Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pharmacy'

English Word: pharmacy

Key Russian Translations:

• аптека [ɐˈptʲekə] - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations, especially in urban settings for health-related topics.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward pronunciation and usage, making it accessible for new learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

аптека: [ɐˈptʲekə]

Note on аптека: The stress is on the second syllable ("ptʲekə"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 't' sound. Practice the soft 't' as in "tube" but softer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A place or store where medicines, drugs, and health-related products are sold or dispensed.

Translation(s) & Context:

• аптека - Used in formal and everyday contexts to refer to a retail pharmacy, such as in cities or towns. Common in medical or daily health discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я иду в аптеку за лекарствами. (Ya idu v apteku za lekarstvami.)

  I am going to the pharmacy for medicines. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, indicating a routine action.)

• В аптеке можно купить аспирин без рецепта. (V apteke mozhno kupit' aspirin bez retsepta.)

  You can buy aspirin at the pharmacy without a prescription. (Illustrates the word in a context involving over-the-counter purchases, common in health scenarios.)

• Аптека работает круглосуточно в центре города. (Apteka rabotaet kruglosutochno v tsentre goroda.)

  The pharmacy operates 24/7 in the city center. (Demonstrates usage with adjectives and time-related phrases, emphasizing service availability.)

• Моя мама работает в аптеке фармацевтом. (Moya mama rabotaet v apteke farmatsevtom.)

  My mom works as a pharmacist in the pharmacy. (Shows the word in a professional context, highlighting employment roles.)

• Если у вас высокая температура, сходите в аптеку. (Esli u vas vysokaya temperatura, skhodite v apteku.)

  If you have a high fever, go to the pharmacy. (Used in advisory contexts, often in informal health advice.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Аптека" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian grammar). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple pharmacies. This noun has regular inflections, making it relatively easy for beginners to learn.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Фармация (farmatsiya) - Refers more broadly to the field of pharmacy or pharmaceuticals, used in formal or professional contexts.
  • Аптечный пункт (aptechnyy punkt) - A smaller or specialized pharmacy point, often in rural areas, with a slight connotation of limited services.
• Antonyms:
  • Больница (bol'nitsa) - Hospital; implies a larger medical facility rather than a retail outlet for medicines.

Related Phrases:

• В аптеке (V apteke) - In the pharmacy; used to describe locations or actions inside a pharmacy.
• Аптека дежурная (Apteka dezhurnaya) - On-duty pharmacy; refers to pharmacies open during off-hours, with a connotation of emergency services.
• Купить в аптеке (Kupit' v apteke) - To buy at the pharmacy; a common phrase for purchasing medications.

Usage Notes:

"Аптека" directly corresponds to the English "pharmacy" as a retail establishment, but in Russian, it may imply a focus on over-the-counter sales rather than prescription services. Use it in formal contexts like medical discussions or daily conversations. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences (e.g., adjectives must agree with the feminine noun). When choosing between translations, "аптека" is the most common and versatile; opt for "фармация" only for broader industry references. In spoken Russian, it's often used with prepositions like "в" (in) or "из" (from) to indicate location.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "аптека" as [apˈteka] without the palatalized 't'. Correct: [ɐˈptʲekə]. Explanation: English speakers often overlook the soft 't' sound, which is crucial in Russian for clarity. Incorrect example: Saying [apˈteka] might confuse listeners; correct it by practicing with native audio.

• Error: Using the word in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я иду в аптека" instead of "Я иду в аптеку". Correct: Always inflect based on the sentence structure (here, dative case). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which can be forgotten by beginners used to English's lack of declension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, pharmacies (аптеки) are highly regulated and often found on every street corner in urban areas, reflecting the cultural emphasis on accessible healthcare. Historically, they date back to the Soviet era with state-controlled medicine distribution, which influences modern practices where some medications require prescriptions, while others are readily available, symbolizing a blend of self-care and professional medical advice.

Related Concepts:

• Медицина (meditsina)
• Врач (vrach)
• Лекарство (lekarstvo)