которые связаны водородными связями.

  Water is made up of H₂O molecules, which are held together by hydrogen bonds.

• Учёные изучают молекулы ДНК для понимания генетических процессов.

  Scientists study DNA molecules to understand genetic processes.

• Каждый атом в молекуле играет важную роль в её стабильности.

  Every atom in the molecule plays an important role in its stability.

• Молекула белка может иметь сложную структуру, влияющую на её функцию.

  A protein molecule can have a complex structure that affects its function.

• В органической химии молекулы углеводов образуют основу жизни.

  In organic chemistry, carbohydrate molecules form the basis of life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Молекула" is a feminine noun in Russian (first declension). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • частица (chastitsa) - Used in broader physical contexts, but less specific than молекула.
  • молекулярная единица (molekulyarnaya yedinitsa) - A more descriptive term in advanced scientific discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • атом (atom) - Refers to a single atom, contrasting with a molecule's composite structure.

Related Phrases:

• Химическая молекула - A chemical molecule (Refers to molecules in chemical reactions or compounds).
• Молекула воды - Water molecule (Common in educational contexts to explain basic chemistry).
• Органическая молекула - Organic molecule (Used when discussing carbon-based compounds in biology or chemistry).

Usage Notes:

"Молекула" directly corresponds to the English "molecule" in scientific contexts and is typically used in formal settings like academia or research. It is a neuter noun in terms of its role but grammatically feminine, so ensure agreement with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "эта молекула важна" - this molecule is important). When choosing between synonyms like "частица," opt for "молекула" for precision in chemistry. Be mindful of context: in everyday Russian, it might not appear outside scientific discussions, so it's ideal for technical writing or lectures.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "молекула" with "атом" (atom): Learners often misuse "молекула" when referring to single atoms. Incorrect: "Атом воды" (The atom of water). Correct: "Молекула воды" (The molecule of water). Explanation: "Молекула" implies a bonded group, while "атом" is for individual elements.

• Incorrect inflection: For example, using the nominative "молекула" in all cases. Incorrect: "Из молекула" (From molecule, wrong case). Correct: "Из молекулы" (From the molecule, genitive case). Explanation: Always adjust for case based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

• Mispronouncing the word: Omitting the palatalized 'л' sound. Incorrect pronunciation: [mɐˈlekʊlə]. Correct: [mɐˈlʲekʊlə]. Explanation: The soft 'л' is essential for native-like pronunciation in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "молекула" are heavily associated with the country's strong tradition in science and education, influenced by figures like Dmitri Mendeleev, the chemist who developed the periodic table. While not inherently cultural, its usage reflects Russia's emphasis on STEM fields, often highlighted in school curricula and public science outreach.

Related Concepts:

• атом
• элемент
• химическая связь
• ДНК