Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'inexplicable'

English Word: inexplicable

Key Russian Translations:

• необъяснимый /nʲɪɐˈbʲjasnʲɪmɨj/ - [Formal adjective, used in descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, scientific discussions, and everyday conversations about mysteries)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective declensions and abstract concepts, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

необъяснимый: /nʲɪɐˈbʲjasnʲɪmɨj/

Note on необъяснимый: The stress falls on the third syllable ("bʲjas"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants (e.g., 'нʲ' sounds like a soft 'n'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Something that cannot be explained or understood rationally.

Translation(s) & Context:

• необъяснимый - Used in formal or academic contexts to describe phenomena, events, or ideas that defy logical explanation, such as in scientific or philosophical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Это необъяснимое явление потрясло весь город. (This inexplicable phenomenon shook the entire city.)

  English Translation: This inexplicable phenomenon shook the entire city. (Context: Describing a mysterious event in a narrative.)

• Его поведение было необъяснимым для друзей. (His behavior was inexplicable to his friends.)

  English Translation: His behavior was inexplicable to his friends. (Context: In interpersonal relationships, highlighting confusion in everyday dialogue.)

• В науке иногда встречаются необъяснимые закономерности. (In science, there are sometimes inexplicable patterns.)

  English Translation: In science, there are sometimes inexplicable patterns. (Context: Academic or scientific writing, showing usage in plural forms.)

• Она сочла его историю необъяснимой и отказалась верить. (She found his story inexplicable and refused to believe it.)

  English Translation: She found his story inexplicable and refused to believe it. (Context: Narrative fiction, demonstrating negation and emotional response.)

• Необъяснимый страх охватил его в темноте. (An inexplicable fear gripped him in the darkness.)

  English Translation: An inexplicable fear gripped him in the darkness. (Context: Psychological or literary contexts, illustrating abstract emotional states.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

необъяснимый is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ый, with short forms and full declensions. There are no irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward once basic rules are learned.

Note: The short form (e.g., необъясним) is less common and used in specific predicative contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • загадочный (more mysterious, often implying intrigue)
  • мистический (with a mystical or supernatural connotation, used in spiritual contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • объяснимый (directly opposite, meaning explainable or rational)
  • понятный (understandable, emphasizing clarity)

Related Phrases:

• Необъяснимое явление - (Inexplicable phenomenon; refers to events like UFO sightings in casual or scientific discussions.)
• Необъяснимый страх - (Inexplicable fear; common in psychological contexts, such as phobias without apparent cause.)
• Необъяснимый факт - (Inexplicable fact; used in debates or investigations to highlight anomalies.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "необъяснимый" directly corresponds to "inexplicable" as an adjective, but it's often used in more formal or literary settings than in everyday speech. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which has no direct equivalent in English. For instance, choose between translations based on context: use "загадочный" for something more puzzling rather than purely unexplainable. Avoid overusing it in informal conversations, where simpler words like "странный" (strange) might suffice.

• Grammar tip: Always decline the adjective correctly to match the noun (e.g., with feminine nouns, use "необъяснимая").
• Context guidance: In scientific writing, pair it with phrases like "в науке" (in science) for precision.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake "необъяснимый" for "непонятный" (unintelligible), which implies something is hard to understand due to complexity rather than inexplicability. Incorrect: "Это непонятный страх" (meaning "This is an unintelligible fear," which doesn't convey the same mystery). Correct: "Это необъяснимый страх" – The error arises from confusing abstract concepts; always check the context to ensure the word matches the intended nuance of irrationality.

• Another common mistake: Forgetting to decline the adjective, e.g., saying "необъяснимый женщина" instead of "необъяснимая женщина." Explanation: Russian requires agreement, so always adjust the ending based on the noun's gender and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "необъяснимый" often appear in folklore and literature, such as in stories about Baba Yaga or unexplained natural events in rural settings. This reflects a cultural fascination with the mystical and the unknown, influenced by Russia's vast landscapes and historical mysticism, helping to evoke a sense of wonder or superstition in everyday language.

Related Concepts:

• тайна (mystery)
• мистика (mysticism)
• аномалия (anomaly)