Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'volatile'

English Word: volatile

Key Russian Translations:

• Летучий [lʲɪˈtuʧɪj] - [Formal, used in scientific contexts, especially chemistry]
• Нестабильный [nʲɪstaˈbʲilʲnɨj] - [Informal to Formal, general contexts for emotional or situational instability]
• Переменчивый [pʲɪrʲɪˈmʲɛnʲʧʲɪvɨj] - [Informal, used for changeable weather, moods, or conditions]

Frequency: Medium - The word and its translations are commonly encountered in scientific, technical, and everyday discussions, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary.

Difficulty: B2 - Intermediate level; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and contexts, though some translations like "Летучий" may vary to B1 in scientific fields.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Летучий: [lʲɪˈtuʧɪj]

Нестабильный: [nʲɪstaˈbʲilʲnɨj]

Переменчивый: [pʲɪrʲɪˈmʲɛnʲʧʲɪvɨj]

Note on Летучий: The stress is on the second syllable; be cautious with the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Evaporating rapidly or tending to vaporize (e.g., in chemistry)

Translation(s) & Context:

• "Летучий" in scientific or technical contexts, such as describing substances that evaporate easily.

Usage Examples:

• Эта жидкость летучая, поэтому её нужно хранить в герметичном контейнере.

  This liquid is volatile, so it needs to be stored in a sealed container.

• В лаборатории мы работаем с летучими соединениями, которые испаряются при комнатной температуре.

  In the lab, we work with volatile compounds that evaporate at room temperature.

• Летучий растворитель может вызвать взрыв, если не соблюдать меры безопасности.

  A volatile solvent can cause an explosion if safety measures are not followed.

• Из-за летучести этого вещества оно быстро исчезает из воздуха.

  Due to the volatility of this substance, it quickly disappears from the air.

Meaning 2: Unstable or changeable in mood, behavior, or conditions

Translation(s) & Context:

• "Нестабильный" in emotional or psychological contexts, such as describing unpredictable behavior.
• "Переменчивый" in weather or situational contexts, emphasizing variability.

Usage Examples:

• Его настроение нестабильное, поэтому с ним трудно общаться.

  His mood is volatile, so it's hard to communicate with him.

• Переменчивая погода в горах делает путешествия опасными.

  The volatile weather in the mountains makes travel dangerous.

• Рынок акций нестабильный из-за глобальных событий.

  The stock market is volatile due to global events.

• Её переменчивое поведение удивляет друзей.

  Her volatile behavior surprises her friends.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are adjectives, which in Russian follow standard adjectival declension patterns. Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify. They have full declension for most forms, with some irregularities in spelling.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular forms but must agree with the noun's gender (e.g., Летучая for feminine). For invariable contexts, they remain unchanged in predicates.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Летучий: Испаряющийся (evaporating)
  • Нестабильный: Непостоянный (inconstant) - Often used interchangeably in emotional contexts, but "Непостоянный" implies less intensity.
  • Переменчивый: Изменчивый (changeable) - Subtle difference: "Изменчивый" is more neutral for natural phenomena.
• Antonyms:
  • Летучий: Стабильный (stable)
  • Нестабильный: Постоянный (constant)
  • Переменчивый: Неизменный (unchanging)

Related Phrases:

• Летучие вещества - Substances that evaporate quickly; used in chemistry to describe volatile compounds.
• Нестабильная ситуация - An unstable situation; refers to unpredictable circumstances in politics or daily life.
• Переменчивая погода - Changeable weather; common in discussions about climate variability.

Usage Notes:

"Volatile" corresponds most directly to "Летучий" in scientific contexts, but in everyday English, it often aligns with "Нестабильный" or "Переменчивый" for emotional or situational instability. Choose the translation based on context: use "Летучий" for physical properties, "Нестабильный" for human behavior, and "Переменчивый" for natural changes. Be mindful of Russian adjective agreement with nouns, and note that these words are more formal in writing than in speech. In informal settings, speakers might opt for simpler synonyms to avoid complexity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Летучий" in non-scientific contexts, e.g., saying "Летучий человек" to mean an emotionally unstable person. Correct: Use "Нестабильный человек" instead. Explanation: "Летучий" specifically implies evaporation, leading to confusion if misapplied.

• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "Летучий вода" (incorrect for feminine noun). Correct: "Летучая вода". Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case, which English learners often overlook.

• Error: Overusing "Переменчивый" for all instability, e.g., in financial contexts. Correct: Use "Нестабильный" for markets. Explanation: "Переменчивый" is better for gradual changes, while "Нестабильный" fits sudden fluctuations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "Нестабильный" often reflect historical contexts of political and economic turbulence, such as during the Soviet era or post-Soviet reforms. This adds a layer of connotation where volatility might symbolize broader societal instability, making it a frequent theme in literature and media.

Related Concepts:

• Испаряться (to evaporate)
• Непредсказуемый (unpredictable)
• Динамичный (dynamic)