Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'quarantine'

English Word: quarantine

Key Russian Translations:

• карантин (/kɐˈrantʲɪn/) - [Formal, Medical/Administrative context]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly used in health, travel, and official contexts, especially during pandemics, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; as a borrowed word from English/French, it is straightforward for learners with basic vocabulary, but understanding its nuances in Russian requires familiarity with medical terminology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

карантин: /kɐˈrantʲɪn/

Note on карантин: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ran"), and the "тʲ" represents a palatalized 't' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'n' at the end.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A period of isolation to prevent the spread of disease

Translation(s) & Context:

• карантин - Used in formal, medical, or governmental contexts, such as public health announcements or travel restrictions.

Usage Examples:

• Во время пандемии был введён карантин для всех прибывших из-за границы.

  During the pandemic, quarantine was imposed for all arrivals from abroad.

• Правительство продлило карантин на две недели из-за роста числа инфекций.

  The government extended the quarantine for two weeks due to the rise in infections.

• В карантине люди должны оставаться дома и избегать контактов.

  In quarantine, people must stay home and avoid contacts.

• После возвращения из поездки мне пришлось пройти карантин в отеле.

  After returning from my trip, I had to undergo quarantine in a hotel.

• Карантин помог предотвратить дальнейшее распространение вируса в регионе.

  Quarantine helped prevent the further spread of the virus in the region.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Карантин" is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from French/English, and it follows the standard third-declension pattern for many foreign words in Russian. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, meaning it does not change form in different cases. However, it can be used with adjectives that agree with it.

Note: While "карантин" is mostly regular, its plural forms are less common and used when referring to multiple instances, such as different quarantine zones.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • изоляция (izolyatsiya) - More general term for isolation, often used interchangeably in everyday contexts.
  • самоизоляция (samoisolyatsiya) - Self-isolation, implying voluntary action.
• Antonyms:
  • свобода (svoboda) - Freedom, contrasting with restrictions imposed by quarantine.
  • нормальная жизнь (normal'naya zhizn') - Normal life, indicating the absence of restrictions.

Related Phrases:

• карантинный режим (karantinnyy rezhim) - Quarantine regime; refers to a set of strict measures during a health crisis.
• ввести карантин (vvesti karantin) - To impose quarantine; used in official announcements.
• карантинные ограничения (karantinnyye ogranicheniya) - Quarantine restrictions; common in discussions about travel and public health.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "карантин" directly corresponds to the English "quarantine" and is primarily used in formal or official contexts, such as medical, governmental, or media reports. It is a noun and should be used with appropriate prepositions, e.g., "в карантине" (in quarantine). Unlike in English, where "quarantine" can sometimes be used metaphorically, in Russian it is mostly literal. When choosing between synonyms like "изоляция," opt for "карантин" in health-related scenarios for precision. Be mindful of gender agreement: as a masculine noun, adjectives must agree, e.g., "строгий карантин" (strict quarantine).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "карантин" interchangeably with "изоляция" without context. For example, learners might say "Я в изоляции" when they mean "quarantine" specifically.

  Correct: "Я в карантине" (I am in quarantine). Explanation: "Изоляция" is broader and can mean general isolation, while "карантин" implies a regulated period for disease prevention.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., saying "карантинa" in nominative case instead of "карантин."

  Correct: Use "карантин" in nominative singular. Explanation: As an indeclinable word in some contexts, but it does decline; always check the case for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and media, "карантин" gained prominence during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, often linked to government mandates and public health campaigns. It reflects Russia's bureaucratic approach to crises, with historical roots in Soviet-era quarantine measures during epidemics, emphasizing collective responsibility over individual freedom.

Related Concepts:

• эпидемия (epidemic)
• изоляция (isolation)
• вакцинация (vaccination)