Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hunch'

English Word: hunch

Key Russian Translations:

• Интуиция [ɪn.tu.ˈi.tsɨ.ə] - [Informal, Common in everyday contexts]
• Горб [ɡorp] - [Formal, Used for physical deformities or metaphorical lumps]

Frequency: Medium (e.g., 'Интуиция' is commonly used in discussions about decision-making, while 'Горб' is less frequent and more context-specific)

Difficulty: B1 for 'Интуиция' (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun usage); A2 for 'Горб' (Beginner, simple vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Интуиция: [ɪn.tu.ˈi.tsɨ.ə]

Горб: [ɡorp]

Note on Интуиция: The stress is on the third syllable ('i.tsɨ.ə'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the Russian-specific vowel sounds; it's often softened in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A feeling or intuitive guess without logical reasoning.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Интуиция - Used in casual or professional contexts when discussing instincts or gut feelings.

Usage Examples:

• Я полагаюсь на свою интуицию в сложных ситуациях.

  I rely on my hunch in difficult situations.

• Его интуиция всегда помогала ему принимать правильные решения.

  His hunch always helped him make the right decisions.

• Интуиция подсказала мне, что это плохая идея.

  My hunch told me that it was a bad idea.

• В науке интуиция иногда играет ключевую роль.

  In science, a hunch sometimes plays a key role.

Meaning 2: A physical hump or raised part, like on the back.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Горб - Used in literal or metaphorical contexts, such as describing physical conditions or obstacles.

Usage Examples:

• У него на спине был небольшой горб.

  He had a small hunch on his back.

• Горб на дороге заставил машину замедлиться.

  The hunch in the road made the car slow down.

• В мифологии горб часто символизирует силу или бремя.

  In mythology, a hunch often symbolizes strength or burden.

• Этот горб на холме виден издалека.

  This hunch on the hill is visible from afar.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'Интуиция' (feminine noun, 1st declension):

For 'Горб' (masculine noun, 2nd declension, follows regular patterns):

Both words follow standard Russian inflection rules without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Чутье (more instinctive, often used for animals or quick reactions)
  • Предчувствие (implies a premonition or foresight)
• Antonyms:
  • Логика (logic, as it contrasts with intuitive feelings)
  • Плоскость (flatness, for the physical meaning of 'Горб')

Related Phrases:

• Интуитивный подход - An intuitive approach; used in problem-solving contexts.
• Горб на спине - A hunch on the back; refers to physical deformities in medical or descriptive language.
• Доверять своей интуиции - To trust one's hunch; common in self-help or psychological discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Интуиция' directly corresponds to the abstract sense of 'hunch' in English and is versatile in both informal and formal settings, but it's more common in introspective or creative contexts. 'Горб' is literal and should be used cautiously to avoid insensitivity when referring to physical conditions. When choosing between translations, opt for 'Интуиция' for emotional or decision-making scenarios and 'Горб' for tangible descriptions. Grammatically, both nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying words in Russian sentences.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'Интуиция' in physical contexts, e.g., saying "У меня интуиция на спине" instead of "У меня горб на спине".
  Correct: "Горб" for physical meanings. Explanation: Confusing abstract and literal translations can lead to misunderstandings; always match the context.
• Mistake: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using "Интуиция" in genitive as "Интуицию" instead of "Интуиции".
  Correct: Follow the proper declension table above. Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case, which English learners often overlook, resulting in grammatically incorrect sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'Интуиция' is often romanticized in literature and philosophy, as seen in works by authors like Dostoevsky, where intuitive insights drive character decisions. Conversely, 'Горб' might evoke references to folklore figures like the Hunchback in Russian fairy tales, symbolizing resilience or hidden strength despite physical challenges.

Related Concepts:

• Инстинкт
• Предвидение
• Деформация