sodium
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sodium'
English Word: sodium
Key Russian Translations:
- натрий [ˈnatrʲɪj] - [Formal, Scientific]
Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, medical, and educational contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation)
Difficulty: A1-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; straightforward for learners with basic vocabulary, especially those studying chemistry or sciences)
Pronunciation (Russian):
натрий: [ˈnatrʲɪj]
Note on натрий: The 'рʲ' sound is a palatalized 'r', which can be challenging for English speakers; it's softer than the English 'r'. Pronounce it like "NAH-tree-y" with a quick, soft 'r' sound.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
Meaning 1: A chemical element (atomic number 11), a soft, silvery-white metal essential for bodily functions and used in various industries.
Translation(s) & Context:
- натрий - Used in formal scientific, medical, or educational contexts to refer to the element in chemistry, biology, or nutrition.
Usage Examples:
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В человеческом теле натрий играет ключевую роль в поддержании баланса электролитов.
In the human body, sodium plays a key role in maintaining electrolyte balance.
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Натрий часто используется в химических экспериментах для производства соединений.
Sodium is often used in chemical experiments to produce compounds.
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Избыток натрия в рационе может привести к проблемам с давлением.
An excess of sodium in the diet can lead to blood pressure problems.
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В природе натрий встречается в виде солей, таких как поваренная соль.
In nature, sodium occurs in the form of salts, such as table salt.
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Учёные изучают влияние натрия на окружающую среду в промышленных отходах.
Scientists are studying the impact of sodium on the environment in industrial waste.
Russian Forms/Inflections:
"Натрий" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard noun declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:
Case | Singular | Plural |
---|---|---|
Nominative (Именительный) | натрий | натрии (rare, as it's an uncountable element) |
Genitive (Родительный) | натрия | натриев (not commonly used) |
Dative (Дательный) | натрию | натриям (rare) |
Accusative (Винительный) | натрий | натрии |
Instrumental (Творительный) | натрием | натриями |
Prepositional (Предложный) | натрии | натриях |
Note: As a scientific term, it is often used in its nominative form and does not change frequently in modern usage. It is invariant in plural forms for abstract or elemental references.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- Натрий (no exact synonyms, but related: щелочной металл – alkali metal)
- Brief note: "Щелочной металл" is a broader term for the category, but it doesn't directly replace "натрий".
- Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "натрий" is a specific element. However, in chemical contexts, it contrasts with elements like калий (potassium) in functions.
Related Phrases:
- Соль натрия – Sodium salt (Refers to compounds like sodium chloride, commonly used in everyday language for table salt).
- Натрий в крови – Sodium in the blood (Used in medical contexts to discuss health metrics).
- Дефицит натрия – Sodium deficiency (A phrase in nutrition or medicine indicating low levels in the body).
Usage Notes:
"Натрий" directly corresponds to the English word "sodium" in scientific and technical contexts, making it a precise translation for chemistry, biology, and health discussions. It is typically used in formal settings, such as academic papers or medical reports, and is not common in casual conversation. When discussing dietary aspects, ensure the context specifies "натрий" for the element rather than "соль" (salt) to avoid confusion. For learners, choose "натрий" over any alternatives when precision is needed, as it is the standard term. Grammatically, it remains unchanged in most compound phrases.
Common Errors:
Error: Confusing "натрий" with "натрий хлорид" (sodium chloride) and using it interchangeably for table salt. Incorrect: "Я ем натрий" (meaning "I eat sodium" as if it's pure element). Correct: "Я ем соль, которая содержит натрий" (I eat salt that contains sodium). Explanation: "Натрий" refers specifically to the element, not the compound; this misuse can lead to misunderstandings in health or chemistry contexts.
Error: Mispronouncing the palatalized 'рʲ' sound, often hardening it like the English 'r'. Incorrect pronunciation: [ˈnɑːtriː]. Correct: [ˈnatrʲɪj]. Explanation: Practice with native speakers to soften the 'r' for accurate communication.
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, "натрий" is not particularly laden with cultural connotations, as it is primarily a scientific term. However, it ties into broader themes of health and nutrition in modern Russian society, especially with increasing awareness of dietary sodium intake to prevent hypertension, influenced by global health campaigns. Historically, the discovery of sodium by Humphry Davy in 1807 is part of general scientific history, but it doesn't hold specific cultural significance in Russia beyond educational contexts.
Related Concepts:
- Калий (potassium)
- Хлор (chlorine)
- Щелочные металлы (alkali metals)