Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reaction'

English Word: reaction

Key Russian Translations:

• реакция [rʲɪˈaktsɨjə] - [Formal, Scientific]
• ответ [ɐˈtvʲet] - [Informal, Everyday response]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, technical, and everyday contexts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and context-specific usage. For 'ответ', it may be A2 if used in simple conversational settings.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

реакция: [rʲɪˈaktsɨjə]

ответ: [ɐˈtvʲet]

Note on реакция: The stress falls on the third syllable; be mindful of the palatalized 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A response to a stimulus, event, or situation (e.g., in science, psychology, or daily life).

Translation(s) & Context:

• реакция - Used in formal or scientific contexts, such as chemical or emotional responses.
• ответ - Applied in informal settings for verbal or immediate replies.

Usage Examples:

• Его реакция на новости была мгновенной. (His reaction to the news was instantaneous.)

  English: His reaction to the news was instantaneous.

• В химии реакция между веществами может быть взрывной. (In chemistry, the reaction between substances can be explosive.)

  English: In chemistry, the reaction between substances can be explosive. (This shows 'реакция' in a scientific context.)

• Её ответ на вопрос был лаконичным. (Her answer to the question was concise.)

  English: Her answer to the question was concise. (Here, 'ответ' is used for a personal response.)

• Психологическая реакция на стресс варьируется у разных людей. (The psychological reaction to stress varies among different people.)

  English: The psychological reaction to stress varies among different people. (Demonstrates 'реакция' in a varied grammatical structure.)

• Мой ответ на его предложение был отрицательным. (My response to his proposal was negative.)

  English: My response to his proposal was negative. (Illustrates 'ответ' in decision-making contexts.)

2. A chemical or physical process (e.g., in science).

Translation(s) & Context:

• реакция - Primarily used in technical or academic contexts for chemical/physical changes.

Usage Examples:

• Эта реакция в лаборатории требует строгого контроля. (This reaction in the laboratory requires strict control.)

  English: This reaction in the laboratory requires strict control.

• Химическая реакция между кислотой и основой нейтрализует их. (The chemical reaction between acid and base neutralizes them.)

  English: The chemical reaction between acid and base neutralizes them. (Shows 'реакция' with modifiers.)

• Ядерная реакция может привести к огромному высвобождению энергии. (The nuclear reaction can lead to a huge release of energy.)

  English: The nuclear reaction can lead to a huge release of energy. (Emphasizes scientific application.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'реакция' is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. 'ответ' is a masculine noun in the second declension.

Note: These forms are regular, but pay attention to soft endings in certain cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • отклик (otklik) - More emotional or immediate response, often in artistic contexts.
  • реагирование (reagirovanie) - Emphasizes the act of reacting, slightly more formal.
• Antonyms:
  • безразличие (bezrazlichie) - Indifference, lack of response.
  • апатия (apatiya) - Apathy, total absence of reaction.

Related Phrases:

• Химическая реакция (Chemical reaction) - Refers to a process in chemistry where substances interact.
• Эмоциональная реакция (Emotional reaction) - Describes a psychological or feeling-based response.
• Быстрый ответ (Quick response) - Used for immediate replies in communication or problem-solving.

Usage Notes:

'Реакция' directly corresponds to the English 'reaction' in scientific and formal contexts, while 'ответ' is better for interpersonal or verbal responses. Use 'реакция' in written or academic English equivalents, and 'ответ' in casual conversations. Be aware of grammatical gender: 'реакция' is feminine, affecting adjective agreements (e.g., быстрая реакция - fast reaction). When choosing between translations, opt for 'реакция' in technical scenarios and 'ответ' for dialogue. Russian often requires declension based on sentence structure, so context is key.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'реакция' interchangeably with 'ответ' in everyday speech. Incorrect: "Его реакция на звонок" (for answering a phone). Correct: "Его ответ на звонок" - Explanation: 'Реакция' implies a broader or physical response, while 'ответ' is specific to replies.
• Mistake: Forgetting to decline the noun. Incorrect: "Изучить реакция" (to study the reaction). Correct: "Изучить реакцию" (accusative case). - Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'реакция' in contexts like political or social events often carries connotations of historical responsiveness, such as during the Soviet era when public reactions to policies were suppressed. 'Ответ' in communication reflects the value of directness in Russian interactions, where indirect responses might be seen as evasive.

Related Concepts:

• стимул (stimulus)
• эффект (effect)
• поведение (behavior)