Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'transcendental'

English Word: transcendental

Key Russian Translations:

• трансцендентальный /trænˌsɛndɛnˈtæləni/ - [Formal, Academic/Philosophy]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in academic, philosophical, or specialized discussions; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1-C2 level per CEFR, as it involves complex philosophical concepts and requires familiarity with abstract terminology)

Pronunciation (Russian):

трансцендентальный: /trænˌsɛndɛnˈtæləni/

Note on трансцендентальный: The pronunciation emphasizes the stress on the fourth syllable (-tal-), which can be challenging for English speakers due to the rapid consonant clusters. Variations may occur in regional accents, but this IPA reflects standard Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Relating to that which transcends ordinary experience, especially in philosophy (e.g., Kantian transcendental idealism)

Translation(s) & Context:

• трансцендентальный - Used in formal philosophical or academic contexts to describe concepts beyond empirical reality, such as in discussions of metaphysics or epistemology.

Usage Examples:

• В кантианской философии трансцендентальный идеализм утверждает, что наш разум формирует реальность.

  In Kantian philosophy, transcendental idealism asserts that our mind shapes reality.

• Трансцендентальный опыт часто описывается как нечто, выходящее за пределы повседневного восприятия.

  A transcendental experience is often described as something that goes beyond everyday perception.

• В современной психологии трансцендентальный подход помогает изучать сознание и его пределы.

  In modern psychology, a transcendental approach helps study consciousness and its limits.

• Трансцендентальный анализ текстов позволяет выявить скрытые философские подтексты.

  Transcendental analysis of texts allows for uncovering hidden philosophical subtexts.

• Для понимания трансцендентального знания требуется глубокое изучение метафизики.

  Understanding transcendental knowledge requires in-depth study of metaphysics.

2. Beyond the ordinary or physical, often in a spiritual or mystical sense

Translation(s) & Context:

• трансцендентальный - Applied in spiritual or mystical contexts, similar to the first meaning but with a focus on personal or existential experiences.

Usage Examples:

• Трансцендентальный медитация помогает достичь внутреннего спокойствия и просветления.

  Transcendental meditation helps achieve inner peace and enlightenment.

• Художник описывал свои работы как трансцендентальный путь к пониманию вселенной.

  The artist described his works as a transcendental path to understanding the universe.

• В религии трансцендентальный аспект подразумевает связь с божественным.

  In religion, the transcendental aspect implies a connection with the divine.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

трансцендентальный is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ый, with regular declensions. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward once the pattern is learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • метафизический (metafizicheskiy) - Similar in philosophical contexts, but often broader to include metaphysical concepts.
  • сверхъестественный (sverkhʹyestestvennyy) - Used for supernatural or otherworldly aspects, with a slight mystical connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • эмпирический (empiricheskiy) - Refers to knowledge based on experience, contrasting with abstract or transcendental ideas.
  • материальный (materialʹnyy) - Denotes physical or tangible matters, opposing the non-physical nature of transcendental concepts.

Related Phrases:

• трансцендентальная медитация - A practice for achieving higher states of consciousness; often used in spiritual or wellness contexts.
• трансцендентальный идеализм - A philosophical theory, particularly associated with Kant, emphasizing the mind's role in shaping reality.
• трансцендентальный опыт - Refers to profound, beyond-ordinary experiences that alter perception or understanding.

Usage Notes:

трансцендентальный directly corresponds to the English "transcendental" in philosophical and abstract contexts, but it's rarely used in casual conversation. Reserve it for formal writing or academic discussions. When choosing between translations, opt for трансцендентальный if the context is Kantian or metaphysical; for spiritual applications, it may overlap with сверхъестественный. Grammatically, ensure it agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, as Russian adjectives must. English learners should note that this word carries a heavy intellectual weight, so overuse in everyday Russian might sound pretentious.

• Avoid confusing it with empirical terms; always pair it with contexts involving abstraction or the unknown.
• In spoken Russian, it's more common in educated circles, such as lectures or debates.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake трансцендентальный for a direct synonym of "supernatural" and use it incorrectly in non-philosophical contexts. For example:

• Error: Saying "Этот фильм трансцендентальный" to mean a scary movie, which implies it's philosophically profound.
• Correct: "Этот фильм сверхъестественный" for supernatural elements, or "Этот фильм имеет трансцендентальный подтекст" if it's about deeper themes.
• Explanation: The word focuses on transcendence beyond experience, not just the unusual. Always check the context to avoid misapplication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, трансцендентальный is heavily influenced by Western philosophy, particularly Immanuel Kant, whose ideas were translated and adopted in Russian intellectual circles during the 19th and 20th centuries. It often evokes themes of existential inquiry and the limits of human knowledge, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of philosophical debate in literature and academia, as seen in works by thinkers like Vladimir Solovyov.

Related Concepts:

• идеализм (idealism)
• метафизика (metaphysics)
• эпистемология (epistemology)