Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sedative'

English Word: sedative

Key Russian Translations:

• седативный /sɪˈdætɪvnɪj/ - [Formal, Medical]
• успокоительное /ʊspɐˈkɐɪtʲɪlʲnəɪə/ - [Informal, Everyday Medical Context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in medical and pharmaceutical discussions but less frequent in casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with medical terminology and basic Russian adjective declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

седативный: /sɪˈdætɪvnɪj/

успокоительное: /ʊspɐˈkɐɪtʲɪlʲnəɪə/

Note on седативный: The stress falls on the second syllable ("dæt"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the Russian palatalized 'н' sound. Pronounce it with a soft 'n' as in "onion".

Note on успокоительное: This word has a rolling 'р' sound, which is softer in Russian than in English; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A substance that has a calming or soothing effect, often used in medicine to reduce anxiety or induce sleep (Noun/Adjective form).

Translation(s) & Context:

• седативный - Used in formal medical contexts, such as describing drugs in prescriptions or clinical settings.
• успокоительное - Applied in everyday situations, like over-the-counter remedies or general health advice.

Usage Examples:

• Врач прописал седативный препарат для снижения стресса.

  The doctor prescribed a sedative medication to reduce stress.

• Это успокоительное средство помогает при бессоннице.

  This sedative helps with insomnia.

• Седативные свойства этого чая делают его идеальным для расслабления после работы.

  The sedative properties of this tea make it ideal for relaxation after work.

• Успокоительное лекарство часто используется в педиатрии для гиперактивных детей.

  Sedative medication is often used in pediatrics for hyperactive children.

• В отличие от сильных седативных, это мягкое успокоительное не вызывает сонливости.

  Unlike strong sedatives, this mild sedative doesn't cause drowsiness.

Meaning 2: Something that promotes tranquility or reduces excitement (Broader, non-medical usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• седативный - In metaphorical or psychological contexts, such as therapy or self-help.
• успокоительное - In casual advice, like recommending calming activities.

Usage Examples:

• Музыка может действовать как седативный элемент в повседневной рутине.

  Music can act as a sedative element in everyday routines.

• Это упражнение служит естественным успокоительным для нервной системы.

  This exercise serves as a natural sedative for the nervous system.

• Седативные техники дыхания помогают справиться с паникой.

  Sedative breathing techniques help manage panic.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. "Седативный" is an adjective that follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ый. "Успокоительное" can function as a neuter noun or adjective and inflects accordingly.

Note: These words do not have irregular inflections but must agree with the noun they modify in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • успокоительный (Similar to успокоительное, but more formal; often used interchangeably in medical contexts.)
  • релаксирующий (Focuses on relaxation, with a slight connotation of leisure.)
• Antonyms:
  • возбуждающий (Stimulating, opposite effect in medical or emotional contexts.)
  • стимулирующий (Energizing, used in pharmacology.)

Related Phrases:

• Седативное средство – A sedative agent; used in prescriptions or drug descriptions.
• Успокоительное для нервов – Sedative for the nerves; common in everyday health advice.
• Природное седативное – Natural sedative; refers to herbal remedies with calming effects.

Usage Notes:

The English word "sedative" directly corresponds to "седативный" in formal Russian medical contexts, but "успокоительное" is more versatile for everyday use. Be mindful of the adjective agreement in Russian sentences; for example, always match gender and case with the noun it describes. In informal settings, "успокоительное" might be preferred to sound less clinical. When choosing between translations, opt for "седативный" in professional or scientific writing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "седативный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "седативный женщина" instead of "седативная женщина" (sedative woman, in a metaphorical sense).

  Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "седативная терапия" (sedative therapy). This mistake often stems from treating Russian adjectives like English ones, which don't inflect.

• Error: Confusing "успокоительное" with "успех" (success), leading to misuse in sentences.

  Correct: Use "успокоительное" only for calming agents; for example, say "Я принял успокоительное" (I took a sedative) instead of incorrectly saying "Я принял успех" (I took success).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sedatives like herbal teas (e.g., with valerian root) are often referenced in folk medicine traditions, reflecting a historical reliance on natural remedies due to limited access to pharmaceuticals in rural areas. This contrasts with Western approaches that favor synthetic drugs, highlighting Russia's emphasis on holistic health practices.

Related Concepts:

• анальгетик (Analgesic)
• антидепрессант (Antidepressant)
• снотворное (Sleeping pill)