Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'repellent'

English Word: repellent

Key Russian Translations:

• репеллент [rɪpɛˈlɛnt] - [Formal, Used in scientific or everyday contexts for insect repellents]
• отпугиватель [ɐtpuˈɡivətʲɛlʲ] - [Informal, Plural forms possible, Often used for devices or substances that repel animals]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts like travel, outdoor activities, and health discussions, but not everyday vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and loanwords, with the first translation being straightforward for learners at this level, while the second may vary slightly)

Pronunciation (Russian):

репеллент: [rɪpɛˈlɛnt] (Stress on the second syllable; the 'р' is rolled, common in Russian pronunciation)

отпугиватель: [ɐtpuˈɡivətʲɛlʲ] (Stress on the third syllable; note the palatalized 'тʲ' which can be tricky for non-native speakers)

Note on репеллент: This is a loanword from English, so pronunciation closely mirrors the original, but Russians may soften the consonants slightly.

Note on отпугиватель: The ending '-атель' indicates an agent noun, and the pronunciation can vary regionally, with a softer 'г' in some dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A substance used to repel insects or pests (Noun, most common usage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• репеллент - Used in formal or practical contexts, such as product labels or health advice, especially for mosquito repellents.
• отпугиватель - Applied in informal settings, like describing animal deterrents in gardening or wildlife management.

Usage Examples:

• Я наношу репеллент перед выходом в лес, чтобы защититься от комаров.

  I apply repellent before going into the forest to protect myself from mosquitoes.

• Этот отпугиватель для насекомых работает на основе натуральных масел.

  This insect repellent works based on natural oils.

• В походе всегда берите репеллент, чтобы избежать укусов.

  Always take repellent on a hike to avoid bites.

• Отпугиватели для крыс часто устанавливают в садах.

  Rat repellents are often installed in gardens.

• Репеллент в спрее удобен для использования во время путешествий.

  Spray repellent is convenient for use during travels.

Meaning 2: Something that causes repulsion or aversion (Adjective form in English, less common)

Translation(s) & Context:

• отталкивающий - Used metaphorically in descriptions, such as repulsive behavior or appearance.

Usage Examples:

• Его отталкивающее поведение отпугивает друзей.

  His repellent behavior drives friends away.

• Этот запах кажется отталкивающим для большинства людей.

  This smell seems repellent to most people.

• Отталкивающая внешность маскирует его добрый характер.

  His repellent appearance masks his kind nature.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. "Репеллент" is a masculine noun (from English loanword) and follows standard Russian declension patterns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. "Отпугиватель" is also masculine and declines regularly.

Note: "Репеллент" may not always decline fully in informal speech due to its loanword status, while "отпугиватель" follows regular patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • отпугивающее средство (more general term for repelling agents)
  • инсектицид (specifically for insect-killing repellents, with a slight overlap)
• Antonyms:
  • привлекатель (attractive, as in something that draws in rather than repels)
  • приманка (bait, used to attract pests)

Related Phrases:

• Наносить репеллент - (To apply repellent; used in daily routines for protection against insects)
• Отпугиватель для животных - (Animal repellent; common in contexts like farming or pest control)
• Естественный репеллент - (Natural repellent; refers to eco-friendly options like essential oils)

Usage Notes:

"Репеллент" directly corresponds to the English "repellent" as a noun and is commonly used in product names or instructions. It is neutral in tone and suitable for formal contexts. "Отпугиватель" is more versatile for broader repelling concepts but may imply mechanical devices. Choose based on context: use "репеллент" for chemical substances and "отпугиватель" for tools. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as both are masculine nouns.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "репеллент" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я купил репеллент" in genitive contexts where it should be "репеллента".
  Correct: "У меня есть репеллента" (I have repellent). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English learners often overlook.
• Mistake: Confusing "отпугиватель" with "отпугивать" (the verb form), leading to incorrect verb usage.
  Correct: Use "отпугиватель" as a noun; for the verb, say "Он отпугивает насекомых". Explanation: Nouns and verbs must be distinguished to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "репеллент" is particularly relevant in regions with harsh summers and mosquito issues, such as Siberia or the Black Sea coast. It reflects a cultural emphasis on outdoor activities and health precautions, often tied to traditional remedies like using herbs as natural repellents.

Related Concepts:

• инсектицид
• защитный крем
• противомоскитная сетка