incredibly
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'incredibly'
English Word: incredibly
Key Russian Translations:
- невероятно [nʲɪvʲɪˈrojətnə] - [Adverb, Formal/Informal; Used to intensify adjectives or describe something astonishing]
Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversation, literature, and media, but not as basic as everyday intensifiers like "очень").
Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can understand and use it in context, but mastering nuances requires practice with Russian adverbial structures).
Pronunciation (Russian):
невероятно: nʲɪvʲɪˈrojətnə
Note on невероятно: The stress falls on the third syllable (-ро́й-), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Pronounce the initial 'н' as a soft 'n' sound.
Audio:
Meanings and Usage:
Meaning 1: Used to emphasize that something is extremely or unbelievably surprising, impressive, or positive.
Translation(s) & Context:
- невероятно - In contexts where the speaker wants to express amazement or exaggeration, such as describing talents, events, or qualities (e.g., in formal writing, casual speech, or storytelling).
Usage Examples:
-
Он невероятно талантлив в музыке.
He is incredibly talented in music. (This example shows the adverb modifying an adjective in a positive context, highlighting natural talents.)
-
Эта история невероятно интересная.
This story is incredibly interesting. (Here, it intensifies an adjective in a narrative setting, common in literature or casual discussions.)
-
Фильм был невероятно смешным, все зрители смеялись.
The film was incredibly funny; everyone in the audience was laughing. (Demonstrates use in describing entertainment, with a focus on emotional impact.)
-
Ее выступление было невероятно эмоциональным.
Her performance was incredibly emotional. (Illustrates adverbial use in artistic or performance contexts, emphasizing depth.)
-
Дом был невероятно большим для такой семьи.
The house was incredibly big for such a family. (Shows application in everyday descriptions, comparing sizes or scales.)
Meaning 2: Used sarcastically to indicate something is surprisingly bad or disappointing (less common, but possible in informal contexts).
Translation(s) & Context:
- невероятно - In ironic or humorous situations, often in informal speech to express disbelief or mockery (e.g., in conversations among friends).
Usage Examples:
-
О, невероятно, опять опоздал на встречу!
Oh, incredibly, he's late for the meeting again! (This sarcastic use highlights frustration in daily life scenarios.)
-
Еда в этом ресторане невероятно невкусная.
The food in this restaurant is incredibly tasteless. (Demonstrates ironic intensification of a negative adjective.)
Russian Forms/Inflections:
невероятно is an adverb in Russian and does not undergo inflection for gender, number, case, or tense. It remains unchanged in all contexts, which is typical for many Russian adverbs derived from adjectives.
For comparison, if used in comparative forms (though rare for this word), it might imply intensification through context rather than morphological change. No table is needed due to its invariable nature.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- удивительно (udivitel'no) - Similar in meaning but often implies more wonder; used in formal contexts.
- чрезвычайно (chrezvychaino) - Emphasizes extremity; preferred in official or written language.
- необычайно (neobyknayno) - Conveys unusualness; subtle difference in evoking curiosity.
- Antonyms:
- обычно (obychno) - Means ordinarily or normally; contrasts by downplaying exaggeration.
- нормально (normal'no) - Implies averageness; common in informal speech to negate intensity.
Related Phrases:
- Невероятно, но факт - Incredibly, but it's a fact (Used to introduce surprising truths in storytelling or journalism).
- Невероятно красивый - Incredibly beautiful (A common phrase for describing aesthetics in travel or art contexts).
- Невероятно удачный - Incredibly lucky (Often in discussions of fortune or success, with a positive connotation).
Usage Notes:
In Russian, "невероятно" directly corresponds to "incredibly" as an intensifying adverb but is more versatile in emotional expression. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, though it's slightly more common in spoken language. When choosing between translations, opt for "невероятно" for emphasis on surprise; for simpler intensification, "очень" might suffice. Be mindful of word order: in Russian, adverbs like this typically precede the adjective they modify, e.g., "невероятно красивый дом." Grammatically, it doesn't agree with other words, making it straightforward for English learners.
Common Errors:
- Mistaking it for a different intensifier: English learners often confuse "невероятно" with "очень" (very). Incorrect: "Он очень невероятно талантлив" (redundant). Correct: "Он невероятно талантлив." Explanation: Use "невероятно" alone for emphasis; combining it unnecessarily can sound awkward in Russian.
- Overusing in formal writing: Learners might overuse it in essays, making text sound hyperbolic. Incorrect example: "Документ невероятно важный для экономики" when a milder word is needed. Correct: Assess context and use synonyms like "чрезвычайно" for variety.
- Pronunciation errors: Mispronouncing the soft 'н' or stress, e.g., saying [nɪvəˈrojətnə] instead of [nʲɪvʲɪˈrojətnə], which can alter meaning or comprehension.
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, "невероятно" often appears in expressions of admiration or skepticism, reflecting the language's rich tradition of emotional rhetoric in literature and everyday conversation. For instance, it's frequently used in Russian media to describe feats in sports or arts, echoing a cultural appreciation for exaggeration in storytelling, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov.
Related Concepts:
- удивительно
- чрезвычайно
- необычайно
- фантастически