Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'radioactive'

English Word: radioactive

Key Russian Translations:

• радиоактивный (/rəˌdɪoʊ.ækˈtɪv.nɪj/) - [Adjective, Scientific, Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, technical, and environmental contexts, but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with scientific terminology and basic Russian grammar for adjectives)

Pronunciation (Russian):

радиоактивный: /rəˌdɪoʊ.ækˈtɪv.nɪj/

Note on радиоактивный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ak"). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech, where the "o" sound can soften. Pay attention to the hard "j" at the end, which is a common challenge for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Emitting or relating to the emission of ionizing radiation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• радиоактивный - Used in scientific, environmental, or medical contexts to describe materials or substances that emit radiation, such as in nuclear physics or safety discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Вещество является радиоактивным и требует специальной обработки.

  The substance is radioactive and requires special handling.

• Радиоактивные материалы используются в медицине для диагностики.

  Radioactive materials are used in medicine for diagnostics.

• Уровень радиоактивности в зоне повышен, поэтому вход запрещен.

  The level of radioactivity in the area is elevated, so entry is prohibited.

• После аварии радиоактивный след распространился на несколько километров.

  After the accident, the radioactive trail spread for several kilometers.

• Радиоактивный изотоп применяется в научных исследованиях для отслеживания процессов.

  The radioactive isotope is used in scientific research to track processes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

радиоактивный is an adjective in Russian, which typically follows standard adjective declension patterns. It changes based on gender, number, and case. This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Note: Always agree the adjective with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: радиоактивный doesn't have many direct synonyms, but related terms include: излучающий (emitting) - Often used in broader contexts, implying radiation without specifying type; радиационный (radiation-related) - Applies to phenomena involving radiation.
• Antonyms: нерадиоактивный (non-radioactive) - Used to describe substances that do not emit radiation, contrasting in scientific discussions.

Related Phrases:

• радиоактивное излучение - Radioactive radiation; Refers to the emission of particles from radioactive substances, commonly in nuclear safety contexts.
• радиоактивные отходы - Radioactive waste; Describes hazardous materials from nuclear processes, with implications for environmental management.
• уровень радиоактивности - Level of radioactivity; Used to measure radiation intensity, often in monitoring or emergency situations.

Usage Notes:

радиоактивный directly corresponds to the English "radioactive" as an adjective, primarily in formal, scientific, or technical settings. It is not used in casual conversation, so avoid it in everyday contexts. When translating, ensure the adjective agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case—e.g., use радиоактивная with feminine nouns. For multiple translations, радиоактивный is the most precise; choose it over related terms like радиационный if the focus is on emitting radiation. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities, as this word often relates to nuclear topics.

Common Errors:

• English learners often forget adjective agreement: Incorrect - "Вода радиоактивный" (should be "Вода радиоактивная" for feminine noun). Correct: Вода радиоактивная. Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, so always check the noun's form first.

• Misusing in non-scientific contexts: Incorrect - Using радиоактивный for metaphorical danger without actual radiation. Correct: Stick to literal scientific use; for metaphors, use other words like опасный (dangerous). Explanation: This prevents overgeneralization and maintains accuracy in communication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, terms like радиоактивный are heavily associated with events such as the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which heightened awareness of nuclear risks. This word often carries connotations of environmental catastrophe and safety protocols, reflecting Russia's complex relationship with nuclear energy and its legacy in post-Soviet discourse.

Related Concepts:

• радиация (radiation)
• излучение (emission)
• ядерный (nuclear)