Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ounce'

English Word: ounce

Key Russian Translations:

• унция (/ˈuntsʲɪjə/) - [Formal; Used in scientific, culinary, or measurement contexts]

Frequency: Low (Primarily encountered in specialized fields like cooking, pharmaceuticals, or international trade, rather than everyday conversation).

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level on CEFR scale; Learners need familiarity with Russian noun declensions and measurement terminology).

Pronunciation (Russian):

унция: /ˈuntsʲɪjə/

Note on унция: The stress falls on the first syllable, and the 'ц' is pronounced as a soft 'ts' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalization. Practice with native speakers to master the soft consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A unit of weight equal to one-sixteenth of a pound (approximately 28.35 grams), used in various contexts like cooking or precious metals.

Translation(s) & Context:

• унция - Used in formal or technical contexts for precise measurements, such as in recipes or scientific documentation.

Usage Examples:

• В рецепте указано добавить одну унцию масла.

  In the recipe, it says to add one ounce of butter. (This example shows the word in a culinary context, demonstrating basic noun usage in a sentence.)

• Эта драгоценность весит ровно пять унций.

  This jewel weighs exactly five ounces. (Here, it illustrates the word in a context involving precious metals, highlighting plural form and measurement.)

• В аптеке продают лекарство по унции.

  In the pharmacy, they sell the medicine by the ounce. (This demonstrates usage in a pharmaceutical setting, showing the word with prepositional phrases.)

• Он измеряет ингредиенты в унциях для точности.

  He measures ingredients in ounces for accuracy. (This example varies the context to everyday precision tasks, incorporating the word in a more dynamic sentence structure.)

• Унция золота стоит дорого на рынке.

  An ounce of gold is expensive on the market. (This shows the word in economic discussions, emphasizing its role in financial or trade-related language.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Унция" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian grammar). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -я. Below is a table outlining its inflections for cases and numbers:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • унция - (No exact synonyms, but related terms include "грамм" for grams, though less precise in imperial contexts.) Fine distinction: "Грамм" is metric and more common in everyday Russian.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "унция" is a specific unit of measurement without natural opposites.

Related Phrases:

• одна унция - One ounce (Used for singular measurements in recipes or trade; literal translation with no idiomatic variation).
• по унции - By the ounce (Common in sales or dispensing contexts, e.g., pharmaceuticals).
• унция золота - Ounce of gold (A phrase in financial discussions; implies value in precious metals).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "унция" directly corresponds to the English "ounce" as a unit of weight, but it's less commonly used in Russia due to the prevalence of the metric system. Reserve this term for formal, technical, or international contexts where imperial measurements are required. Grammatically, always treat it as a feminine noun and decline it according to the case, as shown in the inflections table. When choosing between translations, "унция" is the most accurate; avoid using metric equivalents like "грамм" unless converting. English learners should note that Russians might prefer metric units in casual speech, so context is key for natural usage.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "унция" interchangeably with "унция" in plural without proper declension, e.g., saying "пять унция" instead of "пять унций". Correct: "Пять унций" (five ounces). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, number, and gender; neglecting declension can make the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing.

• Error: Confusing "унция" with "унция" in weight vs. fluid measurements (though in Russian, it's primarily for weight). Correct: Specify context, e.g., "унция веса" for weight. Explanation: In English, "ounce" can mean troy ounce or fluid ounce, but in Russian, clarify to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

The term "унция" reflects Russia's historical exposure to Western measurement systems, particularly in trade and science. It originates from the Latin "uncia," meaning one-twelfth, and is more common in contexts involving international commerce or inherited recipes from English-speaking countries. In modern Russian culture, however, the metric system dominates, so "унция" might evoke a sense of foreignness or precision in niche areas like jewelry or mixology.

Related Concepts:

• грамм
• килограмм
• фунт