Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'potassium'

English Word: potassium

Key Russian Translations:

• калий [ˈkalʲij] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in scientific, medical, and educational contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific terminology and basic chemistry knowledge under CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

калий: [ˈkalʲij]

Note on калий: The stress is on the first syllable. The soft 'л' sound (palatalized 'l') can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'l' in "million" but more pronounced. Variations may occur in regional dialects, but standard Russian uses this form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The chemical element potassium (atomic number 19), a soft, silvery metal essential in biology and industry.

Translation(s) & Context:

• калий - Used in scientific, medical, and nutritional contexts to refer to the element in chemical reactions, dietary needs, or laboratory settings.

Usage Examples:

• Калий необходим для нормальной работы сердца и мышц.

  Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart and muscles.

• В этой батарее используется калий в качестве электролита.

  In this battery, potassium is used as an electrolyte.

• Дефицит калия может привести к мышечным спазмам.

  A deficiency of potassium can lead to muscle spasms.

• Химики изучают свойства калия в лабораторных условиях.

  Chemists study the properties of potassium in laboratory conditions.

• В почве должно быть достаточное количество калия для роста растений.

  The soil must have a sufficient amount of potassium for plant growth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Калий" is a masculine noun in Russian (third declension). It follows standard noun declension patterns for inanimate masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As a scientific term, it is often used in the singular form and does not frequently inflect in plural due to its elemental nature.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Калий гидроксид (potassium hydroxide, for compounds)
  • Калиевые соли (potassium salts, for derivatives)
• Antonyms: Not applicable (as "калий" is a specific element without direct antonyms).

Related Phrases:

• Калий в организме - Refers to the role of potassium in the human body, often in health discussions.
• Дефицит калия - Means "potassium deficiency," commonly used in medical contexts.
• Калий в почве - Indicates "potassium in soil," relevant for agriculture and botany.
• Источники калия - Translates to "sources of potassium," used for dietary advice.

Usage Notes:

The Russian term "калий" directly corresponds to the English "potassium" in scientific and everyday contexts, but it is primarily formal and technical. Use it in educational, medical, or chemical discussions. For instance, when discussing nutrition, pair it with phrases like "в рационе" (in the diet). If multiple translations exist (e.g., for compounds), choose "калий" for the pure element. Be mindful of grammatical gender: as a masculine noun, it affects adjective agreements, e.g., "важный калий" (important potassium).

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "калий" as [kaˈli] without the soft 'л' sound. Correct: [ˈkalʲij]. Explanation: English speakers often overlook palatalization; practice with native audio to master the soft consonant.

• Error: Using "калий" in plural forms unnecessarily, e.g., saying "калии" for general references. Correct: Stick to singular "калий" for the element. Explanation: In Russian, elements like potassium are treated as singular unless specifying multiple instances, which is rare.

• Error: Confusing "калий" with "кальций" (calcium). Correct: "Калий" is for potassium; double-check spelling and context in scientific texts. Explanation: These are distinct elements, and mix-ups can lead to misunderstandings in health or chemistry.

Cultural Notes:

"Калий" as a term doesn't carry strong cultural connotations, but in Russian-speaking contexts, it often appears in discussions of health and agriculture due to historical emphasis on self-sufficiency in the former Soviet Union. For example, potassium-rich foods like potatoes (a staple in Russian cuisine) are frequently mentioned in dietary advice, reflecting cultural values around hearty, homegrown meals.

Related Concepts:

• Натрий (sodium)
• Магний (magnesium)
• Хлор (chlorine)
• Элементы таблицы Менделеева (elements of the periodic table)