Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'imagination'

English Word: imagination

Key Russian Translations:

• воображение /vʊ.brəˈʒɛ.nʲɪ.jɛ/ - [Neutral, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in literature, psychology, and everyday discussions about creativity).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding abstract concepts and basic noun inflections in Russian).

Pronunciation (Russian):

воображение: /vʊ.brəˈʒɛ.nʲɪ.jɛ/

Note on воображение: The stress is on the fourth syllable ("ʒɛ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft consonants. Pay attention to the palatalized 'н' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The ability to form mental images or concepts of things not present to the senses.

Translation(s) & Context:

• воображение - Used in contexts involving creativity, daydreaming, or artistic expression (e.g., in literature or psychology).

Usage Examples:

• Его воображение разыгралось, когда он читал фантастический роман.

  His imagination ran wild when he read the fantasy novel.

• Развитие воображения у детей важно для их творческого роста.

  Developing imagination in children is important for their creative growth.

• Без воображения невозможно создать что-то новое в искусстве.

  Without imagination, it's impossible to create something new in art.

• Её воображение помогло ей придумать оригинальный сюжет для фильма.

  Her imagination helped her come up with an original plot for the film.

• Воображение часто играет ключевую роль в научных открытиях.

  Imagination often plays a key role in scientific discoveries.

2. Creative or inventive faculty of the mind.

Translation(s) & Context:

• воображение - Applied in contexts of innovation, invention, or problem-solving (e.g., in professional or educational settings).

Usage Examples:

• Инженеры используют воображение, чтобы решать сложные технические проблемы.

  Engineers use imagination to solve complex technical problems.

• Его воображение проявилось в дизайне уникального здания.

  His imagination was evident in the design of the unique building.

• Воображение художника позволяет ему создавать шедевры.

  The artist's imagination allows him to create masterpieces.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Воображение" is a neuter noun in Russian, which means it follows the standard declension patterns for neuter nouns ending in -ие. It is a third-declension noun and has regular inflections based on case and number.

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фантазия (fantaziya) - Often used interchangeably, but implies more whimsical or fantastical elements.
  • творчество (tvortchestvo) - Emphasizes the creative process rather than just mental imagery.
• Antonyms:
  • реальность (realnost') - Refers to actual, tangible reality as opposed to imagined concepts.
  • ограниченность (ogranichennost') - Implies limitation or lack of creativity.

Related Phrases:

• Развить воображение - To develop imagination (used in educational contexts to encourage creativity).
• Плод воображения - Fruit of imagination (refers to something created from one's mind, like a story or invention).
• Богатое воображение - Rich imagination (describes someone with vivid creative abilities).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "воображение" directly corresponds to the English "imagination" in most contexts, but it is a neuter noun, so articles and adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case. For example, use it in formal writing or speech without restrictions, but in informal settings, synonyms like "фантазия" might feel more casual. When choosing between translations, opt for "воображение" for psychological or literary discussions, as it carries a neutral tone.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я люблю воображение" instead of "Я люблю воображение" (actually correct here, but commonly messed up in other cases like genitive: "без воображения" is right, but learners might say "без воображение").

  Correct: Без воображения невозможно достичь успеха. (Explanation: Always check the case; genitive requires "воображения".)

• Incorrect: Confusing with "фантазия" and using it inappropriately, e.g., for purely fantastical ideas when "воображение" is more general.

  Correct: Use "воображение" for broader creativity and "фантазия" for whimsical scenarios. (Explanation: This distinction prevents misuse in context-specific conversations.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "воображение" is highly valued in literature and arts, as seen in the works of authors like Pushkin and Tolstoy, who often explored imaginative themes. It reflects the Russian emphasis on introspection and creativity, sometimes tied to the concept of "душа" (soul), where imagination is a pathway to deeper emotional expression.

Related Concepts:

• творчество
• фантазия
• инспирация