Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'caretaker'

English Word: caretaker

Key Russian Translations:

• смотритель [smɐˈtrʲitʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, often used for someone overseeing a building or estate]
• опекун [ɐpʲɪˈkun] - [Formal, often used for a legal guardian or caregiver]
• сторож [stɐˈroʂ] - [Informal, often used for a guard or watchman]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts depending on the translation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "смотритель" and "сторож"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "опекун" due to legal connotations

Pronunciation (Russian):

смотритель: [smɐˈtrʲitʲɪlʲ]

Note on смотритель: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "р" is rolled slightly.

опекун: [ɐpʲɪˈkun]

Note on опекун: Stress on the second syllable; the initial "о" is reduced to a schwa sound [ɐ].

сторож: [stɐˈroʂ]

Note on сторож: Stress on the second syllable; the "ж" is a retroflex sound, similar to "sh" but harder.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Someone who takes care of a building or property

Translation(s) & Context:

• смотритель - Often used for caretakers of schools, museums, or estates.
• сторож - More colloquial, often implies a security role alongside caretaking.

Usage Examples:

• Смотритель школы следит за порядком в здании.

  The school caretaker ensures order in the building.

• Старый сторож охраняет дачу ночью.

  The old caretaker guards the country house at night.

• Смотритель музея проверил все экспонаты перед закрытием.

  The museum caretaker checked all the exhibits before closing.

2. Someone who takes care of a person (e.g., guardian)

Translation(s) & Context:

• опекун - Refers to a legal guardian or someone responsible for a minor or incapacitated person.

Usage Examples:

• Опекун заботится о ребенке после смерти родителей.

  The caretaker looks after the child after the parents' death.

• Суд назначил опекуна для несовершеннолетнего.

  The court appointed a caretaker for the minor.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

смотритель (noun, masculine): Follows the standard masculine declension pattern.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	смотритель	смотрители
Genitive	смотрителя	смотрителей
Dative	смотрителю	смотрителям
Accusative	смотрителя	смотрителей
Instrumental	смотрителем	смотрителями
Prepositional	о смотрителе	о смотрителях

опекун (noun, masculine): Follows a similar masculine declension pattern (details omitted for brevity).

сторож (noun, masculine): Follows a similar masculine declension pattern (details omitted for brevity).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for смотритель:

• управляющий (more managerial role)
• хранитель (often for cultural or museum contexts)

Synonyms for опекун:

• попечитель (often used in formal or charitable contexts)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for "caretaker" in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• смотритель здания - caretaker of a building (refers to property maintenance)
• стать опекуном - to become a caretaker/guardian (legal context)
• сторож на вахте - caretaker on duty (often implies a security role)

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "смотритель", "опекун", and "сторож" depends heavily on context. "Смотритель" and "сторож" are more common for property caretaking, while "опекун" is strictly for personal caregiving or guardianship.
• "Сторож" often carries a connotation of a lower-status or less formal role compared to "смотритель".
• Avoid using "опекун" in casual contexts as it has legal implications.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "опекун" to refer to a building caretaker.
  Incorrect: Опекун школы следит за зданием.
  Correct: Смотритель школы следит за зданием.
  Explanation: "Опекун" implies personal guardianship, not property maintenance.
• Error: Misusing "сторож" in formal contexts.
  Incorrect: Сторож музея представил выставку.
  Correct: Смотритель музея представил выставку.
  Explanation: "Сторож" suggests a security role, not a representative one.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the role of a "сторож" (caretaker/watchman) is often associated with older individuals working night shifts at rural or industrial properties, reflecting a stereotype of a simple, humble job. Meanwhile, "опекун" carries significant legal and moral responsibility, often tied to family or social welfare contexts.

Related Concepts:

• охрана (security)
• забота (care)
• управление (management)