Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'phial'

English Word: phial

Key Russian Translations:

• флакон /ˈflakən/ - [Formal, used for small glass containers]
• ампула /ɐmˈpulə/ - [Formal, medical context, e.g., for injectable liquids]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in contexts like pharmacy, cosmetics, or literature, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level per CEFR; requires familiarity with noun declensions and vocabulary for objects; for 'ампула', it may be B2 due to medical specificity)

Pronunciation (Russian):

флакон: /ˈflakən/ (The stress is on the first syllable; note the soft 'к' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers)

ампула: /ɐmˈpulə/ (Stress on the second syllable; the 'у' is pronounced as a short 'u' sound)

Note on флакон: Be cautious with the final 'н', which is devoiced in some dialects, making it sound like /ˈflakən̩/.

Note on ампула: This word often has a more precise, lab-like connotation; pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small bottle or vial for holding liquids, often in medical, chemical, or everyday contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• флакон - Used in general contexts for perfume, medicine, or cosmetics; formal or neutral settings.
• ампула - Specifically for sealed glass containers in medical or scientific environments.

Usage Examples:

• В лаборатории хранят лекарства в маленьком флаконе.

  In the laboratory, medicines are stored in a small phial.

• Она аккуратно открыла ампулу, чтобы набрать препарат.

  She carefully opened the phial to draw the medication.

• Флакон с эфирным маслом стоял на полке в ванной.

  The phial of essential oil was on the shelf in the bathroom.

• Врачи используют ампулы для хранения вакцин в холодных условиях.

  Doctors use phials to store vaccines in cold conditions.

• Древний флакон был найден во время археологических раскопок.

  An ancient phial was discovered during archaeological excavations.

Secondary Meaning: Figurative use, e.g., in literature for something precious or magical.

Translation(s) & Context:

• флакон - In poetic or metaphorical contexts, implying something delicate or contained.

Usage Examples:

• Её слова были как флакон с ядом, скрытым внутри.

  Her words were like a phial of poison hidden inside.

• Флакон надежды в его сердце не угасал.

  The phial of hope in his heart never faded.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'флакон' and 'ампула' are masculine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard masculine declension patterns. 'Флакон' is a third-declension noun with regular inflections, while 'ампула' is also regular but may vary slightly in scientific contexts.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners, but always pay attention to the ending based on case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бутылочка (a diminutive form, implying something smaller and cuter)
  • пузырек (more informal, for a bubble or small vial)
• Antonyms:
  • бочка (barrel, implying a large container)

Explanation: 'Бутылочка' is often used in everyday contexts for endearment, while 'пузырек' has a playful connotation.

Related Phrases:

• Стеклянный флакон (Glass phial) - Refers to a transparent container for liquids, commonly in cosmetics.
• Открыть ампулу (To open a phial) - Used in medical procedures for accessing sealed contents.
• Флакон с лекарством (Phial with medicine) - A common phrase in pharmaceutical contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Флакон' directly corresponds to 'phial' in most non-medical English uses, while 'ампула' is more precise for sterile, sealed containers. In Russian, these words are typically used in formal or technical settings; avoid them in casual conversation unless specifying an object. When choosing between translations, opt for 'флакон' for general purposes and 'ампула' for healthcare. Grammatically, always decline based on case, e.g., use genitive 'флакона' after prepositions like 'из' (from).

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'флакон' interchangeably with 'ампула' in medical contexts. Correct: 'Ампула' for injections; 'флакон' for general bottles. Example: Incorrect: "Я взял флакон для инъекции" (I took a phial for injection). Correct: "Я взял ампулу для инъекции". Explanation: This confusion arises from similar meanings, but 'ампула' implies sterility.
• Mistake: Forgetting to decline the noun. Correct: Always adjust for case, e.g., don't say "в флакон" in nominative when it should be "в флаконе" (in the phial). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'флакон' might evoke images from folklore or literature, such as potions in fairy tales, symbolizing mystery or alchemy. Historically, phials were used in traditional medicine, reflecting Russia's rich heritage in herbal remedies and apothecary practices.

Related Concepts:

• пробирка (test tube)
• склянка (flask)
• флакончик (small phial, diminutive form)