хи́мия
xímijafeminine
The English word 'chemistry' is translated into Russian as хи́мия (xímija).
хи́мия refers to the branch of natural science. In an informal context, the phrase Химия между людьми is used to describe a romantic chemistry or a personal connection between individuals.
Meaning: branch of natural science (noun)
Which one should you use?
While хи́мия is the standard term, Химическая наука can be used as a more formal way to refer specifically to chemistry as a branch of science. Химия между людьми is a specific figurative expression for interpersonal connection.
How does it change in a sentence?
хи́мия is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
xímija
Did you know?
- Russian has a specific term, химия волос, to describe the process of a chemical perm or permanent wave.
- In colloquial Russian, химия is often used as a shorthand for any synthetic or artificial substance, such as processed food additives or industrial detergents.
- In Russian, the word хи́мия shares the exact same root as the word for 'alchemy', which is алхи́мия.
Examples in context
- У меня сегодня лекция по химии.I have a lecture on chemistry today.
- Какую науку ты предпочитаешь: физику или химию?What science do you prefer: physics or chemistry?
- Между ними сразу возникла химия.There was an immediate chemistry between them.
- Хи́мия это очень важная наука.Khimiya eto ochen' vazhnaya nauka.Chemistry is a very important science.
- Ей очень нравится хи́мия.Yey ochen' nravitsya khimiya.She likes chemistry very much.
Example conversation
Two university students are talking about their studies in a library.
- Александр AleksandrЕкатерина, какой твой любимый предмет?Ekaterina, kakoy tvoy lyubimyy predmet?Ekaterina, what is your favorite subject?
- Екатерина EkaterinaМне очень нравится хи́мия.Mne ochen' nravitsya khimiya.I like chemistry very much.
- Александр AleksandrА я предпочитаю биологию.A ya predpochitayu biologiyu.And I prefer biology.
- Екатерина EkaterinaБиология тоже интересная наука.Biologiya tozhe interesnaya nauka.Biology is also an interesting science.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chemistry” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
