Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'impulse'

English Word: impulse

Key Russian Translations:

• импульс [ɪmˈpʊls] - [Formal, Technical contexts, such as physics or psychology]
• порыв [ˈporɨf] - [Informal, Emotional or everyday contexts, often implying a sudden emotional urge]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, psychological, and casual conversations, but varies by context)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of context to distinguish between translations, with "импульс" being more straightforward for technical learners and "порыв" involving nuanced emotional vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

импульс: [ɪmˈpʊls]

Note on импульс: The stress falls on the second syllable; be careful with the "у" sound, which is pronounced like the "u" in "put".

Audio: []

порыв: [ˈporɨf]

Note on порыв: The "ы" sound is a soft, centralized vowel unique to Russian; it can be challenging for English speakers, similar to the "i" in "bit" but more neutral.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A sudden strong desire or urge to act (Emotional or psychological impulse)

Translation(s) & Context:

• порыв - Used in informal settings to describe spontaneous emotional actions, such as a sudden decision driven by feelings.
• импульс - Occasionally used in psychological contexts for a more controlled or analytical sense of an urge.

Usage Examples:

• Он не смог устоять перед порывом и позвонил ей посреди ночи.

  He couldn't resist the impulse and called her in the middle of the night.

• Её порыв к приключениям заставил её бросить всё и уехать в путешествие.

  Her impulse for adventure made her drop everything and go on a trip.

• Под влиянием импульса, он подписал контракт без раздумий.

  Under the impulse, he signed the contract without thinking twice.

• Этот порыв гнева быстро прошёл, оставив сожаление.

  This impulse of anger passed quickly, leaving regret.

• Импульс к действию возник из-за неожиданного события.

  The impulse to act arose from an unexpected event.

2. A sudden force or pulse, especially in physics or mechanics

Translation(s) & Context:

• импульс - Primarily used in formal, scientific, or technical contexts, such as in physics to describe a momentary force.

Usage Examples:

• Импульс от удара был достаточно сильным, чтобы сломать стекло.

  The impulse from the impact was strong enough to break the glass.

• В физике импульс определяется как произведение массы на скорость.

  In physics, impulse is defined as the product of mass and velocity.

• Электрический импульс передаёт сигнал по нервным клеткам.

  The electrical impulse transmits signals through nerve cells.

• Импульс двигателя обеспечивает быстрое ускорение.

  The impulse of the engine provides rapid acceleration.

• Под действием импульса, объект изменил траекторию движения.

  Under the impulse, the object changed its trajectory.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "импульс" (a masculine noun, often used in singular form):

Note: "Импульс" follows standard masculine noun patterns with no irregularities. It is invariant in some contexts.

For "порыв" (a masculine noun, also follows standard patterns):

Note: "Порыв" is typically used in singular for emotional contexts and can be irregular in poetic or literary uses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: толчок (a push or jolt, similar to physical impulse), вспышка (a flash or burst, for emotional impulse)
• Antonyms: сдержанность (restraint, implying control over impulses)

Related Phrases:

• Спонтанный порыв - A spontaneous impulse; refers to an unplanned, sudden action driven by emotion.
• Эмоциональный импульс - Emotional impulse; used in psychological discussions to describe reactive behavior.
• Под влиянием порыва - Under the influence of an impulse; common in narratives for describing hasty decisions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "импульс" is the more precise translation for technical or scientific contexts, directly mirroring the English term in physics, while "порыв" is better for everyday emotional scenarios. Choose "порыв" in informal speech to convey passion or spontaneity, but avoid it in formal writing. Note the grammatical gender (both are masculine), which affects adjective agreements, e.g., "сильный импульс" (strong impulse). Be mindful of context to prevent mistranslation; for instance, an "impulse buy" is often "импульсивная покупка" rather than just "порыв".

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse "импульс" by treating it as feminine, leading to incorrect agreements like "сильная импульс" instead of "сильный импульс". Correct: Use masculine adjectives, e.g., "сильный импульс".
• Confusing "порыв" with "порывок" (which is not standard); instead, stick to "порыв" for impulses. Error example: "Я почувствовал порывок" (incorrect) vs. Correct: "Я почувствовал порыв".
• Overusing "импульс" in emotional contexts; this can sound overly technical. Error: "Его импульс любви" (awkward) vs. Correct: "Его порыв любви".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "порыв" often appears in literature and poetry to symbolize romantic passion or revolutionary zeal, as seen in works by Pushkin or Tolstoy. It carries a positive connotation of bold action, reflecting historical themes of heroism, but can also imply recklessness in modern contexts.

Related Concepts:

• мотивация (motivation)
• инстинкт (instinct)
• всплеск (surge or outburst)