Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spleen'

English Word: spleen

Key Russian Translations:

• селезёнка [sʲɪlʲɪˈzʲɵnkə] - [Formal, Anatomical term; used in medical and scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in medical or biological discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and medical vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

селезёнка: sʲɪlʲɪˈzʲɵnkə

Note on селезёнка: The letter 'ё' is pronounced as a palatalized [o] sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the soft consonants; stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Anatomical organ (the primary meaning in English)

Translation(s) & Context:

• селезёнка - Refers to the spleen as a vital organ in the human body; typically used in formal medical, biological, or educational contexts.

Usage Examples:

• У меня болит селезёнка после падения.

  My spleen hurts after the fall. (This example shows the noun in a nominative case in a simple declarative sentence about personal health.)

• Селезёнка играет ключевую роль в иммунной системе организма.

  The spleen plays a key role in the body's immune system. (Illustrates the noun in a subject position, emphasizing its function in a scientific context.)

• Врачи удалили селезёнку пациенту во время операции.

  Doctors removed the spleen from the patient during surgery. (Demonstrates the noun in an accusative case within a medical narrative.)

• Изучение селезёнки помогает понять анатомию человека.

  Studying the spleen helps understand human anatomy. (Shows the noun in the genitive case, in an educational or explanatory context.)

• Если селезёнка повреждена, это может привести к серьёзным осложнениям.

  If the spleen is damaged, it can lead to serious complications. (Exhibits the noun in a conditional sentence, highlighting potential risks.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Селезёнка is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a, with regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its declensions in the singular form (plural is less common but follows similar rules).

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • гепатолениум (rare medical term, but not commonly used; refers to a specific aspect of the spleen)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "spleen" is a specific anatomical term without natural opposites.

Brief note: Synonyms are limited due to the word's specific medical nature; гепатолениум is a more obscure variant and is typically used in advanced anatomical discussions.

Related Phrases:

• воспаление селезёнки - Inflammation of the spleen; used in medical diagnoses to describe swelling or infection.
• удаление селезёнки - Removal of the spleen; refers to a surgical procedure, often in emergency contexts.
• функции селезёнки - Functions of the spleen; commonly discussed in biology or health education.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "селезёнка" directly corresponds to the English "spleen" as an anatomical organ and is used almost exclusively in formal or professional settings, such as medicine or education. Be mindful of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "больная селезёнка" for "sick spleen"). When choosing between translations, stick with "селезёнка" for literal anatomical references; avoid casual equivalents as none exist. In sentences, it often appears in the nominative or accusative case, and proper declension is key to grammatical accuracy.

• Grammar tip: Always ensure agreement with verbs and adjectives based on its feminine form.
• Context tip: In everyday Russian, people might use more general terms like "органы" (organs) instead, but for precision, "селезёнка" is essential in technical discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misdeclining the noun, e.g., saying "селезёнка" in the genitive as "селезёнка" instead of "селезёнки".
  Correct: Use "селезёнки" for possession (e.g., "болезнь селезёнки" instead of "болезнь селезёнка").
  Explanation: Russian nouns must change based on case; this mistake can make sentences sound ungrammatical and confuse native speakers.
• Error: Pronouncing the 'ё' as a simple 'e' sound, e.g., [sɪlɪˈzɛnkə] instead of [sʲɪlʲɪˈzʲɵnkə].
  Correct: Emphasize the palatalized 'ё' for accurate pronunciation.
  Explanation: This is a common issue for English learners due to the absence of similar sounds in English, leading to misunderstandings in spoken Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the spleen doesn't hold significant symbolic or historical connotations like some other organs (e.g., the heart in romantic literature). However, in medical folklore, it is sometimes referenced in discussions of traditional health practices, such as in rural or historical contexts where organ health was tied to overall vitality. This reflects a broader emphasis in Russian society on holistic health and anatomy in education.

Related Concepts:

• печень (liver)
• сердце (heart)
• почки (kidneys)