Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'parasite'

English Word: parasite

Key Russian Translations:

• паразит /pɐrɐˈzʲit/ - [Formal, used in biological, medical, and everyday contexts; can be singular or plural]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in scientific, educational, and casual discussions, but not as frequent as basic everyday words)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to biology or social issues)

Pronunciation (Russian):

паразит: /pɐrɐˈzʲit/

Note on паразит: The stress falls on the second syllable ("zʲit"). Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, with the "р" sound being rolled in some areas. Pay attention to the palatalized "зʲ" for accurate articulation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological organism that lives on or in a host, deriving nutrients at the host's expense

Translation(s) & Context:

• паразит - Used in scientific, medical, or educational contexts to describe organisms like worms or insects; formal and neutral tone.

Usage Examples:

• Этот червь является паразитом в организме человека и может вызывать серьезные заболевания.

  This worm is a parasite in the human body and can cause serious diseases.

• В тропических регионах многие насекомые действуют как паразиты, передавая инфекции.

  In tropical regions, many insects act as parasites, transmitting infections.

• Паразит, такой как малярийный плазмодий, зависит от комара для распространения.

  A parasite like the malaria plasmodium relies on mosquitoes for spread.

• Ученые изучают, как паразит адаптируется к изменениям в окружающей среде.

  Scientists study how the parasite adapts to changes in the environment.

A person who exploits others without contributing, in a social or metaphorical sense

Translation(s) & Context:

• паразит - Informal or derogatory, often in everyday conversations or literature; implies laziness or dependency, but less common in formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Он живет как паразит, полагаясь на друзей за всем, от еды до жилья.

  He lives like a parasite, relying on friends for everything from food to housing.

• В обществе такие паразиты часто критикуются за отсутствие вклада.

  In society, such parasites are often criticized for their lack of contribution.

• Паразит в семье может разрушить гармонию, если не изменить поведение.

  A parasite in the family can destroy harmony if the behavior isn't changed.

• Литература часто изображает паразита как символ социальной проблемы.

  Literature often portrays the parasite as a symbol of social issues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "паразит" is a masculine noun of the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has standard variations for number and case. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners at B1 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: паразитирующий организм (more scientific, emphasizes the action); симбионт (though not exact, for related concepts)
• Antonyms: хозяин (host, as it contrasts the dependent relationship); симбионт (in non-parasitic mutualism)

Related Phrases:

• паразитический образ жизни - A parasitic way of life; refers to living off others without contributing, often in a social context.
• паразит в экосистеме - Parasite in the ecosystem; used in environmental discussions to describe ecological roles.
• борьба с паразитами - Fight against parasites; common in medical or pest control contexts, implying eradication efforts.

Usage Notes:

"Паразит" directly corresponds to "parasite" in English but is more commonly used in formal or scientific contexts in Russian. In informal speech, it can carry a strong negative connotation, so use it cautiously to avoid offense. For biological meanings, it's neutral and precise; for social meanings, consider the audience's sensitivity. When choosing between translations, opt for "паразит" in most cases, but if emphasizing action, "паразитирующий" might be better. Grammatically, remember its declension as a second-declension noun.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "паразит" with "паразитировать" (to parasitize). Incorrect: "Он паразит на друзьях" (should be a verb form). Correct: "Он паразитирует на друзьях." Explanation: "Паразит" is a noun; use the verb for actions to maintain grammatical accuracy.
• Error: Forgetting declensions in sentences, e.g., saying "в паразит" instead of "в паразите." Correct: "в паразите." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust for prepositional phrases.
• Error: Overusing in metaphorical contexts, which can sound overly harsh. Explanation: In English, "parasite" might be softened, but in Russian, it remains direct; consider alternatives like "нахлебник" for a less intense social parasite.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and literature, "паразит" often symbolizes social issues, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov, where it critiques laziness or exploitation. This reflects broader historical contexts, such as Soviet-era discussions on productivity, adding a layer of social commentary to its usage.

Related Concepts:

• вирус (virus)
• бактерия (bacteria)
• симбионт (symbiont)