Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sulphurous'

English Word: sulphurous

Key Russian Translations:

• сернистый [sʲɪrˈnʲistɨj] - [Formal, used in scientific or chemical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in scientific, chemical, or descriptive texts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian adjective declensions and vocabulary related to chemistry or descriptive language)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сернистый: [sʲɪrˈnʲistɨj]

Note on сернистый: The stress falls on the third syllable ('nis'), and the 'ы' sound is a subtle, centralized vowel typical in Russian. Pay attention to the soft 'с' (sʲ) at the beginning, which is palatalized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to or containing sulfur, often in a chemical or literal sense

Translation(s) & Context:

• сернистый - Used in formal scientific descriptions, such as chemistry or geology, to describe substances with sulfur content.

Usage Examples:

• Вулканический газ часто бывает сернистым и имеет резкий запах.

  Volcanic gas is often sulphurous and has a sharp smell.

• Сернистая вода в минеральных источниках полезна для здоровья, но не всем нравится её вкус.

  Sulphurous water in mineral springs is beneficial for health, but not everyone likes its taste.

• В лаборатории мы изучили свойства сернистых соединений.

  In the laboratory, we studied the properties of sulphurous compounds.

• Сернистый дождь может негативно повлиять на окружающую среду.

  Sulphurous rain can negatively affect the environment.

Meaning 2: Figuratively, suggesting something foul-smelling, irritating, or unpleasant

Translation(s) & Context:

• сернистый - Applied metaphorically in literature or everyday language to describe odors or atmospheres, though less common than in literal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Атмосфера в старом подвале была сернистой и удушливой.

  The atmosphere in the old basement was sulphurous and suffocating.

• Его речь имела сернистый оттенок, полный сарказма и раздражения.

  His speech had a sulphurous tone, full of sarcasm and irritation.

• Сернистый запах от реки указывал на загрязнение.

  The sulphurous smell from the river indicated pollution.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сернистый" is an adjective in Russian, which means it follows the standard adjective declension patterns. Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify. It is a regular adjective, so it declines predictably without irregularities.

Note: This table applies to all forms of "сернистый." If used with a noun, ensure agreement in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сероводородный (serovodorodnyy) - Specifically for hydrogen sulfide-related contexts, with a more chemical nuance.
  • кислый (kisluy) - In a broader sense for acidic or pungent smells, but less precise.
• Antonyms:
  • свежий (svежiy) - Fresh, implying clean and pleasant odors.
  • нейтральный (neytrálʹnyy) - Neutral, lacking any strong or irritating qualities.

Related Phrases:

• Сернистый газ (sernistyy gaz) - Sulphurous gas; a common term in environmental or industrial contexts.
• Сернистые источники (sernistye istochniki) - Sulphurous springs; refers to natural hot springs with sulfur content, often in tourism or health discussions.
• Сернистый запах (sernistyy zapakh) - Sulphurous smell; used to describe foul odors in everyday language.

Usage Notes:

"Сернистый" directly corresponds to the English "sulphurous" in both literal (chemical) and figurative senses, but it is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts. Be mindful of its declension to match the noun it describes. In informal speech, Russians might opt for simpler terms like "вонючий" (smelly) for figurative uses. When choosing between translations, use "сернистый" for precise scientific accuracy rather than everyday irritation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to decline "сернистый" correctly, e.g., using the nominative form in all cases. Incorrect: "Я видел сернистый вода" (wrong case). Correct: "Я видел сернистую воду" (accusative feminine). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with nouns in case, so always check the noun's form.
• Error: Confusing it with "сероводородный," which is more specific to hydrogen sulfide. Incorrect: Using "сероводородный" for general sulphurous substances. Correct: Use "сернистый" for broader sulfur-related descriptions. Explanation: This can lead to over-specification; know the context to avoid inaccuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sulphurous elements often appear in folklore and literature as symbols of the underworld or danger, such as in references to volcanic regions like Kamchatka. For instance, sulphurous springs are popular in spa tourism, viewed as both therapeutic and mystical, reflecting a blend of science and traditional beliefs in natural healing.

Related Concepts:

• сероводород (serovodorod)
• вулкан (vulkan)
• загрязнение (zagryazneniye)