Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'parasitism'

English Word: parasitism

Key Russian Translations:

• паразитизм (/pɐ.rəˈzʲi.tʲɪ.zm/) - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific and academic contexts, less so in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with biological or social terminology, but not overly complex for learners at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

паразитизм: /pɐ.rəˈzʲi.tʲɪ.zm/

Note on паразитизм: The stress falls on the third syllable ("zʲi"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants. Pronounce it with a soft "zʲ" sound, similar to the "s" in "measure".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological meaning: A relationship between two organisms where one lives on or in another and benefits at the host's expense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• паразитизм - Used in formal scientific discussions, such as in biology or ecology, to describe parasitic interactions.

Usage Examples:

• В природе паразитизм часто приводит к ослаблению хозяина.

  In nature, parasitism often leads to the weakening of the host.

• Учёные изучают паразитизм у насекомых для разработки новых методов борьбы с вредителями.

  Scientists study parasitism in insects to develop new methods for combating pests.

• Пример паразитизма - это когда глисты живут в кишечнике животного, питаясь за его счёт.

  An example of parasitism is when worms live in an animal's intestine, feeding at its expense.

• В экосистеме паразитизм может регулировать популяции видов.

  In an ecosystem, parasitism can regulate species populations.

Social meaning: The act of living off others without contributing, often implying exploitation or laziness.

Translation(s) & Context:

• паразитизм - Applied in sociological or everyday contexts to criticize dependency or exploitation, but less common than in biology.

Usage Examples:

• В обществе паразитизм проявляется в форме людей, которые живут за счёт чужого труда.

  In society, parasitism manifests as people living off the labor of others.

• Критики обвиняют правительство в поощрении паразитизма через социальные пособия.

  Critics accuse the government of encouraging parasitism through social benefits.

• Экономический паразитизм может подорвать стабильность страны.

  Economic parasitism can undermine a country's stability.

• В литературе паразитизм часто используется как метафора для описания моральных слабостей.

  In literature, parasitism is often used as a metaphor for moral weaknesses.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"паразитизм" is a masculine noun (from the third declension in Russian). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • паразитирование (more specific to the act of parasitizing, often used interchangeably but with a focus on behavior)
  • паразитичность (emphasizing the quality or state, slightly more abstract)
• Antonyms:
  • симбиоз (mutual beneficial relationship)
  • взаимодействие (general interaction, implying balance)

Related Phrases:

• паразитический образ жизни - A parasitic way of life (Refers to living dependently on others without contributing).
• паразитизм в природе - Parasitism in nature (Common in ecological discussions, highlighting biological examples).
• социальный паразитизм - Social parasitism (Used to describe exploitative social behaviors, often in critiques of society).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "паразитизм" directly corresponds to the English "parasitism" but is more commonly used in scientific or formal contexts. It carries a negative connotation, especially in social usage, so be cautious with its application to avoid sounding judgmental. When choosing between translations, use "паразитизм" for general cases, but if emphasizing the process, "паразитирование" might be more precise. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "этот паразитизм" for "this parasitism"). In everyday speech, it's rare; opt for simpler terms in informal settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "паразитизм" with "паразит" (which means "parasite" as a noun referring to the organism itself). Incorrect: "Паразитизм ест еду хозяина" (This mixes the concept with the entity).
  Correct: "Паразитизм проявляется, когда паразит ест еду хозяина."
  Explanation: "Паразитизм" is the state or relationship, not the entity, so it shouldn't be used as a subject in the same way.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative in all cases (e.g., "о паразитизм" instead of "о паразитизме").
  Correct: "О паразитизме в биологии" (In the prepositional case).
  Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case; always check the context to apply the right form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "паразитизм" often appears in literature and social commentary, such as in works by authors like Chekhov, where it symbolizes moral decay or societal flaws. Historically, during the Soviet era, it was used in propaganda to criticize "parasitic" behaviors, like avoiding work, reflecting cultural values of collectivism and productivity. This adds a layer of ideological weight, making it more than just a biological term.

Related Concepts:

• паразит
• симбиоз
• экология
• эксплуатация