Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Demonic'

English Word: Demonic

Key Russian Translations:

• демонический [dʲɪmɐˈnʲitɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• демонический [dʲɪmɐˈnʲitɕɪskʲɪj] - [Informal, Figurative, often used metaphorically for "evil" or "sinister"]
• бесовский [bʲɪˈsofskʲɪj] - [Formal, Religious Context, often tied to "demons" in a biblical sense]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like literature, religion, or figurative speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "демонический"; C1 (Advanced) for "бесовский" due to its religious connotation and less frequent use

Pronunciation (Russian):

демонический: [dʲɪmɐˈnʲitɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on демонический: Stress falls on the third syllable ("ни"). The "ч" sound is a soft "ch" as in "church."

бесовский: [bʲɪˈsofskʲɪj]

Note on бесовский: Stress on the second syllable ("со"). The "в" is soft due to the following "с."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Related to Demons or Evil Spirits (Literal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• демонический - Used to describe something directly related to demons or possessing demonic traits.
• бесовский - Often used in religious or traditional contexts to describe something associated with devils or evil forces.

Usage Examples:

• Его взгляд был демонический, словно он одержим.

  His gaze was demonic, as if he were possessed.

• В старых текстах упоминается бесовский ритуал.

  Ancient texts mention a demonic ritual.

• Она изображала демонический смех в пьесе.

  She portrayed a demonic laugh in the play.

2. Figurative (Evil, Sinister, or Intense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• демонический - Used metaphorically to describe a sinister or overwhelmingly intense quality.

Usage Examples:

• У него был демонический талант к манипуляциям.

  He had a demonic talent for manipulation.

• Её демоническая энергия пугала всех вокруг.

  Her demonic energy frightened everyone around her.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

бесовский (Adjective): Follows similar adjective declension rules. Refer to standard grammar resources for full declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• дьявольский (more colloquial, "devilish")
• зловещий (broader, meaning "sinister")

Note: "дьявольский" is often used in less formal or literary contexts, while "зловещий" applies to a broader sense of foreboding.

Antonyms:

• ангельский (angelic)
• божественный (divine)

Related Phrases:

• демонический взгляд - "a demonic gaze" (used to describe a sinister or intense look)
• бесовская сила - "demonic power" (often used in religious or folklore contexts)
• демоническая одержимость - "demonic possession" (used in literal or metaphorical contexts)

Usage Notes:

• "демонический" is the most versatile translation for "demonic," suitable for both literal (demon-related) and figurative (sinister, intense) meanings.
• "бесовский" is more specific to religious or traditional contexts and may sound archaic or overly formal in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between translations, as "бесовский" carries a stronger cultural and religious connotation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "бесовский" in a casual or figurative context. Incorrect: "У него бесовский талант" (sounds unnatural). Correct: "У него демонический талант" (appropriate for figurative use).
• Error: Incorrect adjective agreement with nouns due to gender or case. Ensure proper declension based on the noun it modifies.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "бесовский" are deeply tied to Orthodox Christian traditions and folklore, often evoking imagery of devils or evil spirits from religious texts. "демонический," while also rooted in such imagery, has evolved to carry broader, more secular meanings in modern usage, such as describing intense or sinister human traits.

Related Concepts:

• дьявол (devil)
• бес (demon, imp)
• зло (evil)