Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reagent'

English Word: reagent

Key Russian Translations:

• реагент [rʲɪˈaɡʲɪnt] - [Formal, used in scientific and technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in scientific literature, but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level, as it involves technical vocabulary and basic understanding of chemistry concepts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

реагент: [rʲɪˈaɡʲɪnt]

Note on реагент: The stress is on the second syllable (ɪˈaɡʲɪnt). The soft sign (ʲ) indicates palatalization, which can be tricky for English speakers; pronounce the 'r' as a soft, rolled sound common in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A substance used in a chemical reaction or to detect another substance

Translation(s) & Context:

• реагент - Used in formal scientific, laboratory, or educational contexts, such as chemistry experiments or research papers.

Usage Examples:

• В лаборатории мы используем реагент для анализа проб воды.

  In the laboratory, we use a reagent to analyze water samples.

• Этот реагент реагирует с кислотами, вызывая цветовую перемену.

  This reagent reacts with acids, causing a color change.

• Химики добавляют реагент в смесь, чтобы ускорить реакцию.

  Chemists add the reagent to the mixture to speed up the reaction.

• В школьном эксперименте реагент помог определить наличие металлов в образце.

  In the school experiment, the reagent helped identify the presence of metals in the sample.

• Без правильного реагента тест не покажет точные результаты.

  Without the proper reagent, the test won't show accurate results.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"реагент" is a masculine noun in Russian, and it follows standard second-declension patterns for inanimate nouns. It is relatively straightforward but requires attention to case changes in sentences.

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it easier for learners, but always pay attention to the ending based on the sentence's grammatical requirements.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • вещество (veshchestvo) - A general term for substance, often used interchangeably in non-technical contexts but less specific.
  • катализатор (katalizator) - If the reagent acts as a catalyst, though this implies a more active role.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "reagent" is a neutral term; however, in some contexts, it might contrast with "инертное вещество" (inertnoe veshchestvo), meaning an inert substance that doesn't react.

Related Phrases:

• химический реагент (khimicheskiy reagent) - Chemical reagent; used in lab settings to specify type. (Refers to a substance in chemical processes.)
• лабораторный реагент (laboratornyy reagent) - Laboratory reagent; common in scientific experiments. (Emphasizes its role in testing and analysis.)
• реактивный реагент (reaktivnyy reagent) - Reactive reagent; implies high activity in reactions. (Useful for describing dynamic chemical behaviors.)

Usage Notes:

• The Russian term "реагент" directly corresponds to the English "reagent" in scientific contexts, maintaining a one-to-one translation for precision. It is primarily used in formal or technical language, such as in chemistry, biology, or medicine, and is not common in casual conversation.
• When choosing between translations, stick with "реагент" for accuracy; alternatives like "вещество" are more general and may dilute the specific meaning.
• Grammatically, ensure the noun agrees with the case required by the verb or preposition in the sentence, as Russian nouns inflect based on context.
• In spoken Russian, especially in educational or professional settings, pronounce it clearly to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like "региент" (which isn't standard).

Common Errors:

• English learners often mispronounce "реагент" by stressing the wrong syllable or omitting the soft 'r' sound, saying something like [rɪˈæɡənt] instead of [rʲɪˈaɡʲɪnt]. Correct usage: Practice the palatalized 'r' and stress on the second syllable to sound natural.
• Confusing it with "реакция" (reaction), leading to sentences like "Мы используем реакция для теста" (incorrect; should be "реагент"). Error: This mixes up the noun for the process; correct: "Мы используем реагент для реакции."
• Overusing in non-technical contexts; for example, saying "реагент" for any substance, which can sound awkward. Explanation: Reserve it for scientific scenarios to maintain precision.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian scientific culture, terms like "реагент" are heavily influenced by international standards, often borrowed from English or Latin due to the global nature of chemistry. It reflects Russia's strong tradition in scientific research, such as in the works of chemists like Dmitri Mendeleev, where precise terminology is emphasized to advance global knowledge.

Related Concepts:

• катализатор (katalizator)
• вещество (veshchestvo)
• растворитель (rastvoritel')
• элемент (element)