Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'omnipotent'

English Word: omnipotent

Key Russian Translations:

• всемогущий [vsʲɪˈmoɡuʂːɪj] - [Formal, Theological contexts]
• всесильный [fsʲɪˈsʲilʲnɨj] - [Formal, Philosophical or literary use]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday conversation; more prevalent in religious, philosophical, or literary texts.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1-C2, due to its abstract nature and association with complex topics; for 'всемогущий', it requires familiarity with Russian adjective inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

всемогущий: [vsʲɪˈmoɡuʂːɪj] (Stress on the third syllable; the 'щ' sound is a soft, hissing fricative, similar to 'sh' in 'sheep' but softer.)

Note on всемогущий: Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech, where the 'у' might soften; practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

всесильный: [fsʲɪˈsʲilʲnɨj] (Stress on the second syllable; the initial 'в' is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative.)

Note on всесильный: Be cautious with the soft 'с' sound, which is palatalized; this is a common challenge for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: All-powerful or having unlimited power, often in theological or metaphysical contexts

Translation(s) & Context:

• всемогущий - Used in formal or religious settings to describe divine omnipotence, such as in discussions about God.
• всесильный - Applied in philosophical texts to denote absolute power, but less common in everyday language.

Usage Examples:

• Бог всемогущий, и его воля неизменна.

  God is omnipotent, and His will is unchanging. (This example shows the adjective in a declarative sentence, emphasizing divine attributes.)

• В мифологии древних богов часто изображают как всесильных существ.

  In ancient mythology, gods are often depicted as omnipotent beings. (Here, it illustrates use in a historical or mythological context.)

• Философы спорят о том, может ли всесильный творец существовать в реальном мире.

  Philosophers debate whether an omnipotent creator can exist in the real world. (This demonstrates the word in an interrogative structure, common in academic discussions.)

• Всемогущий властелин контролирует все аспекты королевства.

  The omnipotent ruler controls every aspect of the kingdom. (Example in a narrative context, showing agreement with a masculine noun.)

• Если всесильный разум существует, он должен быть способен на чудеса.

  If an omnipotent mind exists, it must be capable of miracles. (This highlights hypothetical usage in speculative scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'всемогущий' and 'всесильный' are adjectives in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern for hard-stem adjectives, with some irregularities in certain forms.

Note: These adjectives are regular in most cases but may have stress shifts in inflected forms. They do not change in invariable contexts like after certain prepositions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • всевышний (vse-vyshniy) - Often used interchangeably in religious contexts, but implies 'most high' rather than absolute power.
  • абсолютный (ab-so-lyut-nyy) - More general, emphasizing completeness, but less theological.
• Antonyms:
  • несильный (ne-sil-nyy) - Meaning weak or powerless, used in contrast to highlight limitations.
  • ограниченный (a-grani-chen-nyy) - Implies something bounded or restricted, common in philosophical debates.

Related Phrases:

• Бог всемогущий - God is omnipotent; a phrase often used in prayers or theological texts.
• Всесильный творец - The omnipotent creator; refers to a supreme being in creation myths, with implications of ultimate control.
• Всемогущая сила - Omnipotent force; used in discussions of natural or supernatural powers, emphasizing boundless energy.

Usage Notes:

These translations are best used in formal, written contexts like literature, philosophy, or religion, as 'omnipotent' doesn't have direct everyday equivalents in Russian. 'Всемогущий' aligns closely with theological uses (e.g., for God), while 'всесильный' is more abstract. Always consider the gender and case of the noun it modifies, as Russian adjectives must agree. For English speakers, avoid direct word-for-word translation; instead, choose based on context—opt for 'всемогущий' in spiritual discussions and 'всесильный' in secular ones to maintain nuance.

• In sentences, ensure proper inflection; e.g., don't use the base form with a plural noun.
• Cultural sensitivity: These words carry weight in Russian Orthodox contexts, so use them thoughtfully.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'всемогущий' with 'всесильный', using them interchangeably without considering context. For example:

• Error: Saying "Бог всесильный" in a strictly religious prayer, which sounds awkward because 'всемогущий' is more traditional.
• Correct: "Бог всемогущий" – Explanation: 'Всесильный' implies physical might, while 'всемогущий' denotes absolute spiritual power. Another common mistake is forgetting inflections, e.g., using "всемогущий" with a feminine noun without changing to "всемогучая".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, especially within the Orthodox Christian tradition, 'всемогущий' is deeply tied to concepts of divine omnipotence, as seen in religious texts and icons. It reflects historical influences from Byzantine theology, emphasizing God's unlimited power in contrast to human limitations, which can evoke a sense of awe or humility in discussions.

Related Concepts:

• бог (bog) - God
• вселенная (vselennaya) - Universe
• абсолют (abso-lyut) - Absolute