Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bodyguard'

English Word: Bodyguard

Key Russian Translations:

• телохранитель [tʲɪləxrɐˈnʲitʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, Neutral]
• охранник [ɐˈxranʲnʲɪk] - [Informal, Broader term for guard]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

телохранитель: [tʲɪləxrɐˈnʲitʲɪlʲ]

Note on телохранитель: Stress falls on the fourth syllable. The "хр" combination can be tricky for non-native speakers; it should sound like a soft guttural "kh" followed by "r".

охранник: [ɐˈxranʲnʲɪk]

Note on охранник: Stress on the second syllable. The "х" is a guttural sound, similar to the Scottish "loch".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Personal Protector (Primary Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• телохранитель - Used specifically for someone protecting an individual, often a VIP or celebrity.

Usage Examples:

• У знаменитости всегда есть телохранитель рядом.

  The celebrity always has a bodyguard nearby.

• Телохранитель спас жизнь своему клиенту во время нападения.

  The bodyguard saved his client's life during the attack.

• Она наняла телохранителя после получения угроз.

  She hired a bodyguard after receiving threats.

2. General Security Guard (Broader Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• охранник - Used for security personnel in general, not necessarily personal protection.

Usage Examples:

• Охранник стоит у входа в здание.

  The guard stands at the building's entrance.

• Охранник проверил наши документы перед тем, как впустить.

  The guard checked our documents before letting us in.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

телохранитель (Masculine Noun):

охранник (Masculine Noun): Follows regular masculine noun declension patterns. Similar table structure can be applied if needed.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for телохранитель:

• защитник (more general term for protector)
• личный охранник (specifically personal guard)

Note: "защитник" can also mean "defender" in broader contexts, such as sports or legal terms.

Antonyms:

• нападающий (attacker)

Related Phrases:

• нанять телохранителя - To hire a bodyguard.
• работать охранником - To work as a guard.
• личная охрана - Personal protection (bodyguard service).

Usage Notes:

• "телохранитель" is the more precise translation for "bodyguard" when referring to personal protection, especially for high-profile individuals.
• "охранник" is a broader term and can refer to any security guard, not necessarily a personal bodyguard. Use it in less specific contexts.
• Both terms are masculine nouns, but they can refer to female bodyguards/guards as well. For explicitly female reference, you might encounter "телохранительница" (rare) or "охранница".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "охранник" when specifically referring to a personal bodyguard for a VIP.
  Incorrect: У президента есть охранник.
  Correct: У президента есть телохранитель.
  Explanation: "охранник" might imply a general security guard, while "телохранитель" clearly indicates personal protection.
• Error: Mispronouncing "телохранитель" by stressing the wrong syllable. Stress should be on "ни" [tʲɪləxrɐˈnʲitʲɪlʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "телохранитель" is often associated with high-profile figures such as politicians, celebrities, or wealthy individuals, reflecting a societal perception of status and security needs. The term gained prominence in post-Soviet times with the rise of private security services.

Related Concepts:

• охрана (security/protection)
• безопасность (safety/security)
• защита (defense/protection)