Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'marvel'

English Word: marvel

Key Russian Translations:

• чудо [ˈt͡ɕudə] - [Formal, Noun, Used in contexts describing wonders or miracles]
• удивляться [ʊˈdʲivlʲætʲsʲə] - [Informal/Neutral, Verb, Used to express astonishment or admiration]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, everyday conversation, and media, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 for 'чудо' (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun declensions); B2 for 'удивляться' (Upper-Intermediate, due to reflexive verb conjugation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

чудо: [ˈt͡ɕudə]

Note on чудо: The initial 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to the 'ch' in 'loch' in Scottish English; stress is on the first syllable. Be mindful of the soft 'д' sound.

удивляться: [ʊˈdʲivlʲætʲsʲə]

Note on удивляться: This is a reflexive verb; the 'ся' ending affects pronunciation, making it softer. Stress falls on the second syllable, and the 'й' indicates palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a noun meaning a wonderful or astonishing thing (e.g., a miracle or marvel)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чудо - Used in formal, literary, or religious contexts to describe something extraordinary, such as a natural wonder or a miraculous event.

Usage Examples:

• Это настоящее чудо, как цветы расцвели в такую холодную зиму.

  This is a real marvel, how the flowers bloomed in such a cold winter.

• Чудо науки — это то, что позволяет нам путешествовать в космос.

  The marvel of science is what allows us to travel to space.

• Для детей Рождество — это волшебное чудо с подарками и сказками.

  For children, Christmas is a magical marvel with gifts and fairy tales.

• Его выздоровление было чудом для всех врачей.

  His recovery was a marvel to all the doctors.

As a verb meaning to be filled with wonder or to express astonishment (e.g., to marvel at something)

Translation(s) & Context:

• удивляться - Used in everyday, informal contexts to describe reacting with surprise or admiration, often reflexively.

Usage Examples:

• Я удивляюсь красоте природы каждый раз, когда выхожу на прогулку.

  I marvel at the beauty of nature every time I go for a walk.

• Дети удивлялись фокусам magician на представлении.

  The children marveled at the magician's tricks during the show.

• Она удивляется, как быстро время летит, когда она занята работой.

  She marvels at how quickly time flies when she's busy with work.

• Мы удивлялись древней архитектуре, посетив Москву.

  We marveled at the ancient architecture when we visited Moscow.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'чудо' (neuter noun, 2nd declension):

This noun follows standard Russian neuter declension patterns. It is invariable in the nominative plural but changes in cases.

For 'удивляться' (imperfective reflexive verb):

This verb is conjugated irregularly due to its reflexive form. It follows standard patterns for first-conjugation verbs but adds 'ся'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for чудо: диво [ˈdʲivə] (more poetic), чудеса [t͡ɕʊˈdʲesə] (plural form for wonders), феномен [fʲɪˈnomʲɪn] (emphasizing rarity)
• Synonyms for удивляться: восхищаться [vɐsˈxʲit͡sət͡sə] (to admire), поражаться [pɐˈraʐət͡sə] (to be amazed, often with shock)
• Antonyms for удивляться: не удивляться [nʲɪ ʊˈdʲivlʲæt͡sə] (not to be surprised), игнорировать [ɪɡnəˈrʲirəvətʲ] (to ignore)

Related Phrases:

• Седьмое чудо света - The Seventh Wonder of the World (refers to ancient marvels in a historical context).
• Удивляться жизни - To marvel at life (used in philosophical or reflective discussions).
• Чудо-оружие - Wonder weapon (a term from military or historical contexts, implying advanced technology).

Usage Notes:

'Чудо' directly corresponds to the noun form of 'marvel' and is often used in formal or literary English equivalents, but avoid overusing it in casual speech where 'удивляться' might be more appropriate for the verb form. In Russian, 'удивляться' is reflexive, so it always includes 'ся' or 'сь', which has no direct English parallel. Choose 'чудо' for tangible wonders and 'удивляться' for emotional reactions; be aware of context, as 'чудо' can carry religious connotations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting the reflexive 'ся' in 'удивляться', e.g., saying "удивлять" instead. Correct: Use "удивляться" as it is inherently reflexive. Explanation: This changes the meaning to "to surprise" others, which is not the intent of 'marvel'.
• Error: Using 'чудо' in plural without context, e.g., "чудо" for multiple items. Correct: Decline properly to "чудеса". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case and number, unlike English 'marvels'.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'чудо' often evokes Orthodox Christian traditions, such as miracles associated with saints or icons, reflecting a deep historical and spiritual heritage. For instance, in Russian folklore and literature (e.g., Pushkin's works), 'чудо' symbolizes the extraordinary in everyday life, blending wonder with a sense of destiny.

Related Concepts:

• волшебство [vɐlʲɐˈʂɛstvə] (magic)
• чудесный [ˈt͡ɕudʲɪsnɨj] (wonderful)
• поразительный [pɐˈraʐɪtʲɪlʲnɨj] (astonishing)