Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'infernal'

English Word: infernal

Key Russian Translations:

• адский [ˈads.kʲɪj] - [Informal, often used in literary or expressive contexts to convey extreme annoyance or hellish qualities]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, media, and informal speech, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their cultural connotations, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

адский: [ˈads.kʲɪj]

Note on адский: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'кʲ' sound is a palatalized 'k', which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'k' in 'cute' but sharper. Variations in pronunciation may occur in different dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Hellish or diabolical (Referring to something extremely unpleasant, devilish, or infernal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• адский - Used in contexts describing intense negativity, such as a frustrating situation or something overwhelmingly bad (e.g., in literature or casual complaints).

Usage Examples:

• Этот адский шум не дает мне сосредоточиться на работе.

  This infernal noise doesn't let me focus on my work.

• В старом замке царила адская атмосфера, полная тайн и опасностей.

  In the old castle, an infernal atmosphere reigned, full of mysteries and dangers.

• Его адский характер делает его непредсказуемым в спорах.

  His infernal temper makes him unpredictable in arguments.

• После адской жары лета мы наконец наслаждаемся прохладой.

  After the infernal heat of summer, we're finally enjoying the coolness.

• Адский план врагов был раскрыт вовремя.

  The infernal plan of the enemies was uncovered in time.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Адский is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. It changes based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective is regular, so it follows standard rules without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дьявольский (diavolskiy) - More formal, emphasizing demonic aspects; often used in religious or literary contexts.
  • чертов (chertov) - Informal and colloquial, similar to "damned" in English, but with a lighter, more playful tone in some cases.
• Antonyms:
  • небесный (nebesnyy) - Heavenly or divine, contrasting the hellish connotation.
  • ангельский (angelskiy) - Angelic, used for something pure or benevolent.

Related Phrases:

• адский огонь - Hellfire; a phrase used metaphorically for intense destruction or passion.
• адская машина - Infernal machine; refers to a complex or destructive device, often in historical or thriller contexts.
• адский холод - Infernal cold; describes extremely severe weather conditions.

Usage Notes:

Адский directly corresponds to the English "infernal" in its sense of something hellish or extremely unpleasant, but it's more commonly used in expressive or dramatic contexts in Russian. Unlike English, where "infernal" might sound archaic, адский is versatile in modern Russian speech. Be mindful of its informal tone; it's best avoided in formal writing. When choosing between synonyms like дьявольский (more religious) and чертов (more casual), consider the audience and context. Grammatically, always inflect it according to the noun it modifies.

Common Errors:

• Confusing адский with ад (hell, a noun): Learners might use адский when they mean the noun form, e.g., saying "Это ад!" instead of "Это адский!" for "This is infernal!" Incorrect: "Это ад место" (This hell place). Correct: "Это адское место" (This infernal place). Explanation: Ад is a noun, while адский is an adjective, so match the word class to the sentence structure.

• Forgetting inflections: English speakers often overlook case changes, e.g., using "адский" for all forms. Incorrect: "В адский доме" (in infernal house, wrong case). Correct: "В адском доме". Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in case, number, and gender with their nouns.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like адский often evoke imagery from Orthodox Christian traditions, where hell (ад) is depicted in folklore and literature, such as in Dostoevsky's works. It carries a dramatic, almost romanticized connotation of suffering or extremity, reflecting Russia's historical emphasis on endurance and the sublime in art.

Related Concepts:

• ад (hell)
• дьявол (devil)
• демон (demon)