Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'protein'

English Word: protein

Key Russian Translations:

• белок [ˈbʲe.lək] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in everyday language, biology, nutrition, and scientific contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires basic familiarity with Russian nouns and scientific vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

белок: [ˈbʲe.lək]

Note on белок: The initial 'б' is a voiced bilabial stop, and the 'е' is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A nutrient consisting of amino acids, essential for body functions (Biological/Science Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• белок - Used in formal and scientific discussions, such as in biology, nutrition, or health contexts. For example, in medical texts or dietary advice.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В мясе содержится много белка, который необходим для роста мышц.

  English: Meat contains a lot of protein, which is necessary for muscle growth.

• Русский: Белок является основным компонентом клеток в организме.

  English: Protein is a primary component of cells in the body.

• Русский: В рационе вегетарианцев часто не хватает белка, поэтому они используют добавки.

  English: Vegetarians often lack protein in their diet, so they use supplements.

• Русский: Учёные изучают, как белок влияет на иммунную систему.

  English: Scientists are studying how protein affects the immune system.

• Русский: Для атлетов важно потреблять достаточное количество белка ежедневно.

  English: For athletes, it's important to consume enough protein daily.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

белок is a masculine noun in the first declension (first conjugation for nouns). It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • протеин (more modern, loanword from English, used in fitness contexts)
  • белковая субстанция (less common, more descriptive)

  Note: "протеин" is often used interchangeably in informal settings but may imply a processed form.

• Antonyms:
  • углевод (carbohydrate)
  • жир (fat)

Related Phrases:

• белок животного происхождения - Animal-derived protein (Refers to proteins from meat, dairy, etc., commonly used in nutritional discussions)
• растительный белок - Plant-based protein (Important in vegan or vegetarian contexts)
• полноценный белок - Complete protein (Indicates proteins with all essential amino acids)

Usage Notes:

"белок" directly corresponds to the English "protein" in scientific and everyday contexts, but it's more commonly used in formal or educational settings. In informal conversations, Russians might use "протеин" for dietary supplements. Be mindful of grammatical agreement: as a masculine noun, it must agree with adjectives and verbs in gender, number, and case. For example, choose "белок" over "протеин" in academic writing for a more traditional feel. When discussing multiple proteins, always use the plural form in appropriate cases.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "белок" without proper case agreement, e.g., saying "Я ем белок" when it should be "Я ем белок" in nominative, but incorrectly in other contexts like "Я думаю о белка" (wrong genitive).

  Correct: "Я думаю о белке" (genitive case). Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on their role in the sentence; English speakers often overlook this, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing "белок" with "белка" (which can mean "squirrel" in another context, though unrelated).

  Correct: Use "белок" specifically for protein. Explanation: While homophonic issues are rare, context clarifies meaning, but learners should double-check vocabulary lists.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "белок" is frequently discussed in the context of health and fitness, especially with the rise of global wellness trends. Historically, during the Soviet era, protein-rich foods like meat and dairy were emphasized in state nutrition programs, reflecting cultural values around physical strength and endurance. This can add a layer of national pride when discussing diet in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• аминокислота (amino acid)
• витамин (vitamin)
• метаболизм (metabolism)