Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'metaphysics'

English Word: metaphysics

Key Russian Translations:

• метафизика [mʲɪtəfʲɪˈzʲikə] - [Formal, Academic]

Frequency: Medium (Primarily used in philosophical, academic, and intellectual discussions; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1, suitable for learners with a strong grasp of Russian grammar and vocabulary, especially in technical or philosophical contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метафизика: [mʲɪtəfʲɪˈzʲikə]

Note on метафизика: The stress falls on the third syllable ("zʲikə"). Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, but the standard Russian form emphasizes the palatalized consonants (e.g., мʲ and фʲ). Pay attention to the soft sign (ь) which affects the preceding consonant's sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The branch of philosophy that deals with abstract concepts such as being, knowing, identity, and the fundamental nature of reality.

Translation(s) & Context:

• метафизика - Used in formal philosophical discussions, academic lectures, or texts exploring the essence of existence (e.g., in Russian philosophy or translations of Western works).

Usage Examples:

• Русский: "Метафизика изучает природу бытия и фундаментальные вопросы реальности."

  English: "Metaphysics studies the nature of being and fundamental questions of reality."

• Русский: "В своей книге Кант развивает идеи метафизики, фокусируясь на познании."

  English: "In his book, Kant develops ideas of metaphysics, focusing on knowledge."

• Русский: "Метафизика часто противопоставляется эмпирическим наукам в русских философских дебатах."

  English: "Metaphysics is often contrasted with empirical sciences in Russian philosophical debates."

• Русский: "Изучение метафизики помогает понять, что такое время и пространство в контексте русской мысли."

  English: "Studying metaphysics helps understand what time and space are in the context of Russian thought."

• Русский: "Современные русские философы критикуют классическую метафизику за её абстрактность."

  English: "Modern Russian philosophers criticize classical metaphysics for its abstractness."

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метафизика" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. As a borrowed word, it is relatively stable but inflects regularly.

Note: The plural form is less common and typically used when referring to multiple metaphysical systems or concepts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • онтология (ontology) - Focuses more on the study of existence; often used interchangeably in broader contexts but with a subtle emphasis on being.
  • философия бытия (philosophy of being) - A more descriptive phrase, used in everyday or explanatory discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • эмпиризм (empiricism) - Refers to knowledge based on observation and experience, contrasting with metaphysics' abstract approach.
  • материализм (materialism) - Emphasizes physical matter over abstract concepts, often in opposition to metaphysical ideas.

Related Phrases:

• метафизическая философия - "Metaphysical philosophy"; Used in academic contexts to describe a specific branch of thought.
• проблемы метафизики - "Problems of metaphysics"; Common in philosophical debates or texts discussing core issues.
• классическая метафизика - "Classical metaphysics"; Refers to traditional interpretations, often in historical analyses.

Usage Notes:

"Метафизика" directly corresponds to the English "metaphysics" as a philosophical discipline, but it is more commonly used in formal, academic, or intellectual settings in Russian. Unlike in English, where "metaphysics" might occasionally appear in casual contexts (e.g., New Age discussions), Russian usage is strictly tied to philosophy. When choosing this term, ensure the context is scholarly; for everyday analogies, opt for more descriptive phrases like "философия бытия." Grammatically, as a feminine noun, it requires agreement in gender, number, and case with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "эта метафизика интересна" - "this metaphysics is interesting"). If multiple translations exist, "метафизика" is the most precise for philosophical contexts.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "метафизика" with "физика" (physics): English learners might mistakenly use "физика" thinking it relates to physical sciences, but this is incorrect. Error example: "Я изучаю физика" (wrong); Correct: "Я изучаю метафизика" in the appropriate case, e.g., "Я изучаю метафизику." Explanation: Always specify the prefix "мета-" to denote the abstract, non-empirical nature.
• Overusing in informal speech: Learners might force "метафизика" into casual conversations, which sounds unnatural. Error example: "Это метафизика жизни" in a light chat; Correct: Use in essays or lectures only. Explanation: Reserve it for formal contexts to avoid appearing pretentious.
• Incorrect declension: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "о метафизика" instead of "о метафизике" in prepositional case. Error: "Я думаю о метафизика"; Correct: "Я думаю о метафизике." Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; practice declension tables to master this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "метафизика" is deeply intertwined with the nation's philosophical heritage, influenced by thinkers like Vladimir Solovyov and Nikolai Berdyaev. It often carries connotations of spiritual and existential inquiry, reflecting Russia's historical blend of Eastern Orthodox mysticism and Western philosophy. For instance, in Soviet-era discussions, metaphysics was sometimes criticized as "bourgeois idealism," highlighting ideological tensions that persist in modern Russian intellectual discourse.

Related Concepts:

• онтология
• эпистемология
• экзистенциализм