Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Auctioneer'

English Word: Auctioneer

Key Russian Translations:

• аукционист [ˌaʊktsɪˈonɪst] - [Formal, Professional]
• ведущий аукциона [vʲɪˈduʂːɪj aʊkˈtsɪonə] - [Descriptive, Neutral]

Frequency: Low (Specialized term, not commonly used in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations due to specific context and pronunciation challenges

Pronunciation (Russian):

аукционист: [ˌaʊktsɪˈonɪst]

Note on аукционист: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ц" sound is a hard, unaspirated 'ts'.

ведущий аукциона: [vʲɪˈduʂːɪj aʊkˈtsɪonə]

Note on ведущий аукциона: Stress on "ду" in "ведущий" and "ци" in "аукциона". The phrase requires smooth liaison between words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who conducts auctions professionally

Translation(s) & Context:

• аукционист - Used in formal or professional settings, often referring to someone officially licensed or recognized as an auctioneer.
• ведущий аукциона - Literally "auction host/leader", more descriptive and can be used in less formal contexts or when emphasizing the role during an event.

Usage Examples:

• Аукционист объявил стартовую цену на картину.

  The auctioneer announced the starting price for the painting.

• Этот аукционист известен своим быстрым темпом.

  This auctioneer is known for his fast pace.

• Ведущий аукциона развлекал публику шутками.

  The auction host entertained the audience with jokes.

• На благотворительном вечере ведущий аукциона собрал огромную сумму.

  At the charity event, the auctioneer raised a huge sum.

• Аукционист должен быть харизматичным и убедительным.

  An auctioneer must be charismatic and persuasive.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

аукционист (noun, masculine):

ведущий аукциона (phrase, noun + genitive construction): The word "ведущий" (host/leader) is a masculine noun and adjective-like form, while "аукциона" is the genitive form of "аукцион" (auction). Both decline according to standard rules for masculine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for аукционист / ведущий аукциона:

• ведущий торгов
• распорядитель аукциона

Note: "ведущий торгов" is less common and may refer to informal or historical contexts. "распорядитель аукциона" emphasizes the managerial role.

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as the role is highly specific.

Related Phrases:

• проводить аукцион - to conduct an auction
• молоток аукциониста - auctioneer’s gavel
• ставить на торги - to put up for auction (often used by auctioneers)

Usage Notes:

• "аукционист" is the direct and most professional term for an auctioneer, often used in written or formal contexts. It directly corresponds to the English term.
• "ведущий аукциона" is a descriptive phrase and can be used interchangeably in spoken language or when the role needs to be clarified to the audience.
• Both terms are context-specific and rarely appear outside auction-related discussions. English learners should note that using these terms in unrelated contexts may confuse native speakers.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "аукционер" instead of "аукционист". Explanation: "аукционер" is not a standard Russian word and sounds like an incorrect borrowing. Correct usage: "аукционист".
• Error: Misplacing stress in "аукционист" (e.g., stressing the first syllable). Explanation: The stress is on the third syllable [ˌaʊktsɪˈonɪst]. Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, auctions are less common in everyday life compared to some Western countries. The role of an auctioneer (аукционист) is often associated with high-profile art or charity events, and the term may carry a sense of prestige or exclusivity. Understanding this cultural nuance can help English speakers use the term appropriately.

Related Concepts:

• аукцион - auction
• торги - bidding/trading
• лот - lot (item for auction)