Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Adamant'

English Word: adamant

Key Russian Translations:

• непреклонный [nʲɪprʲɪˈklonːɨj] - [Formal, Descriptive]
• упрямый [ʊˈprʲamɨj] - [Informal, Often Negative Connotation]
• несгибаемый [nʲɪsʲɡʲɪˈbaɪmɨj] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "непреклонный" and "несгибаемый"; B1 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "упрямый"

Pronunciation (Russian):

непреклонный: [nʲɪprʲɪˈklonːɨj]

Note on непреклонный: Stress falls on the third syllable; the double "н" is pronounced with a slight lengthening.

упрямый: [ʊˈprʲamɨj]

Note on упрямый: Stress on the second syllable; the "р" is rolled lightly.

несгибаемый: [nʲɪsʲɡʲɪˈbaɪmɨj]

Note on несгибаемый: Stress on the fourth syllable; often used metaphorically.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Unyielding or Firm in Opinion or Decision

Translation(s) & Context:

• непреклонный - Used in formal contexts to describe someone resolute or inflexible in their stance.
• несгибаемый - Often used in literary or elevated speech to emphasize unbreakable determination.

Usage Examples:

• Он был непреклонен в своём решении не продавать дом.

  He was adamant in his decision not to sell the house.

• Её непреклонная позиция удивила всех на собрании.

  Her adamant stance surprised everyone at the meeting.

• Несгибаемая воля помогла ему преодолеть трудности.

  His adamant will helped him overcome difficulties.

2. Stubborn or Obstinate (Often Negative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• упрямый - Commonly used in informal speech to describe someone stubbornly refusing to change their mind, often with a negative tone.

Usage Examples:

• Он такой упрямый, что не слушает никаких советов.

  He is so adamant that he doesn’t listen to any advice.

• Не будь таким упрямым, давай найдём компромисс!

  Don’t be so adamant, let’s find a compromise!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

непреклонный (Adjective): Declines according to standard Russian adjective rules based on gender, number, and case.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	непреклонный	непреклонная	непреклонное	непреклонные
Genitive	непреклонного	непреклонной	непреклонного	непреклонных

упрямый (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "непреклонный."

несгибаемый (Adjective): Also declines as a regular adjective with the same structure.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "непреклонный":

• несгибаемый
• решительный
• твёрдый

Note: "решительный" implies determination but may lack the inflexibility of "непреклонный."

Antonyms for "непреклонный":

• уступчивый
• мягкий
• податливый

Related Phrases:

• непреклонная воля - Unyielding will; used to describe strong determination.
• упрямый как осёл - Stubborn as a donkey; a common idiom for extreme stubbornness.
• несгибаемый дух - Unbreakable spirit; often used in heroic or inspirational contexts.

Usage Notes:

• "непреклонный" is the most direct translation of "adamant" in formal or neutral contexts, emphasizing firmness and resolution.
• "упрямый" often carries a negative connotation, implying stubbornness or obstinacy, so use it carefully in casual speech.
• "несгибаемый" is more literary and often used metaphorically to describe an unbreakable spirit or will.
• Choose the translation based on tone and context: "непреклонный" for formal settings, "упрямый" for informal or critical tones, and "несгибаемый" for elevated or poetic language.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "упрямый" in formal writing or contexts where a neutral or positive tone is needed.
  Incorrect: Президент был упрямый в переговорах. (Sounds disrespectful)
  Correct: Президент был непреклонен в переговорах. (Appropriate tone)
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, e.g., stressing the wrong syllable in "непреклонный." Ensure the stress is on "клон."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "непреклонный" or "несгибаемый" is often admired in contexts of perseverance or moral strength, especially in historical or wartime narratives. However, "упрямый" can be seen as a flaw if it suggests unreasonable stubbornness, particularly in interpersonal relationships.

Related Concepts:

• решительность (determination)
• твёрдость (firmness)
• упорство (persistence)