Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'unguent'

English Word: unguent

Key Russian Translations:

• мазь (/mazʲ/) - [Formal, Medical context]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly encountered in medical or pharmaceutical discussions but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires familiarity with basic Russian nouns and medical vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мазь: /mazʲ/ (The 'ь' indicates a soft consonant, making the 'z' sound palatalized; stress on the first syllable.)

Note on мазь: Pronounce the final 'ь' softly, as it softens the preceding consonant without adding a separate sound. Common pitfalls include overemphasizing the 'z' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A medicinal or cosmetic ointment used for healing or protection.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мазь - Used in formal medical, pharmaceutical, or everyday health contexts, such as applying to wounds or skin conditions.

Usage Examples:

• Я наношу мазь на рану каждый вечер, чтобы ускорить заживление.

  I apply the ointment to the wound every evening to speed up healing.

• Эта мазь содержит антибиотики и помогает при ожогах.

  This ointment contains antibiotics and helps with burns.

• Врач прописал мазь для лечения кожных заболеваний.

  The doctor prescribed the ointment for treating skin conditions.

• Я всегда ношу с собой тюбик мази на случай укусов насекомых.

  I always carry a tube of ointment in case of insect bites.

• Мазь на основе натуральных ингредиентов популярна в домашней медицине.

  Ointment based on natural ingredients is popular in home remedies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мазь" is a feminine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns with no irregularities. Below is a table of its forms:

Note: This noun does not have gender-specific forms beyond its feminine base, and it inflects regularly across cases and numbers.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • крем (/krʲem/) - Similar but often implies a creamier texture, used in cosmetics.
  • бальзам (/ˈbalʲzəm/) - Refers to a balm, typically with soothing properties; differs slightly in connotation for healing balms.
• Antonyms:
  • порошок (/ˈporəʂək/) - Powder, as it is the opposite form (solid vs. spreadable).

Related Phrases:

• Лечебная мазь - Healing ointment; used in medical contexts for treatments.
• Защитная мазь от солнца - Sunscreen ointment; common in everyday protection scenarios.
• Домашняя мазь - Home-made ointment; refers to DIY remedies in traditional settings.

Usage Notes:

"Unguent" directly corresponds to "мазь" in Russian, particularly in formal or medical English-to-Russian translations. It is typically used in singular form but can be pluralized in contexts involving multiple applications. Be mindful of the feminine gender when using adjectives or verbs with it, e.g., "хорошая мазь" (good ointment). In informal speech, "крем" might be preferred for cosmetic products, so choose based on context. Always consider the specific type of ointment when translating to ensure accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "мазь" interchangeably with "крем" without considering texture or purpose. For example, learners might say "Я наношу крем на рану" when "мазь" is more appropriate for a thicker ointment.

  Correct: "Я наношу мазь на рану." (Explanation: "Крем" is lighter and often cosmetic, while "мазь" implies a medicinal base.)

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative "мазь" in all cases (e.g., "Я думаю о мазь" instead of "Я думаю о мази").

  Correct: "Я думаю о мази." (Explanation: The prepositional case requires "мази" to indicate "about the ointment.")

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, ointments like "мазь" are often associated with traditional folk medicine, such as homemade remedies using herbs or natural ingredients. This reflects a historical reliance on accessible treatments in rural areas, influenced by Soviet-era healthcare practices where basic pharmaceuticals were widely available.

Related Concepts:

• лекарство (medicine)
• крем (cream)
• бальзам (balm)