Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Ambiguous'

English Word: ambiguous

Key Russian Translations:

• двусмысленный [ˌdvuˈsmɨslʲɪnnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• неоднозначный [nʲɪədɐˈznaʧnɨj] - [Neutral, Adjective]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

двусмысленный: [ˌdvuˈsmɨslʲɪnnɨj]

Note on двусмысленный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'ы' sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced with the tongue positioned centrally.

неоднозначный: [nʲɪədɐˈznaʧnɨj]

Note on неоднозначный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'ч' is a soft affricate, similar to 'ch' in "church."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Open to Multiple Interpretations (Abstract or Linguistic)

Translation(s) & Context:

• двусмысленный - Often used for statements or expressions that can be interpreted in more than one way, sometimes implying a hidden or suggestive meaning.
• неоднозначный - Used for situations, texts, or ideas that are not clearly defined or have multiple possible meanings.

Usage Examples:

• Его ответ был двусмысленным, и я не понял, что он имел в виду.

  His answer was ambiguous, and I didn’t understand what he meant.

• Этот текст имеет неоднозначный смысл, который требует обсуждения.

  This text has an ambiguous meaning that requires discussion.

• Она сказала это с двусмысленной улыбкой, что смутило всех.

  She said it with an ambiguous smile, which confused everyone.

• Решение суда было неоднозначным и вызвало споры.

  The court’s decision was ambiguous and sparked debates.

• Его шутка была двусмысленной, и некоторые обиделись.

  His joke was ambiguous, and some people took offense.

2. Uncertain or Unclear (General Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• неоднозначный - Commonly used for unclear situations, decisions, or outcomes.

Usage Examples:

• Будущее проекта остается неоднозначным из-за нехватки финансирования.

  The future of the project remains ambiguous due to a lack of funding.

• Его позиция по этому вопросу кажется неоднозначной.

  His stance on this issue seems ambiguous.

• Результаты эксперимента оказались неоднозначными.

  The results of the experiment turned out to be ambiguous.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

неоднозначный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for двусмысленный:

• неясный
• уклончивый

Note: "неясный" is more about lack of clarity, while "уклончивый" implies evasiveness.

Synonyms for неоднозначный:

• спорный
• сомнительный

Antonyms:

• однозначный
• ясный

Related Phrases:

• двусмысленная шутка - An ambiguous joke, often with a double meaning.
• неоднозначное решение - An ambiguous decision, implying uncertainty or debate.
• двусмысленное выражение - An ambiguous expression, often hinting at something unspoken.

Usage Notes:

• "двусмысленный" often carries a connotation of intentional ambiguity or suggestiveness, especially in speech or humor. It is less neutral than "неоднозначный."
• "неоднозначный" is broader and can apply to abstract concepts, decisions, or situations where clarity is lacking. It is the safer choice for formal or neutral contexts.
• Both adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key grammatical feature in Russian.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "двусмысленный" in formal contexts where neutrality is required. For example, saying "двусмысленное решение" for a court ruling may imply bias or hidden intent.
  Correct Usage: Use "неоднозначное решение" instead to maintain neutrality.
• Error: Failing to decline adjectives according to the noun they modify. For example, "двусмысленный фраза" is incorrect.
  Correct Usage: "двусмысленная фраза" (feminine form to match "фраза").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, ambiguity in speech (using "двусмысленный" expressions) can sometimes be a stylistic choice in humor or storytelling, often relying on wordplay. However, in formal or serious discussions, clarity is highly valued, and "неоднозначный" situations may be viewed with suspicion or frustration.

Related Concepts:

• неясность
• недосказанность
• двойственность