Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'poisonous'

English Word: poisonous

Key Russian Translations:

• ядовитый /jaˈdovʲɪtɨj/ - [Adjective, Formal/Informal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts involving hazards, but not in casual conversation).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, according to CEFR; involves understanding adjective inflections, which may vary by gender, number, and case in Russian sentences).

Pronunciation (Russian):

ядовитый: /jaˈdovʲɪtɨj/

Note on ядовитый: The stress falls on the second syllable ("do"). Pay attention to the palatalized 'v' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel lengths.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Describing something that contains or produces poison, capable of causing harm or death through toxicity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ядовитый - Used in contexts involving animals, plants, chemicals, or substances that are harmful due to poison; appropriate in both formal (e.g., scientific reports) and informal (e.g., everyday warnings) settings.

Usage Examples:

• Эта змея ядовитая и может вызвать серьёзное отравление.

  This snake is poisonous and can cause serious poisoning.

• В джунглях растут ядовитые растения, которые нельзя трогать.

  In the jungle, there are poisonous plants that should not be touched.

• Ядовитый газ в лаборатории требует специальной защиты.

  The poisonous gas in the laboratory requires special protection.

• Дети должны знать, что ядовитые вещества хранятся в шкафу.

  Children should know that poisonous substances are kept in the cabinet.

• Эта ядовитая ягода выглядит привлекательно, но она смертельно опасна.

  This poisonous berry looks appealing, but it is deadly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ядовитый" is an adjective in Russian, which means it changes based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward once the basic patterns are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • токсичный (toxic) - Often used interchangeably, but more specific to chemical toxicity.
  • отравный (poisonous) - Similar, but slightly more literary or archaic in some contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • безопасный (safe) - Indicates no harm from poison or toxicity.
  • невредный (harmless) - Emphasizes lack of danger in general.

Related Phrases:

• Ядовитый укус (Poisonous bite) - Refers to a bite from a venomous animal, often in medical or wildlife contexts.
• Ядовитые вещества (Poisonous substances) - Common phrase for chemicals or materials that can cause poisoning.
• Ядовитый гриб (Poisonous mushroom) - Used in discussions about foraging or nature, with a warning connotation.

Usage Notes:

"Ядовитый" directly corresponds to the English "poisonous" but is more versatile in Russian, adapting to various grammatical contexts through inflections. It can be used in formal settings like scientific texts or informal warnings, such as in everyday safety instructions. When choosing between translations like "ядовитый" and "токсичный," opt for "ядовитый" if the context involves natural poisons (e.g., snakes), while "токсичный" is better for man-made chemicals. Always ensure agreement with the noun's gender, number, and case to avoid grammatical errors.

• Key tip: In Russian, adjectives like this must agree with the nouns they modify, unlike in English where "poisonous" remains unchanged.
• Scenario guidance: Use in phrases involving health, environment, or danger; avoid in abstract or metaphorical contexts unless emphasizing literal toxicity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ядовитый" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Эта змея ядовитый" instead of "Эта змея ядовитая" (feminine noun).

  Correct: "Эта змея ядовитая." Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; this mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing "ядовитый" with "токсичный," leading to misuse in contexts, e.g., describing a chemical as "ядовитый" when "токсичный" is more precise.

  Correct: Use "токсичный" for industrial toxins. Explanation: While synonyms, they have subtle differences; "ядовитый" implies natural poison, which can mislead in scientific discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "ядовитый" often appear in folklore and literature, such as in tales of poisonous berries or snakes in fairy stories by authors like Pushkin. This reflects a historical awareness of natural dangers in Russia's vast forests and rural areas, emphasizing caution and respect for the environment.

Related Concepts:

• токсин (toxin)
• отравление (poisoning)
• яд (poison)