Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'infinite'

English Word: infinite

Key Russian Translations:

• бесконечный [bʲɪskɐˈnʲetʂnɨj] - [Formal, used in academic, mathematical, and philosophical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in scientific, mathematical, and everyday discussions about limits or eternity, but not in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 Intermediate (Requires understanding of basic Russian adjectives and declensions; learners at this level can grasp it with practice, but mastering inflections may take effort)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бесконечный: [bʲɪskɐˈnʲetʂnɨj]

Note on бесконечный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nʲetʂnɨj"), and the initial "bʲ" sound is a palatalized "b," which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft, almost "by" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Without limits or bounds (e.g., in mathematics, space, or time)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бесконечный - Typically used in formal contexts like science, philosophy, or descriptions of vast concepts; implies something that extends forever without end.

Usage Examples:

• В математике бесконечность играет ключевую роль в теории множеств.

  In mathematics, infinity plays a key role in set theory.

• Бесконечное пространство Вселенной всегда вдохновляло философов.

  The infinite space of the universe has always inspired philosophers.

• Эта серия фильмов кажется бесконечной из-за множества сиквелов.

  This series of films seems infinite due to the multitude of sequels.

• Бесконечный поток информации в интернете может overwhelm пользователей.

  The infinite stream of information on the internet can overwhelm users.

• В повседневной жизни мы редко сталкиваемся с чем-то по-настоящему бесконечным.

  In everyday life, we rarely encounter something truly infinite.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Бесконечный is an adjective in Russian, which means it undergoes declension based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow regular patterns for most forms. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This is a regular adjective, so it follows standard patterns without irregularities. Always ensure agreement with the noun it describes.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • неограниченный (neogranichennyy) - Similar but often used for "unlimited" in a more practical sense, e.g., resources.
  • вечный (vechnyy) - Implies "eternal" with a connotation of timelessness, often in philosophical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • конечный (konechnyy) - Directly opposite, meaning "finite" or "limited."
  • ограниченный (ogranichennyy) - Means "restricted" or "bounded," used in everyday limitations.

Related Phrases:

• бесконечное пространство - Infinite space; often used in discussions of cosmology or exploration.
• бесконечный цикл - Infinite cycle; refers to repeating processes, like in programming or life events.
• бесконечная энергия - Infinite energy; a concept in physics or metaphorical for endless resources.

Usage Notes:

Бесконечный directly corresponds to "infinite" in English, particularly in abstract or scientific contexts, but it's less common in casual speech. Use it with nouns to describe something without end, ensuring proper declension for gender, number, and case. For example, in formal writing or education, it's preferred over synonyms like "неограниченный" when emphasizing true boundlessness. Be cautious with cultural nuances: in Russian, it can carry philosophical weight, as in discussions of eternity. If multiple translations are available, choose "бесконечный" for mathematical precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to decline the adjective correctly, e.g., saying "бесконечный книга" instead of "бесконечная книга" for a feminine noun like "книга" (book).

  Correct: Бесконечная книга (The infinite book). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with their nouns; this is a common mistake for English speakers used to invariable adjectives.

• Error: Using it interchangeably with "вечный," leading to confusion in meaning, e.g., describing a temporary loop as "бесконечный."

  Correct: For a repeating but not truly endless process, use "повторяющийся" instead. Explanation: "Бесконечный" implies absolute infinity, while "вечный" might suggest longevity without end, so context matters to avoid overstatement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and literature, "бесконечный" often appears in philosophical or poetic contexts, influenced by thinkers like Dostoevsky or in Orthodox theology, where infinity symbolizes the divine or the mysteries of the universe. This reflects a broader Slavic tradition of contemplating the infinite in contrast to Western scientific views, helping users appreciate its deeper, existential connotations.

Related Concepts:

• вечность (eternity)
• бессмертие (immortality)
• пространство (space)