Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'virus'

English Word: virus

Key Russian Translations:

• вирус [ˈvʲirʊs] - [General usage; can be formal or informal depending on context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, medical, and technological discussions, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary in health or tech contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вирус: [ˈvʲirʊs]

Note on вирус: The initial 'в' is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative, similar to 'v' in English "victory." The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'у' sound is like the 'oo' in "book." Be cautious with the palatalized 'и' which adds a soft quality.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological or medical virus (e.g., a pathogen causing disease)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вирус - Used in formal medical or scientific contexts to describe infectious agents; common in health discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Этот вирус передаётся через воздух и может вызвать серьёзные осложнения.

  This virus is transmitted through the air and can cause serious complications.

• Врачи изучают новый вирус, чтобы разработать вакцину.

  Doctors are studying the new virus to develop a vaccine.

• Вирус гриппа ежегодно мутирует, делая его более опасным.

  The flu virus mutates annually, making it more dangerous.

• Из-за вируса многие люди носят маски в общественных местах.

  Because of the virus, many people wear masks in public places.

Computer or digital virus (e.g., malicious software)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вирус - Used in informal to formal tech contexts, often combined with adjectives like "компьютерный" for specificity.

Usage Examples:

• Этот компьютерный вирус уничтожил все файлы на жёстком диске.

  This computer virus destroyed all files on the hard drive.

• Антивирусное ПО помогает предотвратить заражение вирусом.

  Antivirus software helps prevent infection by a virus.

• Вирус распространился по сети, infectруя тысячи устройств.

  The virus spread across the network, infecting thousands of devices.

• Из-за вируса сайт вышел из строя на несколько часов.

  Due to the virus, the website was down for several hours.

• Пользователи должны обновлять систему, чтобы избежать вируса.

  Users should update their systems to avoid the virus.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Вирус" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • инфекция (infektsiya) - More general, often used for infections; subtle difference in that it can include bacterial ones.
  • патоген (patogen) - Formal, scientific term for disease-causing agents.
• Antonyms:
  • антивирус (antivirus) - Refers to protective software or measures against viruses.
  • иммунитет (immunitet) - In biological contexts, meaning immunity or resistance to viruses.

Related Phrases:

• Компьютерный вирус (komp'yuternyy virus) - A computer virus; used in tech contexts to specify digital threats.
• Вирус гриппа (virus grippa) - Flu virus; common in medical discussions.
• Распространение вируса (rasprostranenie virusa) - Spread of the virus; refers to how viruses propagate, e.g., in epidemics.
• Защититься от вируса (zashchitit'sya ot virusa) - To protect oneself from the virus; emphasizes preventive measures.

Usage Notes:

"Вирус" directly corresponds to the English "virus" in both biological and digital senses, but its usage in Russian often requires attention to context and declension. For instance, in formal writing or speech, it's commonly paired with adjectives like "биологический" (biological) or "компьютерный" (computer-related) to avoid ambiguity. Learners should note that Russian nouns like this one must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence, which can differ from English's more flexible structure. When choosing between translations, "вирус" is the most versatile and neutral option, but in casual conversation, Russians might use it interchangeably with related terms without specifying the type.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "вирус" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я боюсь вирус" instead of "Я боюсь вируса" (in genitive case after a verb like "боюсь").
  Correct: "Я боюсь вируса." Explanation: In Russian, the object of fear requires the genitive case, so always check the sentence structure.
• Mistake: Confusing "вирус" with "вирусы" in singular contexts, e.g., "Этот вирусы опасный" (incorrect plural form).
  Correct: "Этот вирус опасный." Explanation: Ensure the number matches; use singular for one virus and plural for multiple.
• Mistake: Overusing "вирус" for non-viral infections, e.g., translating "bacterial infection" directly as "вирус."
  Correct: Use "инфекция" or specify "бактериальная инфекция." Explanation: "Вирус" specifically implies a viral agent, not bacterial ones, to maintain accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "вирус" gained significant prominence during global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, often featured in media and public discourse. It symbolizes vulnerability and the need for collective action, reflecting Russia's emphasis on state-led health initiatives. Historically, viruses have been a theme in Russian literature and film, such as in dystopian works, where they represent societal collapse or scientific hubris.

Related Concepts:

• бактерия (bacteria)
• инфекция (infection)
• вакцина (vaccine)
• патоген (pathogen)