Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intellectual'

English Word: intellectual

Key Russian Translations:

• интеллектуал /ɪn.tʲɪlʲ.ɛk.tu.ˈal/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic, literary, and intellectual discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to education and society)

Pronunciation (Russian):

интеллектуал: /ɪn.tʲɪlʲ.ɛk.tu.ˈal/

Note on интеллектуал: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tu"), and the "лʲ" indicates a palatalized 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft, flowing rhythm to mimic natural Russian speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who engages in intellectual pursuits, often highly educated and involved in academic or cultural activities.

Translation(s) & Context:

• интеллектуал - Used in formal contexts such as discussions about philosophy, literature, or science, where the emphasis is on intellectual depth and education.

Usage Examples:

• Он является известным интеллектуалом в области философии.

  He is a famous intellectual in the field of philosophy.

• Интеллектуалы часто собираются на конференциях для обмена идеями.

  Intellectuals often gather at conferences to exchange ideas.

• Её книги привлекают интеллектуалов, интересующихся современной культурой.

  Her books attract intellectuals interested in modern culture.

• Как интеллектуал, он предпочитает глубокие дискуссии поверхностным разговорам.

  As an intellectual, he prefers deep discussions to superficial conversations.

• В советское время интеллектуалы играли ключевую роль в развитии науки.

  In Soviet times, intellectuals played a key role in the development of science.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Интеллектуал" is a masculine noun (third declension in Russian). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to a group of intellectuals, and the word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • интеллигент (intelligent; often implies cultural refinement and education, but with a broader connotation than интеллектуал)
  • учёный (scholar; used when emphasizing academic or scientific expertise)
• Antonyms:
  • невежественный (ignorant; refers to a lack of knowledge or intellectual curiosity)
  • простолюдин (commoner; implies someone without intellectual or cultural sophistication)

Related Phrases:

• интеллектуальный элит (intellectual elite) - Refers to a group of highly educated individuals who influence society and culture.
• интеллектуальная собственность (intellectual property) - Used in legal and business contexts to denote creations of the mind, like patents or copyrights.
• мир интеллектуалов (world of intellectuals) - Describes the social and professional circles of thinkers and scholars.

Usage Notes:

"Интеллектуал" directly corresponds to the English "intellectual" in meaning, but it is more commonly used in formal or written Russian rather than everyday speech. Be mindful of the context: in Russian culture, this term can carry a positive connotation of deep thinking and education, but it might sometimes imply elitism. When choosing between synonyms like "интеллигент," opt for "интеллектуал" when focusing on intellectual pursuits rather than general refinement. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to ensure sentence accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the word in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я встретил интеллектуал" instead of "Я встретил интеллектуала" (accusative case).

  Correct: Я встретил интеллектуала на конференции. (I met an intellectual at the conference.)

  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with their role in the sentence; failing to decline can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

• Mistake: Confusing it with "интеллектуальный" (adjective form), e.g., using "интеллектуал" where an adjective is needed.

  Correct: Он имеет интеллектуальный подход. (He has an intellectual approach.)

  Explanation: "Интеллектуал" is a noun, while "интеллектуальный" is the adjective; mix-ups can alter the sentence's meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "интеллектуал" is often associated with the historical role of intellectuals during the Soviet era, who were key figures in literature, science, and dissent. It evokes images of thinkers like dissidents or philosophers who challenged authority, reflecting a deep respect for intellectual freedom amidst historical censorship.

Related Concepts:

• интеллигенция
• культурный деятель
• научный мыслитель