Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Agent'

English Word: agent

Key Russian Translations:

• агент [ˈaɡʲɪnt] - [Formal, Neutral]
• представитель [prʲɪdstɐˈvʲitʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, Often used for representative or proxy]

Frequency: High (especially "агент" in various contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "агент"); B1 (Intermediate for "представитель")

Pronunciation (Russian):

агент: [ˈaɡʲɪnt]

Note on агент: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "г" is pronounced as a voiced velar stop, similar to 'g' in "go."

представитель: [prʲɪdstɐˈvʲitʲɪlʲ]

Note on представитель: Stress on the fourth syllable. The "р" is rolled, and the soft "л" at the end requires a palatalized pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who acts on behalf of another (e.g., business or legal agent)

Translation(s) & Context:

• агент - Used in business, legal, or espionage contexts (e.g., real estate agent, secret agent).
• представитель - Often used for someone representing an organization or group formally.

Usage Examples:

• Мой агент поможет с продажей дома.

  My agent will help with selling the house.

• Он работает агентом по недвижимости.

  He works as a real estate agent.

• Представитель компании выступил с заявлением.

  The company representative made a statement.

• Агент под прикрытием раскрыл заговор.

  The undercover agent uncovered the plot.

• Она - официальный представитель бренда.

  She is the official representative of the brand.

2. A substance or force that causes change (e.g., chemical agent)

Translation(s) & Context:

• агент - Used in scientific or technical contexts for substances or catalysts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот химический агент вызывает реакцию.

  This chemical agent triggers a reaction.

• Агент используется для очистки воды.

  The agent is used for water purification.

• Биологический агент может быть опасен.

  A biological agent can be dangerous.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

агент (Masculine Noun, Animate)

представитель (Masculine Noun, Animate)

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for агент:

• посредник (intermediary, often in business)
• шпион (spy, in espionage context)

Synonyms for представитель:

• делегат (delegate)
• уполномоченный (authorized person)

Antonyms:

• принципал (principal, the person represented - for both translations)

Related Phrases:

• агент по недвижимости - Real estate agent
• тайный агент - Secret agent
• представитель интересов - Representative of interests
• официальный представитель - Official representative

Usage Notes:

• "агент" is more versatile and can refer to both people (e.g., secret agent) and substances (e.g., chemical agent), while "представитель" is strictly used for a person representing someone or something, often in formal settings.
• Use "агент" in informal or neutral contexts for roles like "travel agent," but switch to "представитель" when emphasizing formal representation, such as in diplomacy or corporate settings.
• Be mindful of the context, as "агент" can carry a negative connotation in espionage contexts (e.g., foreign agent).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "агент" for formal representatives. Incorrect: "Агент компании сделал заявление." Correct: "Представитель компании сделал заявление." (Explanation: "агент" implies a more operational role, while "представитель" is appropriate for formal representation.)
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions. Incorrect: "Я говорил с агент." Correct: "Я говорил с агентом." (Explanation: Use the instrumental case after "с" for "with.")

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "агент" often evokes associations with espionage due to historical and cinematic portrayals of secret agents, especially during the Soviet era. It may carry a mysterious or suspicious undertone in casual conversation, unlike the more neutral English usage.

Related Concepts:

• шпионаж (espionage)
• посредничество (mediation)
• представительство (representation)