Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'science'

English Word: science

Key Russian Translations:

• наука [ˈnaʊkə] - [Formal]

Frequency: High (This term is commonly used in academic, educational, and everyday discussions in Russian.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding abstract concepts and nominal inflections, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

наука: [ˈnaʊkə]

Note on наука: The stress falls on the first syllable, which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'у' sound. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• наука - Used in formal and academic contexts, such as scientific research or education, to refer to the field of science as a whole.

Usage Examples:

• В современном мире наука играет ключевую роль в развитии технологий.

  In the modern world, science plays a key role in the development of technology.

• Он увлечён наукой с детства и мечтает стать учёным.

  He has been fascinated by science since childhood and dreams of becoming a scientist.

• Наука помогает решать глобальные проблемы, такие как климатические изменения.

  Science helps solve global problems, such as climate change.

• В университете студенты изучают различные отрасли науки, включая физику и биологию.

  At university, students study various branches of science, including physics and biology.

• Без поддержки науки общество не сможет прогрессировать.

  Without the support of science, society cannot progress.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "наука" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard Russian nominal inflections, which are regular but require attention to case, number, and gender agreements. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • изучение (izuchenie) - More general, referring to the act of studying, often in educational contexts.
  • научные знания (nauchnye znaniya) - Emphasizes scientific knowledge, with subtle differences in formality.
• Antonyms:
  • несcience (though not common, could imply ignorance; more accurately: невежество (nevezhestvo) - Ignorance or lack of knowledge.
  • суеверие (sueverie) - Superstition, contrasting with empirical science.

Related Phrases:

• Точные науки (Tochnye nauki) - Exact sciences; refers to fields like mathematics and physics.
• Естественные науки (Estestvennye nauki) - Natural sciences; used for biology, chemistry, etc.
• Научный прогресс (Nauchnyy progress) - Scientific progress; a common phrase in discussions about innovation.

Usage Notes:

"Наука" directly corresponds to the English "science" in its broadest sense, but it is often used in more formal or academic contexts in Russian. English speakers should note that Russian requires agreement in gender, number, and case; for example, "наука" is feminine, so adjectives and verbs must align accordingly (e.g., "научная революция" for "scientific revolution"). When choosing between translations, use "наука" for general references and opt for more specific phrases like "естественные науки" for subsets. Be mindful of context: in everyday speech, it might appear in informal settings, but it's versatile across domains.

• Avoid direct word-for-word translations; integrate it into full sentences to capture nuances.
• In scientific writing, pair it with modifiers for precision.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse case endings, such as saying "о наука" instead of the correct genitive "о науке" when meaning "about science." Incorrect: "Я интересный в наука" (wrong case and agreement). Correct: "Я интересуюсь наукой" (using the instrumental case properly and correct verb form). Another error is confusing it with "научный" (adjective form), leading to misuse in nominal contexts—remember, "наука" is a noun, not an adjective.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "наука" holds significant prestige due to the country's history of scientific achievements, such as those during the Soviet era with figures like Mendeleev. It often symbolizes national progress and is emphasized in education, reflecting a cultural value on intellectual and technological advancement. This can add a layer of respect or formality when using the term in conversations.

Related Concepts:

• технология (tekhnologiya)
• исследование (issledovanie)
• учёный (uchyoniy)