Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prodigy'

English Word: prodigy

Key Russian Translations:

• вундеркинд [ˈvʊndərkʲind] - [Informal, often used for child prodigies in creative or academic fields]
• гений [ˈɡʲenʲɪj] - [Formal, applicable to exceptional talents across ages]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in educational, biographical, or media contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of nuanced vocabulary and cultural connotations; for 'вундеркинд', it may be slightly easier due to its borrowed origin, while 'гений' aligns with B2 for its broader application)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вундеркинд: [ˈvʊndərkʲind]

Note on вундеркинд: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'кʲ' sound is a palatalized 'k', which can be challenging for English speakers—similar to the 'k' in 'cute' but softer.

гений: [ˈɡʲenʲɪj]

Note on гений: The initial 'гʲ' is a palatalized 'g', pronounced like a soft 'g' before a vowel, which is common in Russian but may require practice.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A young person with extraordinary abilities

Translation(s) & Context:

• вундеркинд - Typically used in contexts involving children or young adults with precocious talents, such as in music, mathematics, or arts; informal and borrowed from German via English.
• гений - Applies to any person with exceptional genius, often in a more general or formal setting, emphasizing innate ability rather than youth.

Usage Examples:

• Мой сын — настоящий вундеркинд в шахматах; он выиграл турнир в возрасте восьми лет.

  My son is a real prodigy in chess; he won the tournament at the age of eight.

• В истории музыки Моцарт считается вундеркиндом, который начал сочинять в детстве.

  In music history, Mozart is considered a prodigy who began composing as a child.

• Эта девочка, гений в математике, уже публикует статьи в научных журналах.

  This girl, a prodigy in mathematics, is already publishing articles in scientific journals.

• Вундеркинд из маленького городка стал известным изобретателем к двадцати годам.

  The prodigy from a small town became a famous inventor by the age of twenty.

• Гений, как и вундеркинд, требует не только таланта, но и упорного труда.

  A genius, much like a prodigy, requires not only talent but also persistent effort.

An extraordinary or miraculous event or achievement

Translation(s) & Context:

• гений - Less common for this meaning, but can imply a miraculous feat in formal or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его быстрое выздоровление было настоящим гением современной медицины.

  His rapid recovery was a real prodigy of modern medicine.

• В природе иногда происходят гении, как внезапное цветение в зиму.

  In nature, prodigies sometimes occur, like a sudden bloom in winter.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'вундеркинд' and 'гений' are masculine nouns in Russian, subject to standard declension patterns. 'Вундеркинд' is a borrowed word and follows the third declension for masculine nouns, while 'гений' is a common noun with regular inflections.

Plural forms: 'вундеркинды' (nominative plural) and 'гении' (nominative plural). These nouns do not have irregular inflections but follow standard patterns, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • талант (talent; more general, without the connotation of extreme youth)
  • чудо (wonder; emphasizes miraculous aspects)
• Antonyms:
  • посредственность (mediocrity; implies average ability)
  • неудачник (failure; for someone who lacks success)

Related Phrases:

• Молодой вундеркинд — A young prodigy; often used in educational or talent contexts.
• Гений эпохи — Genius of the era; refers to a prodigy who defines their time.
• Вундеркинд науки — Prodigy of science; highlights exceptional scientific talent.

Usage Notes:

'Вундеркинд' is the most direct translation for 'prodigy' when referring to a child or young talent, borrowed from German and commonly used in Russian media. It carries an informal tone and is ideal for creative fields. In contrast, 'гений' is more formal and versatile, suitable for broader contexts, but it may not emphasize youth as strongly. English speakers should note that Russian requires careful attention to case endings in sentences, e.g., using genitive for possession. When choosing between translations, opt for 'вундеркинд' in casual or biographical discussions and 'гений' in formal essays or historical analyses.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'вундеркинд' with 'чудо': Learners might mistakenly use 'чудо' (meaning 'miracle') for 'prodigy', thinking it's synonymous. Incorrect: "Он чудо в музыке" (This implies a supernatural event). Correct: "Он вундеркинд в музыке" (He is a prodigy in music). Explanation: 'Чудо' lacks the talent-focused nuance of 'prodigy'.

• Forgetting declensions: A common mistake is using the nominative form in all contexts, e.g., saying "Я видел вундеркинд" instead of "Я видел вундеркинда" in accusative. Correct usage: Adjust for case, as in "О вундеркинде говорят все" (Everyone is talking about the prodigy).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a 'prodigy' like 'вундеркинд' is often linked to historical figures such as Peter the Great or modern talents in arts and sciences. It reflects a cultural admiration for early achievement, influenced by Russia's emphasis on education and innovation, but can also carry pressure on young individuals to perform.

Related Concepts:

• талант
• гениальность
• чудесный дар