токсичный
toksichnyy
The Russian word for toxic is токсичный (toksichnyy).
токсичный describes something that is severely negative or harmful. While it can be used literally, it is frequently used metaphorically in Russian to describe harmful interpersonal relationships, such as токсичные отношения (toxic relationships) or to describe people as being 'toxic'.
Meaning: severely negative or harmful (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form токсичная for feminine nouns, such as токсичная среда (toxic environment). Use the neuter form токсичное for neuter nouns, such as токсичное вещество (toxic substance). Use the plural form токсичные for plural nouns, such as токсичные отходы (toxic waste).
How do you pronounce it?
toksichnyy
Did you know?
- In Russian internet slang, the term токсик is used as a noun to describe a 'toxic person', mirroring the English trend of turning adjectives into labels.
- The word токсичный is a relatively recent loanword in Russian. For decades, speakers used ядовитый to mean both 'poisonous' and 'toxic' before the English-influenced psychological usage became common.
- The structure of токсичный suggests it may have been filtered through German 'toxisch' before entering the Russian lexicon.
Examples in context
- Свинец – токсичный металл.Lead is a toxic metal.This sentence demonstrates the use of токсичный to describe a metal.Tatoeba #12804068 by marafon, translation #5748292 by CM
- Интернет иногда может быть токсичным.The internet can be toxic sometimes.
- Этот человек очень токсичный.Etot chelovek ochen' toksichnyy.This person is very toxic.
Example conversation
Alexander and Anastasia are discussing a mutual acquaintance.
- Александр AleksandrТы заметила, какой он токсичный человек?Ty zametila, kakoy on toksichnyy chelovek?Did you notice what a toxic person he is?
- Анастасия AnastasiaДа, он постоянно всех критикует.Da, on postoyanno vsekh kritikuyet.Yes, he is constantly criticizing everyone.
- Александр AleksandrС ним очень тяжело общаться.S nim ochen' tyazhelo obshchat'sya.It is very difficult to communicate with him.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСогласна, лучше держаться от него подальше.Soglasna, luchshe derzhat'sya ot nego podalshe.I agree, it's better to stay away from him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries токсичный, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
