Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Astonishment'

English Word: astonishment

Key Russian Translations:

• удивление [ʊdʲɪˈvlʲenʲɪje] - [Neutral, Common]
• изумление [ɪzʊˈmlʲenʲɪje] - [Formal, Stronger Emotion]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

удивление: [ʊdʲɪˈvlʲenʲɪje]

Note on удивление: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'у' is pronounced as a short 'oo' sound.

изумление: [ɪzʊˈmlʲenʲɪje]

Note on изумление: Stress on the third syllable. The 'и' at the start is a short 'i' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A feeling of great surprise or wonder

Translation(s) & Context:

• удивление - Commonly used in everyday contexts to express mild to moderate surprise.
• изумление - Used in more formal or literary contexts, often implying a deeper or more intense surprise.

Usage Examples:

• Его удивление было очевидным, когда он увидел подарок.

  His astonishment was evident when he saw the gift.

• Она смотрела на картину с изумлением.

  She looked at the painting with astonishment.

• К моему удивлению, он согласился без возражений.

  To my astonishment, he agreed without objections.

• Изумление на её лице было неподдельным.

  The astonishment on her face was genuine.

• Мы все были в удивлении от его неожиданного решения.

  We were all in astonishment at his unexpected decision.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

удивление (neuter noun):

изумление (neuter noun): Follows similar declension patterns as удивление.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• недоумение (slight confusion or puzzlement)
• ошеломление (stronger shock or bewilderment)

Antonyms:

• спокойствие (calmness)
• равнодушие (indifference)

Related Phrases:

• к моему удивлению - "to my astonishment" (used to express personal surprise)
• вызвать удивление - "to cause astonishment" (used when something provokes surprise)
• с изумлением смотреть - "to look with astonishment" (often used in descriptive contexts)

Usage Notes:

• "удивление" is the more common and versatile term, suitable for both spoken and written contexts, while "изумление" often appears in formal or literary settings and implies a stronger emotion.
• Both terms are neuter nouns and follow standard Russian declension patterns for neuter nouns ending in -ие.
• When expressing astonishment in exclamatory sentences, Russians might use interjections like "Ого!" or "Вот это да!" alongside these nouns.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "удивление" with "недоумение". The latter implies puzzlement or incomprehension, not just surprise.
  Incorrect: Его недоумение было от радости. (His puzzlement was from joy.)
  Correct: Его удивление было от радости. (His astonishment was from joy.)
• Error: Misusing "изумление" in casual conversation, which can sound overly dramatic.
  Incorrect: Я в изумлении, что ты опоздал. (I’m in astonishment that you’re late.)
  Correct: Я в удивлении, что ты опоздал. (I’m in astonishment that you’re late.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of astonishment are often accompanied by vivid facial expressions or gestures, especially in informal settings. The word "удивление" might also appear in literature or folklore to describe characters’ reactions to magical or unexpected events, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for storytelling.

Related Concepts:

• удивляться (to be astonished, verb)
• удивительный (astonishing, adjective)
• шок (shock)