Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cleaner'

English Word: cleaner

Key Russian Translations:

• уборщик [ʊˈborʲʂːɪk] - [Masculine, Informal, Often used for a person cleaning spaces]
• уборщица [ʊˈborʲʂːɪtsə] - [Feminine, Informal, Often used for a female cleaner]
• чистильщик [tɕɪˈsʲtʲilʲʂːɪk] - [Masculine, Specific, Used for someone cleaning specific items, e.g., shoes or equipment]
• средство для чистки [ˈsrʲetstvə dʲlʲa ˈtɕistkʲɪ] - [Neutral, Refers to a cleaning product or agent]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "уборщик/уборщица" are more common in daily speech)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "уборщик/уборщица" are easier, while "чистильщик" and phrases like "средство для чистки" may require more context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уборщик: [ʊˈborʲʂːɪk]

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

уборщица: [ʊˈborʲʂːɪtsə]

Note on уборщица: Similar to "уборщик" but with a feminine ending; stress on the second syllable.

чистильщик: [tɕɪˈsʲtʲilʲʂːɪk]

средство для чистки: [ˈsrʲetstvə dʲlʲa ˈtɕistkʲɪ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who cleans (e.g., janitor, housekeeper)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уборщик/уборщица - Commonly used for someone who cleans offices, schools, or public spaces.

Usage Examples:

• Уборщик пришел рано утром, чтобы убрать класс.

  The cleaner came early in the morning to clean the classroom.

• Уборщица всегда оставляет офис безупречным.

  The (female) cleaner always leaves the office spotless.

• В нашей школе работает очень дружелюбный уборщик.

  A very friendly cleaner works at our school.

2. A person who cleans specific items (e.g., shoe cleaner)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чистильщик - Used for specialized cleaning roles, often with an object specified.

Usage Examples:

• Чистильщик обуви на улице предложил свои услуги.

  The shoe cleaner on the street offered his services.

• Этот чистильщик знает, как ухаживать за кожей.

  This cleaner knows how to take care of leather.

3. A cleaning product or tool

Translation(s) & Context:

• средство для чистки - Refers to detergents, cleaning agents, or tools.

Usage Examples:

• Мне нужно купить средство для чистки ковров.

  I need to buy a cleaner for carpets.

• Это средство для чистки очень эффективно против пятен.

  This cleaner is very effective against stains.

• Какое средство для чистки ты порекомендуешь для кухни?

  Which cleaner would you recommend for the kitchen?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

уборщик (Masculine Noun):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	уборщик	уборщики
Genitive	уборщика	уборщиков
Dative	уборщику	уборщикам
Accusative	уборщика	уборщиков
Instrumental	уборщиком	уборщиками
Prepositional	об уборщике	об уборщиках

уборщица (Feminine Noun): Follows similar declension patterns for feminine nouns (e.g., Nominative Singular: уборщица, Plural: уборщицы).

чистильщик (Masculine Noun): Declines similarly to "уборщик."

средство для чистки (Neuter Noun Phrase): "средство" declines as a neuter noun; "чистки" is genitive of "чистка" (cleaning).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for уборщик/уборщица: дворник (yard cleaner), прибирающий (one who tidies up)
• Synonyms for средство для чистки: моющее средство (detergent), очиститель (purifier)
• Antonyms: загрязнитель (polluter, for средство для чистки context)

Note: "дворник" often implies outdoor cleaning, while "уборщик" is more general or indoor-focused.

Related Phrases:

• уборщик помещений - cleaner of premises (used in formal job descriptions)
• средство для чистки стекол - glass cleaner (specific cleaning product)
• чистильщик обуви - shoe cleaner (specialized role)

Usage Notes:

• "уборщик" and "уборщица" are gender-specific; use "уборщица" only for females. In formal or neutral contexts, "уборщик" can be used generically.
• "чистильщик" is less common and typically requires a specifier (e.g., "чистильщик обуви" for shoe cleaner).
• "средство для чистки" is a phrase, not a single word, and is used for inanimate cleaning agents or tools. Avoid using it for people.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "уборщица" for a male cleaner. Incorrect: Он уборщица. Correct: Он уборщик.
• Error: Confusing "средство для чистки" with a person. Incorrect: Она средство для чистки. Correct: Она уборщица.
• Explanation: English speakers might not notice gender distinctions in Russian nouns or misapply phrases to wrong contexts. Always check the gender of the subject and the animate/inanimate nature of the noun.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, the role of "уборщик" or "уборщица" (cleaner) is often associated with essential but underappreciated work, especially in public institutions like schools or hospitals. Addressing or referring to cleaners politely is important, as directness can sometimes be perceived as rude.

Related Concepts:

• чистота (cleanliness)
• уборка (cleaning process)
• гигиена (hygiene)