Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Ambassador'

English Word: ambassador

Key Russian Translations:

• посол [pɐˈsoɫ] - [Formal, Singular]
• послы [pɐˈslɨ] - [Formal, Plural]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

посол: [pɐˈsoɫ]

Note on посол: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "о" is pronounced as a reduced "ɐ" in unstressed position.

послы: [pɐˈslɨ]

Note on послы: Stress on the second syllable. The plural form has a distinct vowel shift in the ending.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Diplomatic Representative

Translation(s) & Context:

• посол - Used for a diplomatic official representing a country in another country.

Usage Examples:

• Посол России в США встретился с министром иностранных дел.

  The Russian ambassador to the USA met with the Foreign Minister.

• Новый посол представил свои верительные грамоты.

  The new ambassador presented their credentials.

• Посол выступил с речью на международной конференции.

  The ambassador delivered a speech at an international conference.

• Послы нескольких стран обсудили мирное соглашение.

  Ambassadors from several countries discussed a peace agreement.

• Она была назначена послом в прошлом году.

  She was appointed ambassador last year.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

посол (noun, masculine, animate)

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• дипломат (diplomat - more general term)
• представитель (representative - broader context)

Note: "дипломат" can refer to any diplomatic official, while "посол" specifically denotes an ambassador.

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms available for this term.

Related Phrases:

• посол доброй воли - Goodwill Ambassador (used for non-diplomatic representatives, often in cultural contexts)
• верительные грамоты посла - Ambassador's credentials (formal documents presented to the host country)
• посольство и посол - Embassy and ambassador (often mentioned together in diplomatic contexts)

Usage Notes:

• The term "посол" is strictly formal and used in official, diplomatic contexts. It is not interchangeable with more general terms like "представитель" in casual speech.
• In Russian, the gender of the noun "посол" is masculine, but it can refer to both male and female ambassadors. However, in modern usage, you may see feminine forms like "послица" in rare cases for female ambassadors, though this is not widely accepted.
• When addressing an ambassador directly, Russians often use the formal title with the surname, e.g., "Господин Посол Иванов" (Mr. Ambassador Ivanov).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "посол" in non-diplomatic contexts. English speakers might mistakenly use it for any representative.
  Incorrect: Он посол нашей компании. (He is the ambassador of our company.)
  Correct: Он представитель нашей компании. (He is the representative of our company.)
  Explanation: "Посол" is reserved for official diplomatic roles; use "представитель" for business or informal representatives.
• Error: Misusing cases in sentences, especially the accusative/genitive for animate nouns like "посол".
  Incorrect: Я видел посол. (I saw the ambassador.)
  Correct: Я видел посла. (I saw the ambassador.)
  Explanation: Animate masculine nouns take the genitive form in the accusative case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the role of an ambassador ("посол") carries significant weight due to the country's historical emphasis on diplomacy and international relations. Addressing or referring to an ambassador with the proper formal title is seen as a sign of respect. Additionally, the concept of "посол доброй воли" (Goodwill Ambassador) is often associated with cultural or humanitarian missions, reflecting Russia's active role in global cultural exchange.

Related Concepts:

• посольство (embassy)
• консул (consul)
• дипломатия (diplomacy)