Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'radium'

English Word: radium

Key Russian Translations:

• радий [rɐˈdʲij] - [Formal, Scientific]

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

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Requires basic knowledge of scientific terminology and Russian noun declensions

Pronunciation (Russian):

радий: [rɐˈdʲij]

Note on радий: The stress falls on the second syllable; the 'й' sound is a soft consonant, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the lack of a direct equivalent. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A chemical element with atomic number 88, known for its radioactivity

Translation(s) & Context:

• радий - Used in formal scientific, medical, or educational contexts, such as discussing nuclear physics or chemistry.

Usage Examples:

• Радий был открыт Марией Кюри в 1898 году.

  Radium was discovered by Marie Curie in 1898.

• Этот элемент, радий, обладает высокой радиоактивностью.

  This element, radium, has high radioactivity.

• В лаборатории мы изучаем свойства радия и его применения в медицине.

  In the laboratory, we study the properties of radium and its applications in medicine.

• Радий использовался в старых часах для свечения стрелок.

  Radium was used in old watches to make the hands glow.

• Из-за опасности радия, его хранение требует специальных мер безопасности.

  Due to the danger of radium, its storage requires special safety measures.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Радий is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. As a scientific term, it is typically used in singular form and does not have irregular changes.

Note: In scientific contexts, the nominative form is most common; plural forms are used when discussing multiple samples or types.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Радиоактивный элемент (radioactive element) - More descriptive, used in broader contexts.
  • Элемент Ra (Element Ra) - Abbreviated form in technical writing.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "radium" is a specific element; contrast might be with stable elements like "золото" (gold).

Related Phrases:

• Радиоактивный радий - A phrase meaning "radioactive radium"; used in discussions of nuclear properties. (Refers to the element's inherent radioactivity.)
• Извлечение радия - Meaning "extraction of radium"; common in historical or mining contexts. (Refers to processes like those used by Marie Curie.)
• Радий в медицине - Translates to "radium in medicine"; discusses therapeutic applications. (Highlights historical uses in cancer treatment.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "радий" directly corresponds to the English "radium" as a chemical element, but it is primarily used in formal, scientific, or educational settings. Unlike English, Russian nouns like this one must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence, so always check the context for proper declension. For example, when saying "study of radium," use the genitive case: "изучение радия." If multiple translations exist, "радий" is the most precise; avoid using general terms like "радиоактивный элемент" unless emphasizing properties. This word is neutral in terms of register but may carry connotations of danger due to its radioactivity.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse the declension, e.g., using nominative "радий" in all cases. Incorrect: "Я думаю о радий" (wrong genitive). Correct: "Я думаю о радии." Explanation: Russian requires genitive for "about" in this context to show possession or relation.

• Mispronouncing the soft 'й' sound, leading to something like [rɐˈdij] instead of [rɐˈdʲij]. Incorrect pronunciation: [rɐˈdij]. Correct: [rɐˈdʲij]. Explanation: The soft consonant is essential for native-like pronunciation; practice with audio to avoid this.

• Overusing in non-scientific contexts, e.g., translating "radiation" as "радий" instead of "излучение." Incorrect: "Радий от солнца" (meaning radiation from the sun). Correct: "Излучение от солнца." Explanation: "Радий" specifically means the element, not general radiation.

Cultural Notes:

The word "радий" is tied to the historical discovery by Marie and Pierre Curie, who isolated it in 1898. In Russian culture, it symbolizes scientific achievement and the risks of nuclear research, often referenced in discussions of the Soviet space program or medical history. However, due to its association with radiation poisoning (e.g., the Curies' health issues), it can evoke themes of danger and innovation in Russian literature and media.

Related Concepts:

• Уран (uranium)
• Плутоний (plutonium)
• Радиоактивность (radioactivity)