Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ambitious'

English Word: ambitious

Key Russian Translations:

• амбициозный [ɐmbʲɪˈtsʲiəznɨj] - [Formal, Informal]
• честолюбивый [tɕɪstɐˈlʲubʲɪvɨj] - [Formal, Slightly Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "амбициозный"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "честолюбивый"

Pronunciation (Russian):

амбициозный: [ɐmbʲɪˈtsʲiəznɨj]

Note on амбициозный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ц" is pronounced as a sharp "ts".

честолюбивый: [tɕɪstɐˈlʲubʲɪvɨj]

Note on честолюбивый: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ч" is a soft "ch" sound, distinct from English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Having a strong desire for success or achievement

Translation(s) & Context:

• амбициозный - Commonly used in both positive and negative contexts to describe someone with big goals or aspirations.
• честолюбивый - Often implies a more intense or even self-centered drive for recognition or honor, used in formal or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он очень амбициозный молодой человек, мечтающий стать CEO.

  He is a very ambitious young man dreaming of becoming a CEO.

• Её амбициозные планы иногда кажутся нереальными.

  Her ambitious plans sometimes seem unrealistic.

• Честолюбивый политик стремился к власти любой ценой.

  The ambitious politician strove for power at any cost.

• Амбициозный проект требует больших инвестиций.

  The ambitious project requires significant investments.

• Его честолюбие часто приводило к конфликтам с коллегами.

  His ambition often led to conflicts with colleagues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

честолюбивый (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "амбициозный".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• целеустремлённый (goal-oriented, determined)
• стремящийся (aspiring)

Note: "целеустремлённый" often has a more positive connotation, focusing on determination rather than potential arrogance.

Antonyms:

• безынициативный (uninitiative, passive)
• равнодушный (indifferent)

Related Phrases:

• амбициозные цели - ambitious goals (referring to challenging objectives)
• честолюбивые мечты - ambitious dreams (often with a connotation of seeking honor or prestige)
• амбициозный подход - ambitious approach (a bold or daring way of doing something)

Usage Notes:

• "амбициозный" is the more common and versatile term, suitable for both people and projects, and can carry a neutral or slightly negative tone depending on context (e.g., overambitious).
• "честолюбивый" is more formal and often implies a personal drive for recognition or status, sometimes with a negative nuance of selfishness.
• When describing plans or projects, stick to "амбициозный" as "честолюбивый" is mostly used for people.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "честолюбивый" to describe inanimate objects like projects or plans (e.g., *честолюбивый проект* is incorrect).

  Correction: Use "амбициозный" instead: "амбициозный проект" (ambitious project).

• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, saying *амбициÓзный* instead of амбициóзный.

  Correction: Stress the third syllable: [ɐmbʲɪˈtsʲiəznɨj].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "амбициозный" can sometimes be viewed with suspicion if it seems to prioritize personal gain over collective well-being, reflecting a cultural emphasis on community. However, ambition in the context of hard work and determination is often admired, especially in modern contexts.

Related Concepts:

• успех (success)
• цель (goal)
• достижение (achievement)