Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Aristocrat'

English Word: Aristocrat

Key Russian Translations:

• Аристократ [ɐrʲɪstɐˈkrat] - [Formal, Singular]
• Аристократка [ɐrʲɪstɐˈkratkə] - [Formal, Feminine Singular]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Аристократ: [ɐrʲɪstɐˈkrat]

Note on Аристократ: Stress falls on the last syllable, which is common in Russian loanwords from European languages.

Аристократка: [ɐrʲɪstɐˈkratkə]

Note on Аристократка: Similar stress pattern to the masculine form, with the feminine suffix "-ка".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A member of the nobility or upper class

Translation(s) & Context:

• Аристократ - Used for a male member of the nobility or someone with refined manners (often historical or literary context).
• Аристократка - Used for a female member of the nobility, also in historical or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он выглядел как настоящий аристократ в своём элегантном костюме.

  He looked like a true aristocrat in his elegant suit.

• Эта женщина - аристократка, её манеры безупречны.

  This woman is an aristocrat; her manners are impeccable.

• Аристократы прошлого жили в роскошных дворцах.

  Aristocrats of the past lived in luxurious palaces.

• Его называют аристократом духа из-за его утончённого вкуса.

  He is called an aristocrat of the spirit due to his refined taste.

• Аристократка XIX века часто была ограничена строгими правилами общества.

  An aristocrat woman of the 19th century was often constrained by strict societal rules.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Аристократ (Masculine Noun): Follows the regular masculine noun declension pattern in Russian.

Аристократка (Feminine Noun): Follows the regular feminine noun declension pattern with the suffix "-ка".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Аристократ:

• Дворянин (more historical, refers to nobility)
• Знать (collective noun for nobility, often plural)

Note: "Дворянин" is more tied to historical Russian nobility, while "Аристократ" may imply a broader or more European sense of aristocracy.

Antonyms for Аристократ:

• Простолюдин (commoner)
• Крестьянин (peasant)

Related Phrases:

• Аристократ духа - "Aristocrat of the spirit" (someone with refined tastes or intellectual elegance).
• Аристократические манеры - "Aristocratic manners" (refined or elegant behavior).
• Аристократическое происхождение - "Aristocratic origin" (noble or high-class background).

Usage Notes:

• The term "Аристократ" is often used in historical or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation, as modern Russian society does not have a formal aristocracy.
• Use "Аристократка" when referring specifically to a female aristocrat; Russian nouns are gender-specific, and using the masculine form for a female would be incorrect.
• The word can sometimes carry a metaphorical meaning, implying someone with refined or elite tastes, as in "аристократ духа" (aristocrat of the spirit).

Common Errors:

• Incorrect Gender Usage: English speakers often forget to use "Аристократка" for female aristocrats. For example, saying "Она аристократ" is incorrect; it should be "Она аристократка".
• Overuse in Modern Context: Using "Аристократ" to describe someone wealthy or elite in modern Russian can sound outdated or overly formal. Instead, terms like "элита" (elite) might be more appropriate in casual contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of aristocracy is deeply tied to the historical nobility before the 1917 Revolution, particularly the "дворянство" (nobility). The term "Аристократ" often evokes images of pre-revolutionary Russia, with its strict social hierarchy and lavish lifestyles, as depicted in classic literature by authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky.

Related Concepts:

• Дворянство (Nobility)
• Знать (Upper class or elite)
• Титул (Title, as in noble titles)