Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'theory'

English Word: theory

Key Russian Translations:

• теория /tʲɪˈorʲɪjə/ - [Formal, Informal]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in academic, scientific, and everyday discussions in Russian.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, according to CEFR standards; it involves understanding basic noun inflections and pronunciation challenges for English speakers.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

теория: /tʲɪˈorʲɪjə/

Note on теория: Pay attention to the palatalized 'т' sound (/tʲ/), which is a common difficulty for English speakers. The stress is on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based upon general principles independent of the thing to be explained.

Translation(s) & Context:

• теория - Used in academic or scientific contexts to describe a conceptual framework, such as in physics or philosophy.

Usage Examples:

• Эта теория объясняет эволюцию видов. (This theory explains the evolution of species.)

  English: This theory explains the evolution of species. (Demonstrates use in a scientific context.)

• В университете мы изучаем теорию относительности. (At university, we study the theory of relativity.)

  English: At university, we study the theory of relativity. (Shows application in educational settings.)

• Его теория о рынке оказалась верной. (His theory about the market turned out to be correct.)

  English: His theory about the market turned out to be correct. (Illustrates use in economic discussions.)

• Теория заговора распространяется в интернете. (Conspiracy theory is spreading on the internet.)

  English: Conspiracy theory is spreading on the internet. (Highlights informal or social media usage.)

• Без теорий невозможно развивать науку. (Without theories, it's impossible to advance science.)

  English: Without theories, it's impossible to advance science. (Emphasizes the role in broader intellectual contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "теория" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular inflection patterns for nouns, changing based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This is a regular first-declension noun, so it does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • концепция (konceptsiya) - More general term for a concept or idea.
  • гипотеза (gioteza) - Similar to a hypothesis, often used in scientific contexts with slight uncertainty.
• Antonyms:
  • практика (praktika) - Refers to practical application, contrasting with theoretical aspects.

Related Phrases:

• теория относительности - Theory of relativity; a famous phrase in physics contexts.
• экономическая теория - Economic theory; used in discussions about economics and finance.
• теория заговора - Conspiracy theory; common in informal or media-related conversations, often implying skepticism.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "теория" directly corresponds to the English "theory" in most contexts, but it is often used in more formal or academic settings. Be mindful of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "новая теория" for "new theory"). When choosing between synonyms like "гипотеза," opt for "теория" if the idea is more established and less speculative. In everyday speech, it pairs well with verbs like "разрабатывать" (to develop) or "применять" (to apply), highlighting the contrast between theory and practice.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я изучаю теория" instead of "Я изучаю теорию" (accusative case after the verb "изучать").

  Correct: Я изучаю теорию. (Explanation: Russian verbs of motion or study require the accusative case for direct objects.)

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by ignoring palatalization, e.g., saying /tiorija/ instead of /tʲɪˈorʲɪjə/.

  Correct: Practice the soft 'т' sound to avoid sounding unnatural. (Explanation: This is a common issue for English speakers due to the absence of palatalized consonants in English.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "теория" often carries connotations from the country's rich scientific history, such as the contributions of figures like Dmitri Mendeleev or the Soviet emphasis on theoretical physics. It symbolizes intellectual pursuit and is frequently discussed in educational and philosophical contexts, reflecting Russia's valuation of theory in advancing knowledge.

Related Concepts:

• наука (science)
• гипотеза (hypothesis)
• концепция (concept)