Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'solvent'

English Word: solvent

Key Russian Translations:

• растворитель /rəstvɐrʲɪˈtʲelʲ/ - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, chemical, and industrial contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and scientific vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

растворитель: /rəstvɐrʲɪˈtʲelʲ/

Note on растворитель: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ri"), and the "р" sound is a rolled 'r'. Be cautious with the palatalized 'т' in fast speech, which can sound softer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A substance that dissolves another to form a solution (e.g., in chemistry)

Translation(s) & Context:

• растворитель - Used in formal scientific or technical contexts, such as describing chemicals in laboratories or industrial processes.

Usage Examples:

• Этот растворитель используется для очистки поверхностей.

  This solvent is used for cleaning surfaces.

• В химической лаборатории мы применяем безопасные растворители.

  In the chemical laboratory, we use safe solvents.

• Растворитель должен быть выбран в зависимости от типа краски.

  The solvent should be chosen based on the type of paint.

• Органический растворитель может быть вредным для здоровья.

  An organic solvent can be harmful to health.

2. Financially able to pay debts (less common, metaphorical extension)

Translation(s) & Context:

• растворитель (in a figurative sense) - Rarely used; more commonly expressed with other terms like "платёжеспособный". Context: Business or financial discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Компания осталась растворителем после кризиса.

  The company remained solvent after the crisis.

• Банк проверил, является ли клиент растворителем.

  The bank checked if the client was solvent.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Растворитель" is a masculine noun (2nd declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • растворяющее вещество (dissolving substance; more descriptive, used in educational contexts)
  • диссольвент (rare, borrowed term; used in highly technical fields)
• Antonyms:
  • нерастворимое вещество (insoluble substance)

Related Phrases:

• Органический растворитель - Organic solvent; commonly used in chemistry to refer to carbon-based dissolvers.
• Безопасный растворитель - Safe solvent; refers to non-toxic options in industrial applications.
• Растворитель для краски - Paint thinner; a practical phrase in DIY or painting contexts.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "растворитель" directly corresponds to the English "solvent" in chemical contexts, but it's more commonly used in formal or technical settings. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for grammatical agreement, e.g., in prepositional phrases like "в растворителе" (in the solvent). When choosing between translations, opt for "растворитель" in scientific writing, but be aware of potential health and safety connotations in everyday use. Multiple translations may exist based on context, so cross-reference with the specific field.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "раствор" (solution) instead of "растворитель" (solvent). Incorrect: "Этот раствор растворяет краску." (This solution dissolves paint – implies the mixture, not the agent.) Correct: "Этот растворитель растворяет краску." Explanation: "Раствор" refers to the resulting mixture, while "растворитель" is the dissolving agent, so they are not interchangeable.

• Error: Forgetting declension in sentences, e.g., saying "Я купил растворитель" but incorrectly using it in genitive as "растворитель" instead of "растворителя" in phrases like "покупка растворителя". Correct: Always adjust for case, e.g., "покупка растворителя". Explanation: This is a common mistake for beginners due to Russian's complex case system.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and industry, solvents like "растворитель" are heavily regulated due to historical environmental concerns, such as those from the Soviet-era chemical plants. This word often appears in discussions about safety and ecology, reflecting Russia's emphasis on industrial heritage and modern environmentalism.

Related Concepts:

• раствор (solution)
• химикат (chemical)
• диссоциация (dissociation)