Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'physics'

English Word: physics

Key Russian Translations:

• физика [ˈfʲizʲikə] - [Formal, used in scientific and educational contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in academic, scientific, and educational settings, but less so in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR standards; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and scientific vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

физика: [ˈfʲizʲikə]

Note on физика: The stress falls on the first syllable. The 'ф' is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to 'f' in English. Pay attention to the palatalized 'зʲ' which adds a soft, y-like sound before the 'i'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: The branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter, energy, and their interactions.

Translation(s) & Context:

• физика - Used in formal academic, scientific, or educational contexts, such as discussing school subjects or research fields.

Usage Examples:

• Я учу физику в университете, и она мне очень нравится.

  I am studying physics at the university, and I really enjoy it.

• Физика объясняет, почему яблоко падает с дерева.

  Physics explains why an apple falls from a tree.

• В школе мы изучаем основы физики, включая механику и электричество.

  At school, we study the basics of physics, including mechanics and electricity.

• Современная физика включает квантовую теорию и релятивизм.

  Modern physics includes quantum theory and relativity.

• Физика играет ключевую роль в развитии технологий.

  Physics plays a key role in the development of technologies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

физика is a feminine noun (3rd declension) in Russian. It follows standard noun declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • физическая наука (fizicheskaya nauka) - More descriptive, emphasizing it as a scientific discipline; used in formal contexts.
  • наука о природе (nauka o prirode) - A broader term, but can overlap in philosophical discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • химия (khimiya) - Chemistry, as it deals with different aspects of matter.
  • биология (biologiya) - Biology, focusing on living organisms rather than physical laws.

Related Phrases:

• квантовая физика (kvantovaya fizika) - Quantum physics; used in discussions of advanced scientific theories.
• классическая физика (klassicheskaya fizika) - Classical physics; refers to pre-20th-century physics, often in educational contexts.
• ядерная физика (yadernaya fizika) - Nuclear physics; pertains to atomic and subatomic particles, with applications in energy and medicine.

Usage Notes:

физика directly corresponds to the English "physics" as a field of study, but it is primarily used in formal or academic settings in Russian. Avoid using it in casual conversations; instead, opt for more general terms if discussing science broadly. When translating, ensure the context matches—e.g., in scientific writing, it's straightforward, but in everyday Russian, people might say "я интересуюсь наукой" (I am interested in science) to keep it light. Grammatically, remember that as a feminine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements, such as "современная физика" (modern physics).

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing it with "физик" (fizik), which means "physicist" (a person). Incorrect: "Я физика" (meaning "I am physics"). Correct: "Я физик" for "I am a physicist." Explanation: Learners often mix up the noun for the field with the profession; always check the context to distinguish.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я учу о физика" (should be "о физике" in genitive). Correct: "Я учу о физике." Explanation: Russian requires proper case endings; practice declensions to avoid this common mistake for beginners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, physics holds significant historical importance due to contributions from scientists like Albert Einstein (influential in Russia) and Soviet-era physicists such as Lev Landau. Physics is often glorified in education, with programs emphasizing its role in national achievements like space exploration, reflecting Russia's pride in its scientific heritage.

Related Concepts:

• математика (matematika)
• химия (khimiya)
• биология (biologiya)