Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nucleus'

English Word: nucleus

Key Russian Translations:

• ядро [ˈjad.rə] - [Formal, Scientific]
• ядро клетки [ˈjad.rə ˈklʲet.kʲi] - [Formal, Biological Context]

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

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of scientific terminology and basic Russian grammar, with variations based on context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ядро: [ˈjad.rə]

ядро клетки: [ˈjad.rə ˈklʲet.kʲi]

Note on ядро: The stress is on the first syllable; the "я" sound is a palatalized "ya" which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft "j" as in "yard".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological Nucleus (The central part of a cell)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ядро клетки - Used in formal scientific or educational contexts to describe the cell's control center.

Usage Examples:

• В клетке эукариот ядро клетки содержит ДНК.

  In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus contains DNA.

• У прокариот ядро клетки не отделено мембраной.

  In prokaryotes, the nucleus is not separated by a membrane.

• Ядро клетки играет ключевую роль в делении клеток.

  The nucleus plays a key role in cell division.

• Без ядра клетки, организм не смог бы размножаться.

  Without the nucleus, the organism could not reproduce.

Atomic or Physical Nucleus (The central part of an atom)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ядро - Used in physics and chemistry to refer to the core of an atom, often in formal or academic settings.

Usage Examples:

• Ядро атома состоит из протонов и нейтронов.

  The nucleus of an atom consists of protons and neutrons.

• В ядерной физике ядро отвечает за радиоактивность.

  In nuclear physics, the nucleus is responsible for radioactivity.

• Ядро элемента определяет его химические свойства.

  The nucleus of an element determines its chemical properties.

• При делении ядра высвобождается огромная энергия.

  During nucleus fission, a huge amount of energy is released.

• Ядро водорода состоит всего из одного протона.

  The nucleus of hydrogen consists of just one proton.

General Core or Center (Metaphorical usage, e.g., central part of something)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ядро - Used metaphorically in non-scientific contexts, such as the core of an idea or group, in formal writing or speech.

Usage Examples:

• Ядро группы - это лидер, который принимает решения.

  The nucleus of the group is the leader who makes decisions.

• В истории ядро цивилизации формируется вокруг рек.

  In history, the nucleus of civilization forms around rivers.

• Ядро проекта - это его основная идея.

  The nucleus of the project is its main idea.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translation "ядро" is a neuter noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has some irregularities in plural forms. Below is a declension table for "ядро" in singular and plural:

For "ядро клетки", it remains invariable as a phrase, but "клетки" (genitive of клетка) follows standard feminine noun declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ядрышко (diminutive form, used for smaller or less significant nuclei, e.g., in biology)
  • центр (more general, meaning center, often interchangeable in metaphorical contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • оболочка (shell or outer layer, contrasting with the core)
  • периферия (periphery, for the outer parts)

Related Phrases:

• атомное ядро - Refers to the atomic nucleus; used in physics contexts.
• ядро Земли - Means the Earth's core; common in geological discussions.
• в ядре семьи - Translates to "at the heart of the family"; a metaphorical phrase for family dynamics.

Usage Notes:

The English word "nucleus" most directly corresponds to "ядро" in Russian, especially in scientific fields, but always consider the context to choose the precise translation. For biological contexts, "ядро клетки" is preferred for clarity. In formal writing, use the nominative form as a subject, but inflect it according to Russian case requirements (e.g., genitive for possession). English learners should note that Russian nouns like "ядро" have gender and require agreement in adjectives and verbs. When multiple translations exist, opt for "ядро" in physics and "ядро клетки" in biology to avoid ambiguity.

Common Errors:

• Using "ядро" without context: English learners often forget to specify, e.g., saying "ядро" for a cell when "ядро клетки" is needed. Correct: Use the full phrase in biological contexts to avoid confusion.
• Confusing inflections: Mistaking "ядро" in genitive as "ядра" when it should be "я́дра" for plural nominative. Error example: "Я имею ядра" (incorrect for singular possession); Correct: "Я имею я́дро". This happens because English doesn't have cases, so remember to check the sentence structure.
• Over-literal translation: Translating "nucleus of a group" directly as "ядро группы" is fine, but learners might misuse it in informal speech where "центр" is more natural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and education, terms like "ядро" are heavily emphasized in STEM fields due to Russia's strong history in space exploration and nuclear physics (e.g., contributions from scientists like Igor Kurchatov). This word often carries connotations of foundational importance, reflecting Russia's emphasis on scientific achievement in national identity.

Related Concepts:

• протон
• нейтрон
• ДНК
• атом