Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'marvelous'

English Word: marvelous

Key Russian Translations:

• замечательный [zəˈmʲetʲsətʲnɨj] - [Formal/Informal]
• чудесный [ˈt͡ɕudʲɪsnɨj] - [Informal, often poetic or emotional]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, but not as ubiquitous as basic adjectives like "хороший").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective declensions and basic vocabulary expansion, though "замечательный" is straightforward for learners at this level).

Pronunciation (Russian):

замечательный: [zəˈmʲetʲsətʲnɨj]

Note on замечательный: The stress is on the fourth syllable; be cautious with the palatalized 'т' sound, which is common in Russian and may feel unfamiliar to English speakers.

чудесный: [ˈt͡ɕudʲɪsnɨj]

Note on чудесный: The initial 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to the 'ch' in 'church', but softer; this word often varies in emphasis based on regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Extremely good, wonderful, or excellent (general positive description)

Translation(s) & Context:

• замечательный - Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something outstanding, such as an event or object; common in everyday speech.
• чудесный - Often used in informal or emotional contexts, like describing a magical experience or something delightful.

Usage Examples:

• Этот фильм был замечательным! (This movie was marvelous!)

  English Translation: This film was marvelous! (Context: Expressing enthusiasm about a film in a casual conversation.)

• Чудесный день для прогулки в парке. (A marvelous day for a walk in the park.)

  English Translation: A marvelous day for a walk in the park. (Context: Describing weather or an outing in an informal, poetic way.)

• Её выступление было замечательным, полным энергии. (Her performance was marvelous, full of energy.)

  English Translation: Her performance was marvelous, full of energy. (Context: Reviewing an artistic event in a semi-formal setting.)

• Это чудесный подарок от друзей. (This is a marvelous gift from friends.)

  English Translation: This is a marvelous gift from friends. (Context: Expressing gratitude in a personal, emotional context.)

• Замечательный ужин в ресторане сделал вечер незабываемым. (The marvelous dinner at the restaurant made the evening unforgettable.)

  English Translation: The marvelous dinner at the restaurant made the evening unforgettable. (Context: Describing a dining experience in a social narrative.)

Secondary Meaning: Astonishing or miraculous (implying wonder or surprise)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чудесный - Preferred in contexts involving surprise or magic, such as fairy tales or exclamations.
• замечательный - Less common here, but can be used for emphasis in formal descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Это было чудесное приключение, полное неожиданностей. (It was a marvelous adventure, full of surprises.)

  English Translation: It was a marvelous adventure, full of surprises. (Context: Narrating a story with an element of wonder.)

• Замечательное открытие учёных удивило весь мир. (The marvelous discovery by scientists amazed the whole world.)

  English Translation: The marvelous discovery by scientists amazed the whole world. (Context: Discussing scientific achievements in a formal article.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "замечательный" and "чудесный" are adjectives, which in Russian must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify. They follow the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives.

Note: These adjectives are regular and do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively easy for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • отличный (excellent; more neutral and widely used in casual speech)
  • великолепный (magnificent; implies grandeur, often for formal contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • плохой (bad; straightforward opposite for general negativity)
  • ужасный (terrible; emphasizes strong disapproval)

Related Phrases:

• Замечательный день (A marvelous day; used to describe a pleasant day, e.g., in weather forecasts or personal diaries.)
• Чудесный подарок (A marvelous gift; common in expressions of appreciation during holidays.)
• Замечательная идея (A marvelous idea; often in brainstorming or creative discussions.)

Usage Notes:

"Замечательный" is a direct and versatile equivalent to "marvelous" in most contexts, suitable for both spoken and written Russian, while "чудесный" adds a layer of emotional or magical connotation, making it ideal for storytelling. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must always agree with the noun in gender, number, and case—e.g., use "замечательная" for feminine nouns. In formal writing, "замечательный" is preferred over "чудесный" for its neutrality. When choosing between translations, opt for "замечательный" in everyday scenarios and "чудесный" for expressive or poetic language.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "замечательный" without proper declension, e.g., saying "замечательный книга" instead of "замечательная книга" (for a feminine noun like "книга").

  Correct Usage: "Замечательная книга" – Explanation: Russian requires adjective-noun agreement; this mistake often stems from English's lack of declensions, so learners should practice basic cases.

• Error: Overusing "чудесный" in formal contexts, which can sound overly dramatic or childish.

  Correct Usage: In professional settings, use "замечательный" instead, e.g., "Замечательный отчёт" rather than "Чудесный отчёт" – Explanation: "Чудесный" is better for informal or creative writing to avoid unintended tone shifts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "чудесный" often evoke a sense of wonder tied to folklore and literature, such as in fairy tales by authors like Pushkin. "Замечательный" is more modern and practical, reflecting everyday optimism in a culture that values resilience and appreciation for simple joys, especially in post-Soviet contexts.

Related Concepts:

• прекрасный (beautiful)
• удивительный (amazing)
• волшебный (magical)