ферме́нт
ferméntmasculine
The English word enzyme is translated into Russian as ферме́нт (fermént) or энзи́м.
Meaning: catalytic protein (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ферме́нт | fermént | masculine |
| энзи́м | enzím | masculine |
Both terms refer to a catalytic protein.
Which one should you use?
The term ферме́нт is more common in general biology, food science and traditional chemistry, whereas энзи́м is a direct loanword from English used more frequently in modern molecular biology and biochemistry to refer specifically to biological catalysts.
How do you pronounce it?
fermént
Did you know?
- While энзи́м is a loanword, the term ферме́нт entered Russian via German Ferment and Latin fermentum, originally meaning 'leaven' or 'yeast'.
- Despite being synonyms, ферме́нт is the standard term taught in Russian secondary schools, while энзи́м is primarily encountered in university-level biochemistry.
- If you are browsing a Russian pharmacy for digestive aids, look for the word ферме́нты, as this is the common term for enzyme supplements.
Examples in context
- Практическое использование энзимов в медицине позволяет ускорить процесс реабилитации.The practical use of enzymes in medicine helps to accelerate the rehabilitation process.
- Этот ферме́нт ускоряет химическую реакцию.Etot ferment uskoryaet khimicheskuyu reaktsiyu.This enzyme accelerates the chemical reaction.
- В этой пище содержится важный ферме́нт.V etoy pishche soderzhitsya vazhnyy ferment.This food contains an important enzyme.
- Ферме́нт расщепляет сложные сахара.Ferment rasshcheplayet slozhnyye sakhara.The enzyme breaks down complex sugars.
Example conversation
Sergey and Ekaterina are discussing a biology textbook.
- Сергей SergeyЕкатерина, ты понимаешь, как работает этот ферме́нт?Ekaterina, ty ponimayesh', kak rabotayet etot ferment?Ekaterina, do you understand how this enzyme works?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, Сергей, он очень важен для процесса.Da, Sergey, on ochen' vazhen dlya protsessa.Yes, Sergey, it is very important for the process.
- Сергей SergeyОн помогает организму переваривать еду.On pomogayet organizmu perevarivat' edu.It helps the organism digest food.
- Екатерина EkaterinaВерно, это его основная функция.Verno, eto yego osnovnaya funktsiya.Correct, that is its main function.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enzyme” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
