Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'zinc'

English Word: zinc

Key Russian Translations:

• цинк [IPA: /tsɪnk/] - [Formal; Used in scientific and technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, industrial, and educational contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should recognize it in basic chemistry or material science discussions, though pronunciation and spelling may pose challenges for beginners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

цинк: /tsɪnk/

Note on цинк: The initial "ц" sound is a voiceless alveolar affricate, similar to the "ts" in "cats," which can be tricky for English speakers. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A chemical element (atomic number 30), a bluish-white metal used in alloys, batteries, and galvanization.

Translation(s) & Context:

• цинк - Used in formal scientific, industrial, or educational contexts, such as describing chemical properties or materials.

Usage Examples:

• Цинк является важным элементом в производстве аккумуляторов.

  Zinc is an important element in battery production.

• В природе цинк встречается в виде различных минералов.

  In nature, zinc occurs in various minerals.

• Цинк используется для защиты металлов от коррозии.

  Zinc is used to protect metals from corrosion.

• Дефицит цинка в организме может привести к проблемам со здоровьем.

  A deficiency of zinc in the body can lead to health problems.

• В химических экспериментах цинк часто реагирует с кислотами.

  In chemical experiments, zinc often reacts with acids.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Цинк" is a masculine noun (3rd declension in modern Russian usage). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is less common and typically used when referring to multiple pieces or types of zinc in technical contexts. It is a regular declension, with no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • цинковый металл (zinc metal) - Emphasizes the metallic form, often used in industrial contexts.
  • цинк-металл (zinc-metal) - A compound term for specificity in chemistry.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "цинк" is a specific element. However, in broader material contexts, it might contrast with "медь" (copper) or "железо" (iron) in alloy discussions.

Related Phrases:

• цинковый покрытие - Zinc coating (Used for rust protection on metals).
• цинковые сплавы - Zinc alloys (Refers to mixtures like brass, common in manufacturing).
• дефицит цинка - Zinc deficiency (In health and nutrition contexts).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "цинк" directly corresponds to the English "zinc" as a chemical element, maintaining a formal and technical tone. It is rarely used in everyday informal speech; instead, it's prevalent in scientific literature, educational materials, and industrial settings. When discussing grammar, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "цинковый" for adjectives). If multiple translations exist, choose "цинк" for precision in chemistry, but "цинковый" for derivatives like compounds. English learners should note the stress on the first syllable to avoid mispronunciation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as "зинк" (zink, like the English), which omits the voiceless "ц" sound. Correct: Use /tsɪnk/ to ensure the proper Russian affricate.

  Wrong example: "Зинк используется в батареях." (Incorrect pronunciation leads to confusion with other words).

  Correct example: "Цинк используется в батареях." (Properly pronounced with the "ts" sound).

• Error: Forgetting declension in sentences, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Correct: Adjust for case, as in "Я работаю с цинком" (Instrumental case for "with zinc").

Cultural Notes:

"Цинк" doesn't carry strong cultural connotations in Russian beyond its scientific importance. However, in the context of Russian history, zinc mining and processing were significant during the Soviet era for industrial development, symbolizing technological advancement in metallurgy. This reflects Russia's emphasis on resource extraction and engineering prowess.

Related Concepts:

• медь (copper)
• железо (iron)
• алюминий (aluminum)