Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Admirable'

English Word: admirable

Key Russian Translations:

• восхитительный [vəsxʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj] - [Formal, Descriptive]
• замечательный [zəmʲɪˈtʃʲatʲɪlnɨj] - [Informal, Common]
• похвальный [pəxˈvalʲnɨj] - [Formal, Often for actions or efforts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "замечательный"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "восхитительный" and "похвальный"

Pronunciation (Russian):

восхитительный: [vəsxʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj]

Note on восхитительный: Stress falls on the third syllable; the "х" sound is a guttural fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers.

замечательный: [zəmʲɪˈtʃʲatʲɪlnɨj]

Note on замечательный: Stress on the third syllable; the "ч" is a soft "ch" sound.

похвальный: [pəxˈvalʲnɨj]

Note on похвальный: Stress on the second syllable; "х" is pronounced as a guttural sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Worthy of admiration (General positive quality)

Translation(s) & Context:

• восхитительный - Used for something or someone inspiring awe or delight, often in formal or literary contexts.
• замечательный - A more casual and versatile term, used for describing something wonderful or remarkable in everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• Этот пейзаж просто восхитительный!

  This landscape is simply admirable!

• Она замечательный учитель, все её любят.

  She is an admirable teacher; everyone loves her.

• Его талант восхитителен и вдохновляет.

  His talent is admirable and inspiring.

2. Deserving praise (For efforts or actions)

Translation(s) & Context:

• похвальный - Used specifically to commend actions, efforts, or behaviors, often in formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Его усилия похвальны, несмотря на трудности.

  His efforts are admirable despite the difficulties.

• Это похвальное стремление к знаниям.

  This is an admirable pursuit of knowledge.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

восхитительный (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension based on gender, number, and case.

замечательный and похвальный: Similar adjective declension patterns apply. All are regular adjectives.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• удивительный (amazing)
• прекрасный (wonderful)
• достойный (worthy) - closer to "похвальный"

Note: "удивительный" may imply surprise, while "прекрасный" focuses on beauty or excellence.

Antonyms:

• отвратительный (disgusting)
• ужасный (terrible)

Related Phrases:

• восхитительный вид - "admirable view" (used for scenic beauty)
• замечательный день - "admirable day" (a wonderful or great day)
• похвальная инициатива - "admirable initiative" (commendable action or idea)

Usage Notes:

• "восхитительный" is more intense and formal, often used for something truly awe-inspiring, such as art or nature.
• "замечательный" is the most versatile and common translation, suitable for casual conversations about people, events, or things.
• "похвальный" is narrower in scope, typically reserved for praising efforts, behaviors, or achievements, often in formal or professional contexts.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; the form must match the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "восхитительный" in casual contexts, e.g., "Ты восхитительный человек" for a simple compliment. Correct: Use "замечательный" instead: "Ты замечательный человек" (You’re a wonderful person). Explanation: "восхитительный" can sound overly formal or exaggerated in everyday speech.
• Error: Ignoring adjective agreement, e.g., using masculine "замечательный" with a feminine noun like "книга" (book). Correct: "замечательная книга" (an admirable book).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, compliments using words like "замечательный" are common and appreciated, but they are often less effusive than in English. Overusing intense terms like "восхитительный" might come across as insincere or exaggerated unless the context truly warrants it, such as describing a masterpiece or extraordinary achievement.

Related Concepts:

• удивление (amazement)
• похвала (praise)
• восхищение (admiration)