Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'physics'

English Word: physics

Key Russian Translations:

• физика [fʲɪˈzʲikə] - [Formal, used in academic and scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in educational, scientific, and technical discussions, but less frequent in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of scientific terminology and Russian noun declensions, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

физика: [fʲɪˈzʲikə]

Note on физика: The initial 'ф' is a voiceless labiodental fricative, and the soft sign 'й' in the pronunciation indicates palatalization, which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The science of matter, energy, and their interactions

Translation(s) & Context:

• физика - Used in formal educational, scientific, or professional settings, such as university lectures or research discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я изучаю физику в университете, чтобы стать ученым.

  I am studying physics at the university to become a scientist.

• Физика помогает объяснить, как работает электричество в повседневной жизни.

  Physics helps explain how electricity works in everyday life.

• В школьной программе физику преподают с седьмого класса.

  Physics is taught in the school curriculum starting from the seventh grade.

• Современная физика включает квантовую теорию и релятивизм.

  Modern physics includes quantum theory and relativity.

• Физика часто сочетается с математикой для решения сложных проблем.

  Physics is often combined with mathematics to solve complex problems.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Физика" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. 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:
  • науки о природе (sciences of nature) - More general term, often used in broader contexts.
  • естествознание (natural science) - Emphasizes the empirical aspect, with subtle differences in scope.
• Antonyms:
  • химия (chemistry) - Focuses on chemical processes rather than physical phenomena.
  • биология (biology) - Deals with living organisms, contrasting with the inanimate focus of physics.

Related Phrases:

• квантовая физика - Quantum physics; a subfield dealing with quantum mechanics and particle behavior.
• классическая физика - Classical physics; refers to pre-20th-century physics, excluding relativity and quantum theory.
• физика частиц - Particle physics; the study of subatomic particles and fundamental forces.
• прикладная физика - Applied physics; physics applied to practical problems in engineering and technology.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "физика" directly corresponds to the English "physics" as a broad scientific discipline. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as education or research, and should be inflected according to Russian case requirements (e.g., "изучаю физику" for studying it). Be mindful of word order in sentences, as Russian often places the verb at the end. When choosing between translations, "физика" is the most precise and common; avoid using synonyms unless a broader context is needed. For beginners, focus on nominative forms before exploring declensions.

• Grammar note: Always treat it as a feminine noun, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "интересная физика" for "interesting physics").
• Context tip: In casual conversation, Russians might say "физика" when discussing school subjects, but in professional settings, pair it with specific subfields for clarity.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "физика" with "физическая культура" (physical education or PE), which is unrelated. For example:

• Error: Using "физика" to mean exercise or sports (incorrect: "Я хожу на физику" meaning "I go to PE").
• Correct: "Я хожу на физическую культуру" for PE, while "Я изучаю физику" means studying physics. Explanation: "Физика" specifically refers to the scientific field, not physical activity, so context is key to avoid misunderstandings.
• Another error: Failing to decline the noun properly, e.g., saying "о физика" instead of "о физике" in genitive contexts. Correct form: Use the appropriate case as shown in the inflections table above.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, physics holds a prominent place due to the country's history in scientific achievements, such as the contributions of physicists like Lev Landau and the Soviet space program. Terms like "физика" often evoke national pride in STEM fields, reflecting Russia's emphasis on education and innovation. However, in everyday life, it may be associated more with rigorous schooling than popular science.

Related Concepts:

• математика (mathematics)
• химия (chemistry)
• биология (biology)
• астрономия (astronomy)