Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'potash'

English Word: potash

Key Russian Translations:

• калий [ˈkalʲij] - [Formal, Technical]
• калийные соли [kɐˈlʲijnɨje ˈsolʲi] - [Formal, Scientific, Plural]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, agricultural, and chemical contexts, but not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires basic knowledge of chemistry and Russian noun declensions, making it accessible to upper-intermediate learners but challenging for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

калий: [ˈkalʲij]

калийные соли: [kɐˈlʲijnɨje ˈsolʲi]

Note on калий: The soft 'л' sound (palatalized 'l') can be tricky for English speakers; it's similar to the 'l' in "million" but softer. Pronounce with stress on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A potassium-containing compound, often used as a fertilizer or in chemical applications.

Translation(s) & Context:

• калий - Used in general chemical or scientific discussions, especially when referring to the element potassium in compounds.
• калийные соли - Applied in contexts involving fertilizers or salts, emphasizing the plural form for multiple compounds.

Usage Examples:

• В почве часто добавляют калий для повышения урожайности.

  In the soil, potash is often added to increase crop yields. (This example shows 'калий' in a singular nominative form within an agricultural context.)

• Калийные соли используются в химической промышленности для производства удобрений.

  Potash salts are used in the chemical industry for producing fertilizers. (Here, 'калийные соли' demonstrates a plural form in a technical, formal setting.)

• Без достаточного калия растения могут страдать от дефицита питательных веществ.

  Without sufficient potash, plants may suffer from a lack of nutrients. (This illustrates 'калий' in a genitive case, common in descriptive sentences.)

• Фермеры применяют калийные соли, чтобы улучшить качество почвы в засушливых регионах.

  Farmers apply potash salts to improve soil quality in arid regions. (This example highlights 'калийные соли' in an accusative context, showing its use in action-oriented phrases.)

A historical term for potassium carbonate derived from wood ashes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• калий - In historical or archaic contexts, referring to early chemical extractions.

Usage Examples:

• В старину калий получали из древесной золы для мытья и стирки.

  In ancient times, potash was obtained from wood ashes for washing and cleaning. (This shows 'калий' in a historical narrative, often in the accusative case.)

• Калий играл ключевую роль в развитии химии в XIX веке.

  Potash played a key role in the development of chemistry in the 19th century. (Demonstrates 'калий' in the nominative, emphasizing its nominal role in educational contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translations, such as "калий" (a masculine noun) and "калийные соли" (an adjective-noun phrase), follow standard Russian inflection patterns. "Калий" is a third-declension masculine noun and inflects regularly based on case and number.

Note: "Калийные соли" as a phrase inflects based on the adjective "калийные" (which agrees with "соли") and is generally regular. If used as a compound, it does not change irregularly.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • калиевые соли (Similar to "калийные соли", but emphasizes chemical composition; used interchangeably in scientific texts.)
  • калийсодержащие соединения (Broader term for potassium-containing compounds, preferred in detailed chemical descriptions.)
• Antonyms:
  • натрий (sodium; contrasts as a different alkali metal in chemical contexts.)

Related Phrases:

• калийное удобрение - A common phrase for "potassium fertilizer," used in agricultural discussions to refer to potash-based products.
• дефицит калия - Means "potassium deficiency," often in contexts of soil health or human nutrition.
• калий в почве - Refers to "potash in the soil," highlighting its role in farming and environmental science.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "калий" directly corresponds to the English "potash" in chemical and agricultural contexts, but it's more precise to use "калийные соли" for fertilizers to avoid ambiguity with the pure element. Always consider the formal, technical domain; avoid in casual speech. When choosing between translations, opt for "калий" for singular references and "калийные соли" for plural or compound forms. Grammatically, ensure adjectives agree in gender, number, and case, as seen in phrases like "калийные удобрения."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "калий" interchangeably with "натрий" (sodium) due to confusion with similar elements. Correct: Калий используется в удобрениях (Potash is used in fertilizers). Explanation: This mix-up stems from overlooking chemical specifics; always verify the element in context.
• Error: Forgetting to decline "калий" properly, e.g., saying "без калий" instead of "без калия." Correct: Без калия растения вянут (Plants wilt without potash). Explanation: Russian nouns must follow case rules; genitive is required after prepositions like "без."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "калий" and related terms are tied to the country's agricultural heritage, especially in vast rural areas where potash fertilizers have historically boosted crop production. This reflects Russia's role as a major exporter of potash, linking the term to economic and industrial pride, though it's not deeply symbolic in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• натрий
• удобрения
• химические элементы