Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ointment'

English Word: ointment

Key Russian Translations:

• мазь /ˈmasʲ/ - [Formal, Singular, Used in medical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in health, pharmacy, and everyday conversations about medical treatments)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; suitable for beginners learning essential vocabulary related to health and daily life)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мазь: /ˈmasʲ/ (The 'ь' indicates a soft consonant, making the 's' sound palatalized; stress on the first syllable)

Note on мазь: The pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but /ˈmasʲ/ is standard in Russian. Pay attention to the soft sign (ь) for correct articulation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A smooth, oily substance applied to the skin for medicinal purposes, such as healing wounds or treating skin conditions.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мазь - Typically used in formal or medical contexts, such as prescriptions or pharmacy discussions; appropriate for singular references to topical treatments.

Usage Examples:

• Я наношу мазь на рану каждый вечер.

  I apply the ointment to the wound every evening. (This example shows the verb 'наносить' in present tense, demonstrating routine application in a daily health context.)

• Эта мазь от ожогов очень эффективная.

  This ointment for burns is very effective. (Illustrates the use in describing specific types of ointments and their purposes.)

• Врач прописал мне мазь для лечения экземы.

  The doctor prescribed me an ointment for treating eczema. (Demonstrates the word in a professional medical scenario, with 'прописал' indicating prescription.)

• Не забудьте купить мазь в аптеке по пути домой.

  Don't forget to buy the ointment at the pharmacy on your way home. (Shows informal, everyday usage in a reminder or instruction.)

• Моя бабушка всегда готовила домашнюю мазь из трав.

  My grandmother always made homemade ointment from herbs. (Highlights cultural or traditional contexts, using 'домашнюю' to specify homemade varieties.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мазь" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its declension, with no irregular forms. In plural, it is used when referring to multiple types or items of ointment.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • крем (krem) - Similar to ointment but often lighter; used for creams or lotions.
  • бальзам (bal'zam) - A thicker, soothing variant; preferred in contexts involving balms or healing salves.
• Antonyms:
  • таблетка (tabletka) - Refers to pills or oral medications, contrasting with topical applications.

Related Phrases:

• наносить мазь - To apply ointment; used in instructions for treatment.
• мазь от ожогов - Ointment for burns; a common phrase in first-aid contexts.
• лечебная мазь - Medicinal ointment; emphasizes the therapeutic aspect.

Usage Notes:

"Мазь" directly corresponds to "ointment" in English as a viscous, topical preparation, but it is more commonly used in formal or medical settings in Russian. Unlike English, where "ointment" might be interchangeable with "cream," Russian speakers distinguish "мазь" for thicker substances. When choosing between translations like "крем," opt for "мазь" if the context involves denser, oil-based products. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as "мазь" is feminine (e.g., "эта мазь" for "this ointment"). In informal speech, it's versatile across scenarios but less common in casual conversations unless discussing health.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "мазь" with "крем" and using it interchangeably. For example, a learner might say "Я наношу крем на рану" when "мазь" is more accurate for a thick ointment.

  Correct: Use "мазь" for ointment-like substances and "крем" for lighter creams. Explanation: In Russian, these have distinct connotations based on texture, so misusing them can lead to misunderstandings in medical contexts.

• Error: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "Я купил мазь" in a context requiring genitive like "Нужна мазь для раны" (should be "мази" in some phrases).

  Correct: Adjust for case, e.g., "Нужна мазь" vs. "Без мази не обойтись." Explanation: Russian nouns change based on grammatical role, so always check the sentence structure to avoid basic grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, homemade ointments or balms ("домашняя мазь") are a traditional remedy, often made from natural herbs and passed down through generations. This reflects a broader emphasis on natural healing in Russian folklore, where such preparations are associated with rural life and self-care, contrasting with modern pharmaceutical options.

Related Concepts:

• крем
• бальзам
• аптека (pharmacy)