Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pharmacist'

English Word: pharmacist

Key Russian Translations:

• фармацевт /far.ma.t͡sɛf/ - [Formal, Professional context]
• аптекарь /ap.tʲi.'karʲ/ - [Informal or historical context, less common in modern professional settings]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in medical and professional discussions but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with basic Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to health professions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фармацевт: /far.ma.t͡sɛf/

аптекарь: /ap.tʲi.'karʲ/

Note on фармацевт: The stress falls on the second syllable (/far.ma.t͡sɛf/), and the 'т͡с' is a palatalized consonant cluster, which can be challenging for beginners. Pronounce it with a soft 't' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A professional who prepares and dispenses medications.

Translation(s) & Context:

• фармацевт - Used in formal, medical, or professional contexts, such as hospitals or pharmacies.
• аптекарь - Used in informal or historical contexts, often implying a traditional pharmacist in a small shop.

Usage Examples:

• Я поговорю с фармацевтом в аптеке о лекарствах. (I will talk to the pharmacist at the pharmacy about the medications.)

  Translation: I will talk to the pharmacist at the pharmacy about the medications. (This example shows the word in a everyday practical context.)

• Фармацевт всегда проверяет дозировку перед выдачей таблеток. (The pharmacist always checks the dosage before dispensing the pills.)

  Translation: The pharmacist always checks the dosage before dispensing the pills. (Illustrates professional responsibility in a medical setting.)

• В России аптекарь может дать советы по народным средствам. (In Russia, a pharmacist might give advice on folk remedies.)

  Translation: In Russia, a pharmacist might give advice on folk remedies. (Highlights cultural nuances in pharmacy interactions.)

• Мой друг работает фармацевтом в крупной клинике. (My friend works as a pharmacist in a large clinic.)

  Translation: My friend works as a pharmacist in a large clinic. (Demonstrates use in biographical or descriptive sentences.)

• Аптекарь в старом фильме был очень мудрым. (The pharmacist in the old movie was very wise.)

  Translation: The pharmacist in the old movie was very wise. (Shows informal or narrative usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "фармацевт" and "аптекарь" are masculine nouns in Russian. They follow standard second-declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. "Фармацевт" is more commonly used and has regular inflections, while "аптекарь" is similar but less frequent in modern contexts.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фармацевт (most direct, formal)
  • аптекарь (more traditional or informal; often implies an older-style pharmacist)
• Antonyms:
  • врач (doctor; implies a medical professional without focus on medications)

Related Phrases:

• фармацевт в аптеке - (Pharmacist in the pharmacy; Common in daily health contexts.)
• консультация фармацевта - (Consultation with a pharmacist; Used for seeking advice on over-the-counter drugs.)
• аптекарь из фильма - (Pharmacist from a movie; Refers to cultural or fictional representations.)

Usage Notes:

"Фармацевт" is the most accurate and modern translation for "pharmacist" in professional Russian contexts, while "аптекарь" may carry a more historical or folksy connotation. Use "фармацевт" in formal writing or medical discussions, as it aligns closely with international standards. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as these are masculine nouns. For example, when describing a female pharmacist, you might say "фармацевт" with feminine adjectives if needed, but the noun itself doesn't change.

• Choose "фармацевт" for contemporary settings like hospitals.
• Avoid "аптекарь" in formal resumes or official documents, as it can sound outdated.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "фармацевт" with "врач" (doctor), leading to incorrect usage. For example:

• Error: "Я хочу поговорить с врачом о таблетках." (I want to talk to the doctor about the pills.) - This implies a physician, not a pharmacist.
• Correct: "Я хочу поговорить с фармацевтом о таблетках." (I want to talk to the pharmacist about the pills.) - Use this for medication-specific advice.
• Another common mistake is improper declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases: "Я купил таблетки от фармацевт" (incorrect). Correct: "Я купил таблетки от фармацевта" (genitive case).

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, pharmacists (фармацевты) often play a key role in public health, providing advice on over-the-counter remedies and even folk medicine traditions. This stems from historical practices where pharmacies were community hubs, reflecting a cultural emphasis on accessible healthcare outside of hospitals.

Related Concepts:

• аптека (pharmacy)
• лекарство (medicine)
• медицина (medicine as a field)