Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'phosphorus'

English Word: phosphorus

Key Russian Translations:

• фосфор [ˈfosfər] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium - Commonly used in scientific, educational, and technical contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Requires basic knowledge of chemistry vocabulary; suitable for learners with some familiarity with scientific terms.

Pronunciation (Russian):

фосфор: [ˈfosfər]

Note on фосфор: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'ф' is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to 'f' in English "fun". Be mindful of the soft 'о' sound, which can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Chemical element (referring to the non-metal element with atomic number 15)

Translation(s) & Context:

• фосфор - Used in scientific discussions, chemistry texts, or educational materials to denote the element phosphorus in its various forms (e.g., white, red phosphorus).

Usage Examples:

• Фосфор является важным элементом в органической химии.

  Phosphorus is an important element in organic chemistry.

• Белый фосфор легко воспламеняется на воздухе.

  White phosphorus ignites easily in air.

• В почве фосфор необходим для роста растений.

  Phosphorus is necessary for plant growth in soil.

• Фосфор используется в производстве удобрений и взрывчатых веществ.

  Phosphorus is used in the production of fertilizers and explosives.

2. Metaphorical or extended use (e.g., in poetry or historical contexts, though rare)

Translation(s) & Context:

• фосфор - Occasionally used metaphorically in literature to evoke ideas of light or fire, but this is not common in modern Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Его глаза блестели, как фосфор в темноте.

  His eyes shone like phosphorus in the dark.

• Фосфор поэзии освещает путь к истине.

  The phosphorus of poetry illuminates the path to truth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Фосфор" is a masculine noun (third declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for inanimate masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "фосфор" typically refers to the element in general. It does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Фосфорный элемент (phosphorus element) - Used in more descriptive scientific contexts, emphasizing its elemental nature.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific chemical element without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Фосфорные спички - Phosphorus matches; a historical reference to matches treated with phosphorus for ignition.
• Дефицит фосфора - Phosphorus deficiency; commonly used in agriculture or health contexts.
• Фосфор в пище - Phosphorus in food; refers to dietary phosphorus in nutrition discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "фосфор" directly corresponds to the English "phosphorus" as a chemical element and is primarily used in formal, scientific, or technical settings. It is not typically used in casual conversation, so learners should associate it with contexts like chemistry textbooks or lectures. When choosing between translations, "фосфор" is the standard term; avoid variations unless specifying forms (e.g., "белый фосфор" for white phosphorus). Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on sentence structure, as Russian nouns change form to indicate case.

• Limit usage to precise scientific descriptions to maintain accuracy.
• In metaphorical contexts, it may appear in literature, but this is rare and often archaic.

Common Errors:

English learners often mispronounce "фосфор" by stressing the wrong syllable or confusing it with similar-sounding words like "фосфат" (phosphate). For example:

• Error: Saying "фосфор" as [foˈsfor] (wrong stress).
  Correct: [ˈfosfər] - Always stress the first syllable to avoid sounding unnatural.
  Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word harder to understand in fast speech.
• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., "Я имею фосфор" instead of "Я имею фосфор" (actually correct in nominative, but in context: "Я изучаю фосфор" should be "Я изучаю фосфор" – no error here; more commonly, confusing with genitive: "Дефицит фосфор" instead of "Дефицит фосфора").
  Correct: "Дефицит фосфора" – Remember to decline for genitive when indicating possession or relation.
  Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers might overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

"Фосфор" as a term doesn't carry strong cultural connotations in modern Russian society, but it relates to historical scientific discoveries. For instance, phosphorus was isolated by Hennig Brand in the 17th century, and its properties were later studied by Russian scientists. In Russian literature, it occasionally symbolizes enlightenment or danger, as in references to phosphorus in matches during the Industrial Revolution, reflecting themes of innovation and risk.

Related Concepts:

• Углерод (carbon)
• Азот (nitrogen)
• Кислород (oxygen)
• Сера (sulfur)