Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'superhuman'

English Word: superhuman

Key Russian Translations:

• сверхчеловеческий (/svʲɪrxʲɪlɐˈvʲetɕɪskʲɪj/) - [Formal, Adjective; Used in contexts describing extraordinary abilities or qualities beyond human norms]
• нечеловеческий (/nʲɪtɕɪlɐˈvʲetɕɪskʲɪj/) - [Informal, Adjective; Often used in everyday speech for something inhumanly strong or strange, but less precise for 'superhuman' connotations]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its variants appear in literature, scientific discussions, and media, but not in casual everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of Russian adjective formations and vocabulary related to abstract concepts. The primary translation 'сверхчеловеческий' is B2, while 'нечеловеческий' may be slightly easier at B1.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сверхчеловеческий: /svʲɪrxʲɪlɐˈvʲetɕɪskʲɪj/

Note on сверхчеловеческий: This word has a complex pronunciation with soft consonants (e.g., 'ч' as /tɕ/), which can be challenging for beginners. Stress falls on the fourth syllable. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel sounds.

нечеловеческий: /nʲɪtɕɪlɐˈvʲetɕɪskʲɪj/

Note on нечеловеческий: Similar to the above, but starts with a softer 'н' sound; pay attention to the initial negation prefix for emphasis.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Having powers, abilities, or qualities that exceed those of a normal human being (e.g., in contexts of heroes, myths, or advanced technology).

Translation(s) & Context:

• сверхчеловеческий - Used in formal or literary contexts, such as describing superheroes or extraordinary feats.
• нечеловеческий - Applied in informal settings, like everyday exclamations about impossible strength, but implies something more alien or unnatural.

Usage Examples:

• Его сверхчеловеческие способности позволили ему спасти людей из горящего здания.

  His superhuman abilities allowed him to save people from the burning building.

• В фильме главный герой обладает сверхчеловеческими силами, которые помогают ему бороться с врагами.

  In the movie, the main hero has superhuman powers that help him fight enemies.

• Нечеловеческая выносливость спортсмена удивила всех на соревнованиях.

  The athlete's superhuman endurance surprised everyone at the competition.

• Сверхчеловеческий интеллект ученого привел к прорыву в науке.

  The scientist's superhuman intelligence led to a breakthrough in science.

• Иногда нечеловеческие усилия требуются, чтобы достичь цели в жизни.

  Sometimes superhuman efforts are required to achieve goals in life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which in Russian follow standard adjective declension patterns. 'Сверхчеловеческий' and 'нечеловеческий' are first-declension adjectives and change based on gender, number, and case. They do not have irregular forms.

For 'нечеловеческий', the inflections follow the same pattern as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • героический (heroic; implies bravery more than superhuman power)
  • необычайный (extraordinary; used for rare or exceptional qualities)
• Antonyms:
  • человеческий (human; standard human capabilities)
  • обычный (ordinary; lacking any extraordinary features)

Related Phrases:

• Сверхчеловеческие силы - Superhuman strengths; Used in discussions of mythology or fiction.
• Нечеловеческая скорость - Inhuman speed; Common in sports or adventure contexts.
• Сверхчеловеческий подвиг - Superhuman feat; Refers to heroic acts in literature or history.

Usage Notes:

'Сверхчеловеческий' is the most direct translation for 'superhuman' and is preferred in formal or scientific contexts, such as describing advanced AI or mythical figures. In contrast, 'нечеловеческий' carries a connotation of something alien or frightening, making it suitable for informal or emotional language. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, so always adjust accordingly (e.g., use feminine form with a feminine noun). When choosing between translations, opt for 'сверхчеловеческий' for positive, empowering contexts and 'нечеловеческий' for negative or awe-inspiring ones.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'сверхчеловеческий' without proper declension, e.g., saying "сверхчеловеческий женщина" instead of "сверхчеловеческая женщина".
  Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "сверхчеловеческая женщина" (superhuman woman).
  Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; this error stems from English's lack of declension.
• Mistake: Confusing with 'сверхъестественный' (supernatural), which implies magical elements rather than enhanced human traits.
  Correct: Use 'сверхчеловеческий' for human-based superiority.
  Explanation: These words are related but distinct; misuse can alter the meaning significantly in storytelling or discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like 'superhuman' often tie to literary traditions, such as in the works of Leo Tolstoy or modern sci-fi, where characters exhibit extraordinary resilience. The idea resonates with Soviet-era propaganda of 'New Soviet Man' ideals, emphasizing superhuman willpower in overcoming adversity, reflecting themes of endurance in Russian history.

Related Concepts:

• герой (hero)
• легендарный (legendary)
• экстраординарный (extraordinary)