Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'impatience'

English Word: impatience

Key Russian Translations:

• нетерпение [nʲɪˈtʲerpʲɪnʲɪje] - [Noun, Singular, Informal/Formal]
• нервозность [nʲɪrˈvoznəsʲtʲ] - [Noun, Singular, Informal, Used in contexts of anxiety or irritability]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, literature, and media, but not as frequent as basic emotions like happiness or sadness)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; Requires understanding of noun declensions and common emotional vocabulary; For 'нетерпение', it's straightforward, but 'нервозность' may vary slightly in nuance)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нетерпение: [nʲɪˈtʲerpʲɪnʲɪje]

нервозность: [nʲɪrˈvoznəsʲtʲ]

Note on нетерпение: The stress falls on the third syllable ('terp-'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being unable to wait patiently or tolerate delay

Translation(s) & Context:

• нетерпение - Used in everyday situations involving frustration with waiting, such as in queues or conversations.
• нервозность - Applied in contexts with heightened anxiety, like during stressful events, but less directly tied to waiting.

Usage Examples:

• Его нетерпение стало очевидным, когда он начал постукивать пальцами по столу.

  His impatience became obvious when he started tapping his fingers on the table.

• В очереди за билетами люди проявляли нетерпение из-за долгого ожидания.

  In the ticket line, people showed impatience due to the long wait.

• Её нервозность в разговоре была похожа на нетерпение, но с оттенком тревоги.

  Her nervousness in the conversation was similar to impatience, but with a hint of anxiety.

• Нетерпение ребёнка перед Рождеством заставило его рано проснуться.

  The child's impatience before Christmas made him wake up early.

• В переполненном автобусе нервозность пассажиров росла, превращаясь в нетерпение.

  In the crowded bus, the passengers' nervousness grew, turning into impatience.

The eagerness or restlessness to do something

Translation(s) & Context:

• нетерпение - Often used in positive or neutral contexts, like excitement for an event.
• нервозность - Less common here, but can imply negative restlessness.

Usage Examples:

• Его нетерпение увидеть новую машину было заразительным.

  His impatience to see the new car was contagious.

• Нетерпение студентов перед экзаменом проявлялось в их быстрых вопросах.

  The students' impatience before the exam showed in their quick questions.

• Нервозность перед полётом иногда путают с нетерпением, но это разные эмоции.

  Nervousness before a flight is sometimes confused with impatience, but they are different emotions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'нетерпение' and 'нервозность' are neuter nouns in Russian, which follow standard third-declension patterns for neuter nouns. They are indeclinable in some forms but typically change based on case and number.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: нетерпимость (impatience with intolerance), раздражительность (irritability) - 'нетерпимость' often implies a more ideological stance, while 'раздражительность' focuses on quick temper.
• Antonyms: терпение (patience), спокойствие (calmness) - 'терпение' directly contrasts with waiting-related impatience.

Related Phrases:

• Терпение лопнуло - Literally "patience burst," meaning "impatience reached a breaking point"; Used to describe when someone can no longer wait.
• Нетерпеливый взгляд - "Impatient glance"; Refers to a look showing eagerness or frustration.
• В нетерпении ждать - "To wait in impatience"; Common in narratives to describe anxious anticipation.

Usage Notes:

'Нетерпение' is the most direct translation of 'impatience' and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in literature or daily speech. It aligns closely with English in emotional expression but remember that Russian nouns must agree in case, number, and gender. For instance, choose 'нервозность' when the impatience involves nervousness rather than just waiting. In formal writing, pair it with verbs like 'проявлять' (to show) for clarity. English learners should note that Russian often requires more explicit context for emotions, so avoid overusing it without supporting details.

• Guideline: If the impatience is tied to excitement, 'нетерпение' works well; for anxiety-driven scenarios, consider 'нервозность'.
• Grammar tip: Always decline the noun based on its role in the sentence, e.g., in genitive for possession.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'нетерпение' with 'нервозность' and use them interchangeably, but 'нервозность' implies a broader anxiety. For example:

• Error: Saying "Я чувствую нервозность в очереди" when meaning simple waiting (incorrect because it adds unwarranted anxiety).
• Correct: "Я чувствую нетерпение в очереди" - This accurately conveys frustration without implying deeper nerves.
• Another error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., using nominative in all cases, which can make sentences grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'нетерпение' is often linked to the historical emphasis on endurance and resilience, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works. It can carry a subtle connotation of weakness or lack of self-control in formal contexts, reflecting cultural values of patience in the face of adversity, such as during Russia's long winters or historical hardships.

Related Concepts:

• терпение (patience)
• раздражение (irritation)
• возбуждение (excitement)