Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'curious'

English Word: curious

Key Russian Translations:

• любопытный [lʲʊbɐˈpɨtnɨj] - [Informal, Common]
• интересующийся [ɪntʲɪrʲɪˈsuɪɕːɪjsʲə] - [Formal, Often used in specific contexts]

Frequency: High (especially "любопытный")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "любопытный"); B1 (Intermediate for "интересующийся")

Pronunciation (Russian):

любопытный: [lʲʊbɐˈpɨtnɨj]

Note on любопытный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, unrounded central vowel.

интересующийся: [ɪntʲɪrʲɪˈsuɪɕːɪjsʲə]

Note on интересующийся: Stress on the fourth syllable. The double "щ" sound is a soft, prolonged "shch".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Eager to know or learn something

Translation(s) & Context:

• любопытный - Used in everyday conversations to describe someone who is inquisitive or nosy.
• интересующийся - More formal, often used in academic or professional contexts to indicate interest in a subject.

Usage Examples:

• Он очень любопытный ребенок.

  He is a very curious child.

• Она любопытна к новым идеям.

  She is curious about new ideas.

• Я интересующийся историей России.

  I am interested in Russian history.

• Любопытные глаза смотрели на меня.

  Curious eyes were looking at me.

• Мы интересующиеся этой темой студенты.

  We are students interested in this topic.

2. Strange or unusual (less common)

Translation(s) & Context:

• любопытный - Can describe something odd or intriguing, though less common in this sense.

Usage Examples:

• Это был любопытный случай.

  It was a curious case.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

любопытный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case, following standard Russian adjective declension rules.

интересующийся (Participle/Adjective): Functions as a present active participle of the verb "интересоваться". Declines similarly to adjectives but often used in specific constructions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "любопытный":

• любознательный
• неравнодушный (in specific contexts)

Note: "любознательный" often implies a positive, intellectual curiosity, while "любопытный" can sometimes suggest nosiness.

Antonyms for "любопытный":

• равнодушный
• безразличный

Related Phrases:

• любопытный взгляд - A curious glance/look.
• из любопытства - Out of curiosity.
• интересоваться чем-либо - To be interested in something.

Usage Notes:

• "любопытный" is the most common translation for "curious" and can be used in both positive (inquisitive) and negative (nosy) senses, depending on context.
• "интересующийся" is more formal and typically used when describing sustained interest in a specific topic or field.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; "любопытный" must match the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "интересующийся" in casual conversation.
  Incorrect: Я интересующийся, что ты делаешь.
  Correct: Мне любопытно, что ты делаешь. (I’m curious about what you’re doing.)
  Explanation: "интересующийся" sounds overly formal and unnatural in everyday speech for general curiosity.
• Error: Incorrect adjective agreement.
  Incorrect: Она любопытный.
  Correct: Она любопытная.
  Explanation: Adjectives in Russian must agree with the noun in gender; "она" (she) requires the feminine form "любопытная".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "любопытный" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying intrusive or excessive curiosity, especially in personal matters. It’s important to gauge the tone and context when using this word to avoid offending someone.

Related Concepts:

• любознательность (curiosity as a trait)
• интерес (interest)
• вопрос (question)