Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'parasitic'

English Word: parasitic

Key Russian Translations:

• паразитический [pɐ.rɐ.zʲɪˈtʲi.t͡ɕɪ.skʲɪj] - [Formal, Scientific]
• паразитный [pɐ.rɐˈzʲit.nɨj] - [Informal, Everyday or Literary]

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

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian adjectives and scientific vocabulary. For 'паразитический', it aligns with B2 due to its formal structure; 'паразитный' may be slightly easier at B1.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

паразитический: [pɐ.rɐ.zʲɪˈtʲi.t͡ɕɪ.skʲɪj]

паразитный: [pɐ.rɐˈzʲit.nɨj]

Note on паразитический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('tʲi'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants; pronounce it with a soft 't' sound. Variations may occur in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological or Medical Context: Relating to parasites or parasitic organisms.

Translation(s) & Context:

• паразитический - Used in formal scientific writing or discussions about biology, e.g., describing a parasitic infection.
• паразитный - Applied in less formal contexts, such as literary descriptions or everyday analogies of parasitic behavior.

Usage Examples:

• В природе многие насекомые ведут паразитический образ жизни, используя хозяина для выживания.

  In nature, many insects lead a parasitic lifestyle, using a host for survival.

• Этот вирус имеет паразитный эффект на клетки организма, вызывая болезни.

  This virus has a parasitic effect on the body's cells, causing illnesses.

• Паразитический гриб может уничтожить весь урожай, если не принять меры.

  A parasitic fungus can destroy the entire crop if measures are not taken.

• В экологии паразитный вид часто зависит от других организмов для питания.

  In ecology, a parasitic species often depends on other organisms for nourishment.

• Исследования показывают, что паразитический червь адаптировался к различным хозяевам.

  Studies show that the parasitic worm has adapted to various hosts.

Figurative or Social Context: Describing exploitative or dependent relationships, not literally biological.

Translation(s) & Context:

• паразитический - Used metaphorically in formal critiques, e.g., in economics or social commentary.
• паразитный - More common in informal speech for everyday criticisms, like describing lazy behavior.

Usage Examples:

• В современном обществе некоторые компании ведут паразитический бизнес, эксплуатируя работников.

  In modern society, some companies run a parasitic business, exploiting workers.

• Его паразитный подход к дружбе означает, что он всегда берет, но никогда не дает.

  His parasitic approach to friendship means he always takes but never gives.

• Паразитный элемент в культуре может ослабить социальные связи.

  A parasitic element in culture can weaken social ties.

• В политике паразитический режим часто игнорирует нужды народа.

  In politics, a parasitic regime often ignores the needs of the people.

• Эта паразитная зависимость от технологий делает людей менее самостоятельными.

  This parasitic dependence on technology makes people less independent.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'паразитический' and 'паразитный' are adjectives in Russian, which typically follow patterns of adjectival inflection based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and can be inflected irregularly if derived from foreign roots, though these are relatively regular.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular inflections but follow the standard first-declension pattern for hard-stem adjectives. If the adjective is used predicatively, it may not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • паразитический - Similar to 'паразитный', but 'паразитический' is more precise in scientific contexts.
  • паразитный - Often interchangeable with 'паразитический' in informal use; may imply a broader, less technical sense.
• Antonyms:
  • симбиотический (symbiotic) - Implies mutual benefit rather than exploitation.
  • самостоятельный (independent) - Contrasts with dependency in social contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Паразитический образ жизни - A parasitic way of life; refers to dependency on others for survival.
• Паразитный эффект - Parasitic effect; used in biology to describe negative impacts on hosts.
• Вести паразитную жизнь - To lead a parasitic life; a metaphorical phrase for exploitative behavior in society.

Usage Notes:

Choose 'паразитический' for formal or scientific contexts where precision is key, as it directly mirrors the English 'parasitic' in biological discussions. 'Паразитный' is better for everyday or literary use, offering a slightly less rigid tone. Be mindful of gender, number, and case agreement in Russian sentences. For example, if describing a feminine noun like 'инфекция' (infection), use 'паразитическая'. Avoid direct word-for-word translation; in Russian, these words often carry a stronger negative connotation than in English.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'паразитический' in informal speech without inflection, e.g., saying "паразитический жизнь" instead of "паразитическая жизнь". Correct: Ensure proper adjective agreement with the noun. Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case; this mistake stems from English's lack of such inflections.

• Error: Confusing with 'паразит' (parasite, noun), leading to incorrect sentence structure, e.g., "паразит эффект" instead of "паразитный эффект". Correct: Use the adjectival form appropriately. Explanation: Learners often forget to select the right part of speech, which alters meaning and grammar.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and literature, terms like 'паразитический' often appear in critiques of social or economic systems, drawing from historical contexts such as Soviet-era discussions of exploitation. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on collectivism versus individualism, where parasitic behavior is frequently portrayed as a societal ill in works by authors like Chekhov or in modern media.

Related Concepts:

• вирус (virus)
• симбиоз (symbiosis)
• паразит (parasite)