Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vitamin'

English Word: vitamin

Key Russian Translations:

• витамин /vʲɪˈtamʲɪn/ - [Formal, Scientific/Medical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in health, nutrition, and everyday conversations about diet, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary in casual speech).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, according to CEFR; involves recognizing borrowed words and basic scientific terminology, suitable for learners with some vocabulary foundation).

Pronunciation (Russian):

витамин: /vʲɪˈtamʲɪn/ (The "в" is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative, similar to "v" in English, with palatalization on the "т" and "м").

Note on витамин: Pay attention to the palatalized consonants (e.g., "тʲ" and "мʲ"), which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds softer than in English. Variations may occur in regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A natural or synthetic organic compound essential for normal growth and nutrition in the body.

Translation(s) & Context:

• витамин - Used in formal, medical, nutritional, or educational contexts, such as discussing health supplements or dietary needs.

Usage Examples:

• Ежедневный приём витаминов помогает поддерживать здоровье.

  Daily intake of vitamins helps maintain health. (This example shows the noun in a general health context.)

• Витамин C содержится в цитрусовых фруктах.

  Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits. (Demonstrates the word in a specific nutritional discussion.)

• Дети нуждаются в сбалансированном рационе с витаминами для роста.

  Children need a balanced diet with vitamins for growth. (Illustrates use in child health and dietary advice.)

• Летом мы получаем больше витаминов от свежих овощей.

  In summer, we get more vitamins from fresh vegetables. (Shows seasonal and everyday usage.)

• Витамин D синтезируется под действием солнечного света.

  Vitamin D is synthesized through exposure to sunlight. (Highlights scientific or biological context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Витамин" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, borrowed from English, and follows the standard third-declension pattern for many foreign words. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, meaning it does not change form in different cases. However, when used in compounds or specific contexts, it may appear in genitive or other forms.

Note: While "витамин" is generally regular, some speakers may treat it as fully indeclinable in informal speech, especially in scientific contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • витаминный комплекс (vitamin complex) - Refers to a group of vitamins; used in health product descriptions.
  • нутриент (nutrient) - A broader term for essential substances, with subtle differences in scientific precision.
• Antonyms:
  • токсин (toxin) - Opposite in the context of health and body effects.

Related Phrases:

• Витамин C - A specific type of vitamin; used in contexts discussing immune health or citrus fruits.
• Комплекс витаминов - Vitamin complex; refers to multivitamin supplements in daily health routines.
• Дефицит витаминов - Vitamin deficiency; common in medical discussions about nutrition.

Usage Notes:

"Витамин" directly corresponds to the English "vitamin" as a borrowed word, making it straightforward for English learners. However, it is primarily used in formal or technical contexts like medicine and nutrition. Be mindful of its masculine gender in Russian sentences, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "важный витамин" for "important vitamin"). When choosing between translations, stick with "витамин" for general use, but explore compounds like "витамин A" for specifics. In everyday speech, it's neutral and not restricted by dialect, but overuse in casual talk might sound overly clinical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrectly declining the word, e.g., saying "витамином" in nominative case instead of "витамин". Correct: Use proper case based on sentence structure, like "Я ем витамин" (I eat vitamin) vs. "Дефицит витамина" (Deficiency of vitamin). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree with case, which English learners often overlook due to "vitamin" being indeclinable in English.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "витамина" (genitive form) in isolation. Correct: Always use the full context, e.g., "Этот витамин полезен" (This vitamin is useful). Explanation: This can lead to grammatical errors in complex sentences, affecting clarity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "витамин" is often linked to traditional health practices, such as consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables in winter to combat deficiencies, reflecting the historical importance of self-sufficiency in harsh climates. It's also prominent in public health campaigns, emphasizing natural sources over supplements, which ties into a broader cultural value of holistic wellness.

Related Concepts:

• минерал (mineral)
• нутриент (nutrient)
• антиоксидант (antioxidant)