Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intuition'

English Word: intuition

Key Russian Translations:

• интуиция [ɪn.tʊ.ˈi.t͡sɨ.jə] - [Formal, often used in psychological or philosophical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, psychology, and everyday discussions, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with abstract concepts and nominal declensions in Russian, suitable for upper-intermediate learners per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

интуиция: [ɪn.tʊ.ˈi.t͡sɨ.jə]

Note on интуиция: The stress falls on the third syllable ("и" in "туи"). Be mindful of the palatalized 'т' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations may occur in regional accents, but this is the standard Moscow-based pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The ability to understand something immediately, without conscious reasoning (e.g., gut feeling or instinctive insight).

Translation(s) & Context:

• интуиция - Used in formal contexts like psychology, decision-making, or philosophy; implies a deeper, non-rational understanding.

Usage Examples:

• Она полагается на свою интуицию в принятии важных решений.

  She relies on her intuition in making important decisions. (Demonstrates use in a personal, reflective context.)

• В науке интуиция иногда играет роль, но её нужно подтверждать фактами.

  In science, intuition sometimes plays a role, but it needs to be confirmed by facts. (Shows contrast with logical reasoning.)

• Его интуиция подсказала, что что-то не так, и он избежал опасности.

  His intuition told him that something was wrong, and he avoided the danger. (Illustrates instinctive warning in everyday scenarios.)

• Интуиция художника позволяет создавать шедевры без строгих правил.

  An artist's intuition allows them to create masterpieces without strict rules. (Highlights creative applications.)

• Развивать интуицию можно через медитацию и опыт.

  One can develop intuition through meditation and experience. (Emphasizes growth and training aspects.)

A natural ability or talent for quick understanding (e.g., in professional or intuitive fields).

Translation(s) & Context:

• интуиция - Applied in contexts like business or arts; conveys an innate skill rather than learned knowledge.

Usage Examples:

• Бизнесмены часто полагаются на интуицию в рискованных инвестициях.

  Businessmen often rely on intuition in risky investments. (Context: Professional decision-making.)

• Интуиция детектива помогла раскрыть преступление.

  The detective's intuition helped solve the crime. (Context: Investigative or problem-solving scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Интуиция" is a feminine noun (feminine gender, first declension). It follows standard Russian nominal inflections, which are regular for borrowed words ending in -ия. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not change in the plural as frequently as native Russian nouns, as it is often used in singular form. It remains invariant in some idiomatic expressions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • инстинкт (instinct; more biological connotation, often used for animal-like responses)
  • чутье (instinct or hunch; informal, implying a subtle, sensory awareness)
• Antonyms:
  • рассудок (reason; emphasizes logical thinking over gut feelings)
  • логика (logic; used when contrasting with intuitive processes)

Related Phrases:

• шестое чувство - Literally "sixth sense"; a common phrase for extrasensory intuition, often used in mysterious or supernatural contexts. (e.g., Refers to an unexplained intuitive ability.)
• внутренний голос - "Inner voice"; implies personal intuition guiding decisions. (e.g., Used in self-reflection or psychological discussions.)
• интуитивное знание - "Intuitive knowledge"; a phrase for knowledge gained through intuition rather than study. (e.g., Highlights non-academic learning.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "интуиция" directly corresponds to the English "intuition" but is typically reserved for formal or intellectual contexts, unlike more casual English uses. It is a feminine noun, so ensure agreement in gender, number, and case (e.g., "ее интуиция" for "her intuition"). When choosing between synonyms like "чутье" (more informal) and "интуиция" (formal), opt for "интуиция" in academic or professional writing. Be cautious with sentence structure; Russian often places the noun in various cases to show relationships, such as in prepositional phrases (e.g., "о интуиции" for "about intuition").

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse the case endings, e.g., saying "на интуиция" instead of the correct genitive "на интуиции" (on intuition). Correct usage: Use genitive for possession or relation, as in "доверие к интуиции" (trust in intuition). Error explanation: This stems from English's lack of cases, leading to confusion in Russian syntax.

• Confusing it with "инстинкт" by using "интуиция" for purely biological instincts. Correct: Reserve "интуиция" for cognitive or emotional insights, e.g., "Её интуиция сработала" (Her intuition worked) vs. error: "Её инстинкт сработал" for the same context. Explanation: These words overlap but "инстинкт" is more primal.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "интуиция" is often linked to literary and philosophical traditions, such as in the works of Dostoevsky, where it represents a deeper, almost mystical understanding of human nature. This reflects a broader Slavic emphasis on intuition in contrast to Western rationalism, and it's frequently discussed in contexts like Orthodox spirituality or intuitive arts, helping to convey emotional depth in interpersonal relationships.

Related Concepts:

• эмпатия (empathy)
• инстинкт (instinct)
• чутье (hunch or intuition in a sensory sense)