Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Burglar'

English Word: Burglar

Key Russian Translations:

• вор [vɒr] - [Informal, General Use]
• грабитель [ɡrɐˈbʲitʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, Often Used in Legal Contexts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "вор"); B1 (Intermediate for "грабитель")

Pronunciation (Russian):

вор: [vɒr]

Note on вор: The vowel sound is short and open, similar to the English 'o' in 'for'.

грабитель: [ɡrɐˈbʲitʲɪlʲ]

Note on грабитель: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who breaks into a building to steal

Translation(s) & Context:

• вор - Commonly used for a thief or burglar in everyday language.
• грабитель - Often implies a more violent or aggressive act of theft, sometimes used in legal or formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Вор пробрался в дом через окно.

  The burglar sneaked into the house through the window.

• Грабитель был пойман на месте преступления.

  The burglar was caught at the crime scene.

• Вор украл драгоценности из сейфа.

  The burglar stole jewelry from the safe.

• Этот грабитель известен своими дерзкими ограблениями.

  This burglar is known for his bold robberies.

• Воры работают ночью, чтобы их не заметили.

  Burglars work at night so they won’t be noticed.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

вор (noun, masculine): Follows the regular masculine noun declension pattern.

грабитель (noun, masculine): Follows a similar masculine noun declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• воришка (diminutive, often less serious)
• налётчик (implies an armed or aggressive burglar)

Note: "воришка" is often used for petty thieves, while "налётчик" implies a more dangerous criminal.

Antonyms:

• честный человек (honest person)

Related Phrases:

• вор в законе - "Thief in law" (refers to a professional criminal in Russian organized crime culture).
• грабитель банков - "Bank robber" (specific type of burglar targeting banks).
• поймать вора - "To catch a thief" (common expression).

Usage Notes:

• "вор" is the most common and neutral term for a burglar or thief and can be used in most contexts.
• "грабитель" often implies a more violent or confrontational act of theft and is frequently used in legal or formal settings.
• Be cautious when using these terms in idiomatic expressions, as they may carry additional cultural connotations (e.g., "вор в законе").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "грабитель" in casual conversation when "вор" would be more appropriate. For example, saying "грабитель украл мой кошелёк" (implying a violent act) instead of "вор украл мой кошелёк" (neutral theft).
• Correction: Reserve "грабитель" for contexts involving violence or formal reporting, and use "вор" for general theft or burglary.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "вор в законе" (thief in law) refers to a specific type of criminal with a high status in the underworld, often associated with organized crime. This term carries significant historical and cultural weight, tied to Soviet-era prison culture.

Related Concepts:

• кража (theft)
• ограбление (robbery)
• преступник (criminal)