Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'impervious'

English Word: impervious

Key Russian Translations:

• Непроницаемый [nʲɪ-prə-nʲɪ-tsə-mʲɪ-ɪj] - [Formal; used for physical barriers or impermeability]
• Невосприимчивый [nʲɪ-vɐs-prʲɪ-mʲɪ-tɕɪv-ɨj] - [Formal; used for emotional or abstract resistance]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in technical, scientific, or literary contexts, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective inflections and nuanced contexts; for 'Непроницаемый', it may be slightly easier at B1 due to concrete applications, while 'Невосприимчивый' is more abstract and aligns with B2)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Непроницаемый: [nʲɪ-prə-nʲɪ-tsə-mʲɪ-ɪj]

Note on Непроницаемый: The stress falls on the third syllable ('-ni-'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft consonants; practice with minimal pairs for accuracy.

Невосприимчивый: [nʲɪ-vɐs-prʲɪ-mʲɪ-tɕɪv-ɨj]

Note on Невосприимчивый: Pay attention to the palatalized 's' sound in 'вос-', which is softer than in English; this word has a rolling rhythm that aids in natural flow.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Not allowing something to pass through (e.g., liquids, gases, or physical penetration)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Непроницаемый - Used in contexts involving materials, surfaces, or barriers, such as in engineering or everyday descriptions of waterproof items.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Эта куртка сделана из непроницаемого материала, чтобы защитить от дождя.

  English: This jacket is made from impervious material to protect against rain.

• Русский: В лабораторных условиях стекло должно быть непроницаемым для химических веществ.

  English: In laboratory conditions, the glass must be impervious to chemicals.

• Русский: Непроницаемый слой краски предотвращает коррозию металла.

  English: The impervious layer of paint prevents corrosion of the metal.

• Русский: Дверь была непроницаемой для шума из соседней комнаты.

  English: The door was impervious to noise from the next room.

Meaning 2: Unaffected or resistant to external influences (e.g., emotions, criticism, or ideas)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Невосприимчивый - Applied in abstract or psychological contexts, such as personal resilience or immunity to persuasion.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Он остался невосприимчивым к критике и продолжил свою работу.

  English: He remained impervious to criticism and continued his work.

• Русский: Её характер делает её невосприимчивой к негативным влияниям.

  English: Her character makes her impervious to negative influences.

• Русский: В таких ситуациях лидер должен быть невосприимчивым к эмоциям.

  English: In such situations, a leader must be impervious to emotions.

• Русский: Дети иногда бывают невосприимчивыми к советам взрослых.

  English: Children are sometimes impervious to advice from adults.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Непроницаемый' and 'Невосприимчивый' are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Russian adjectives follow standard patterns with some irregularities in spelling due to consonant softening. Below is a table for each:

These adjectives are regular in their inflections but may show softening of consonants (e.g., 'м' in Непроницаемый). If the word is used predicatively, it may not inflect as fully.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Водонепроницаемый (for physical impermeability; specifically for water resistance)
  • Стойкий (more general resilience, with a connotation of endurance)
  • Иммунный (for abstract immunity, similar to невосприимчивый)
• Antonyms:
  • Проницаемый (permeable, allowing passage)
  • Уязвимый (vulnerable, easily affected)

Related Phrases:

• Непроницаемый барьер - A barrier that nothing can penetrate; used in contexts like security or physics.
• Невосприимчивый к критике - Unaffected by criticism; common in discussions of personality or leadership.
• Полностью непроницаемый материал - Fully impervious material; refers to advanced materials in technology.

Usage Notes:

Use 'Непроницаемый' when referring to physical or tangible barriers (e.g., waterproof fabrics), as it directly mirrors the English 'impervious' in literal senses. 'Невосприимчивый' is better for abstract or emotional contexts, like resisting influence, which aligns with idiomatic English usage. Both are formal, so avoid in casual speech; opt for simpler synonyms in everyday Russian. Grammatically, ensure agreement with the noun's gender, number, and case. When choosing between translations, consider the context: if it's about protection, go with 'Непроницаемый'; for psychological resilience, use 'Невосприимчивый'.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'Непроницаемый' with 'Проницаемый' and using it in the wrong context. Correct: 'Эта ткань непроницаема' (This fabric is impervious); Incorrect: 'Эта ткань проницаема' (This fabric is permeable). Explanation: English learners often mix up prefixes; remember 'не-' means 'not'.

• Error: Failing to inflect the adjective properly, e.g., using 'Непроницаемый' in feminine form as 'Непроницаемый' instead of 'Непроницаемая'. Correct: 'Непроницаемая дверь' (Impervious door, feminine). Explanation: Russian requires adjective-noun agreement; check the noun's gender first.

• Error: Overusing 'Невосприимчивый' in physical contexts. Correct: 'Непроницаемый для воды' (Impervious to water); Incorrect: 'Невосприимчивый для воды'. Explanation: This can lead to semantic confusion; stick to abstract uses for 'Невосприимчивый'.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'Невосприимчивый' often appear in literature or philosophical discussions, reflecting themes of resilience in the face of adversity, such as in Russian history (e.g., enduring harsh winters or political challenges). This adds a layer of stoicism, similar to the English concept of 'imperviousness' in stoic philosophy, but with a more communal undertone in Russian usage.

Related Concepts:

• Стойкий (resilient)
• Иммунный (immune)
• Устойчивый (stable or resistant)