Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Colleague'

English Word: Colleague

Key Russian Translations:

• коллега [kɐˈlʲeɡə] - [Formal/Neutral, Singular]
• коллеги [kɐˈlʲeɡʲɪ] - [Formal/Neutral, Plural]
• товарищ [tɐˈvarʲɪɕː] - [Informal, Historical, Often used in Soviet contexts]

Frequency: High (especially "коллега" in professional settings)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "коллега"; B2 for "товарищ" due to cultural connotations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

коллега: [kɐˈlʲeɡə]

Note on коллега: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "л" is palatalized (soft), which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

коллеги: [kɐˈlʲeɡʲɪ]

товарищ: [tɐˈvarʲɪɕː]

Note on товарищ: The final "щ" is pronounced as a long "shch" sound, a common difficulty for learners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person with whom one works (Professional Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• коллега - Used in formal or neutral professional settings to refer to a coworker or peer.
• коллеги - Plural form, used when addressing or referring to multiple colleagues.

Usage Examples:

• Мой коллега помог мне с проектом.

  My colleague helped me with the project.

• Коллеги, давайте обсудим этот вопрос на собрании.

  Colleagues, let's discuss this issue at the meeting.

• Я уважаю мнение своих коллег.

  I respect the opinions of my colleagues.

2. A comrade or associate (Informal or Historical Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• товарищ - Used historically in Soviet times to address peers or comrades, now often informal or ironic.

Usage Examples:

• Товарищ, ты не мог бы помочь?

  Comrade, could you help me?

• Здравствуй, товарищ Иванов!

  Hello, Comrade Ivanov!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

коллега (Singular Noun, Masculine/Feminine): This noun can refer to both male and female colleagues and follows the standard Russian declension for nouns of foreign origin.

товарищ (Singular Noun, Masculine): Follows a different declension pattern, historically significant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for коллега:

• сослуживец (more formal, often military or official contexts)
• напарник (informal, often for a close working partner)

Antonyms for коллега:

• начальник (boss, superior)
• подчинённый (subordinate)

Related Phrases:

• коллега по работе - colleague at work (used to specify a workplace connection)
• уважаемые коллеги - dear colleagues (formal address in speeches or letters)
• товарищ по оружию - comrade in arms (historical or military context)

Usage Notes:

• "Коллега" is the most common and neutral term for "colleague" in modern Russian, suitable for most professional contexts. It can refer to both male and female individuals.
• "Товарищ" has historical connotations tied to Soviet culture and is now often used ironically or in very specific contexts (e.g., addressing party members or in military settings).
• When addressing multiple colleagues, always use the plural "коллеги" to show respect and inclusivity, especially in formal settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "товарищ" in a modern professional setting.
  Incorrect: Здравствуйте, товарищ Петров, как проект?
  Correct: Здравствуйте, коллега Петров, как проект?
  Explanation: "Товарищ" may sound outdated or inappropriate in modern workplaces unless used intentionally for humor or historical reference.
• Error: Forgetting to use the plural "коллеги" when addressing a group.
  Incorrect: Коллега, давайте начнём. (addressing a group)
  Correct: Коллеги, давайте начнём.
  Explanation: Using the singular form when addressing multiple people can seem disrespectful or odd.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, addressing someone as "коллега" implies a level of professional equality and respect. However, "товарищ" carries a strong historical weight, often associated with Soviet-era camaraderie or communist ideology. Its usage today might evoke nostalgia or irony, depending on the context and speaker.

Related Concepts:

• команда (team)
• сотрудник (employee)
• друг (friend)