Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'infinity'

English Word: infinity

Key Russian Translations:

• бесконечность [bʲɪskɐˈnʲet͡ɕnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Mathematical and Philosophical Contexts]
• непостижимость [nʲɪpɐˈstʲiʐʲɪməsʲtʲ] - [Informal, Poetic or Abstract Usage, when emphasizing incomprehensibility]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, scientific, and philosophical discussions but less frequent in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves abstract concepts and requires understanding of Russian noun declensions; for 'непостижимость', it may be C1 due to its more nuanced, literary applications.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бесконечность: [bʲɪskɐˈnʲet͡ɕnəsʲtʲ]

непостижимость: [nʲɪpɐˈstʲiʐʲɪməsʲtʲ]

Note on бесконечность: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('nʲet͡ɕ-'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants; variations in informal speech may soften the 'ch' sound.

Note on непостижимость: This word has a softer, more flowing pronunciation; be mindful of the 'zh' sound [ʐʲ], which is similar to the 's' in 'measure'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state or quality of being infinite, endless, or boundless (e.g., in mathematics, space, or time).

Translation(s) & Context:

• бесконечность - Used in formal contexts like mathematics or physics, to describe something without limits, such as an infinite series.
• непостижимость - Applied in philosophical or literary contexts, emphasizing the incomprehensible or boundless nature, often in discussions of the universe or existence.

Usage Examples:

• В математике бесконечность часто используется для описания множеств, которые не имеют конца.

  In mathematics, infinity is often used to describe sets that have no end.

• Космос представляет собой бесконечность, полную тайн и неизведанных миров.

  The cosmos represents an infinity full of mysteries and undiscovered worlds.

• Непостижимость времени заставляет нас размышлять о вечности.

  The incomprehensibility of time makes us ponder eternity.

• В поэзии бесконечность символизирует вечную любовь, которая не угасает.

  In poetry, infinity symbolizes eternal love that never fades.

• Философы спорят о непостижимости вселенной, где бесконечность встречается с человеческим разумом.

  Philosophers debate the incomprehensibility of the universe, where infinity meets human reason.

A metaphorical or abstract sense, implying something limitless in extent (e.g., emotions or possibilities).

Translation(s) & Context:

• бесконечность - In everyday metaphors, to express endless potential, such as in personal growth or creativity.
• непостижимость - In reflective or spiritual contexts, to convey something beyond human grasp, like infinite wisdom.

Usage Examples:

• Возможности в жизни кажутся бесконечностью, если подходить к ним с энтузиазмом.

  Possibilities in life seem like infinity if approached with enthusiasm.

• Непостижимость человеческой души часто описывается как бесконечность эмоций.

  The incomprehensibility of the human soul is often described as an infinity of emotions.

• Для художника холст — это бесконечность идей, ждущих воплощения.

  For an artist, the canvas is an infinity of ideas waiting to be realized.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'бесконечность' and 'непостижимость' are feminine nouns in the third declension, which means they follow standard patterns for Russian nouns. 'Бесконечность' is invariable in its root but changes by case and number as typical for abstract nouns.

Note: These nouns do not have plural forms in most contexts, as they represent abstract concepts. Irregularities are minimal, but always check for prepositional phrases where the case changes.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • неограниченность (unlimitedness; more neutral and less poetic)
  • вечность (eternity; used when implying timelessness, with a subtle spiritual connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • конечность (finitude; directly opposite, emphasizing limits)
  • ограниченность (limitedness; used in practical or scientific contexts)

Related Phrases:

• бесконечный космос - Refers to the infinite universe, often in scientific or exploratory contexts.
• непостижимая бесконечность - Describes an incomprehensible infinity, commonly in philosophical discussions about existence.
• в бесконечности времени - Meaning "in the infinity of time," used to express eternal processes or timeless events.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'бесконечность' directly corresponds to the mathematical concept of infinity in English, making it ideal for scientific translations. However, 'непостижимость' is better for abstract or emotional contexts where infinity implies mystery. Always consider the grammatical case based on sentence structure; for example, use the genitive case after prepositions like 'о' (about). When choosing between translations, opt for 'бесконечность' in formal settings and 'непостижимость' in literary ones to match nuance.

• Grammar tip: These nouns are typically singular and require agreement in gender and case with adjectives or verbs.
• Context tip: In everyday Russian, avoid overusing these words in casual talk; they sound more elevated.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the case endings, such as saying 'в бесконечность' incorrectly in contexts requiring the accusative (correct: 'в бесконечность' for direction, but ensure proper preposition use). For example:

• Error: 'Я думаю о бесконечность' (incorrect genitive usage).
• Correct: 'Я думаю о бесконечности' (proper genitive for 'about'). Explanation: Russian requires the genitive after 'о', so always adjust the noun ending accordingly to avoid sounding unnatural.
• Another error: Confusing with 'вечность', leading to 'Я верю в бесконечность' when 'вечность' might be more appropriate for spiritual contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'бесконечность' often carries philosophical weight, influenced by thinkers like Dostoevsky, who explored infinite human potential in works like 'The Brothers Karamazov'. It symbolizes the vastness of the Russian landscape and soul, contrasting with Western views that might focus more on measurable infinity in science.

Related Concepts:

• вечность (eternity)
• пространство (space)
• время (time)