Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pigment'

English Word: pigment

Key Russian Translations:

• пигмент /pʲɪɡˈmɛnt/ - [Formal, Scientific/Technical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, artistic, and technical contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and technical vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пигмент: /pʲɪɡˈmɛnt/

Note on пигмент: The initial 'п' is palatalized (/pʲ/), which is a common feature in Russian words of foreign origin. Stress falls on the second syllable, as in many borrowed terms. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A substance that imparts color to another material (e.g., in art or industry)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пигмент - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing paints, dyes, or cosmetics; common in scientific writing or discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Этот пигмент придаёт картине яркий оттенок.

  This pigment gives the painting a bright shade.

• В косметике часто используют натуральные пигменты для цвета.

  In cosmetics, natural pigments are often used for color.

• Художник смешал пигмент с маслом, чтобы создать стойкую краску.

  The artist mixed the pigment with oil to create durable paint.

• Пигмент в ткани выцветает под солнечным светом.

  The pigment in the fabric fades under sunlight.

Meaning 2: A natural substance in living organisms that produces color (e.g., in biology)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пигмент - Applied in biological or medical contexts, such as melanin in skin; used in academic or professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Меланин — это пигмент, который защищает кожу от ультрафиолетового излучения.

  Melanin is a pigment that protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

• В листьях растений пигмент хлорофилл отвечает за фотосинтез.

  In plant leaves, the pigment chlorophyll is responsible for photosynthesis.

• Генетические мутации могут изменить пигмент в глазах человека.

  Genetic mutations can alter the pigment in a person's eyes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пигмент" is a masculine noun (masc. inanimate) borrowed from Latin/Greek via English/French. It follows the standard third declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • краска (paint or dye; less technical, more general)
  • цветовой агент (color agent; used in specific contexts, but less common)
• Antonyms:
  • депигментатор (depigmenting agent; in biological contexts)

Note: Synonyms may have subtle differences; for example, "краска" is more everyday and refers to visible paint, while "пигмент" is precise for the substance itself.

Related Phrases:

• натуральный пигмент - Natural pigment; refers to pigments derived from natural sources, often in eco-friendly products.
• синтетический пигмент - Synthetic pigment; used in industrial manufacturing for cost-effective coloring.
• пигмент кожи - Skin pigment; common in medical or cosmetic discussions about melanin.

Usage Notes:

"Пигмент" directly corresponds to the English "pigment" and is most accurate in technical or scientific contexts. It is a formal term, so avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler words like "краска" might suffice. Be mindful of Russian case endings when using it in sentences, as it must agree with the grammatical structure (e.g., in genitive for possession). When choosing between translations, opt for "пигмент" in academic writing; for everyday art, "краска" could be more appropriate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "пигмент" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я вижу пигмент" instead of "Я вижу пигмент" (which is correct in nominative, but errors often occur in other cases like "Я имею пигмент" instead of "Я имею пигмент" – wait, correct is "Я имею пигмент", but a common mistake is forgetting accusative: "Я использую пигмент" vs. incorrectly "Я использую пигмента").

  Correct: "Этот пигмент используется в краске." (This pigment is used in paint.)

  Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case; learners often overlook this, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing with "краска" and using it interchangeably, e.g., treating "пигмент" as a direct synonym in all contexts.

  Correct: Use "краска" for finished paint products, not the raw substance.

  Explanation: This can make speech sound overly technical or imprecise.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, pigments have historical significance in icon painting (e.g., in Orthodox traditions), where natural pigments like those from minerals were used for religious art. This reflects Russia's rich artistic heritage, linking back to Byzantine influences. Understanding this can deepen appreciation for how "пигмент" appears in literature or museums discussing Russian art history.

Related Concepts:

• хлорофилл (chlorophyll)
• меланин (melanin)
• краска (paint)