Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Collector'

English Word: collector

Key Russian Translations:

• коллекционер [kɐlʲɪkʲtsɨˈonʲɪr] - [Formal/Informal, Singular]
• собиратель [sɐbʲɪˈratʲɪlʲ] - [Often used metaphorically or for traditional collectors, e.g., folklore]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like hobbies or professions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

коллекционер: [kɐlʲɪkʲtsɨˈonʲɪr]

Note on коллекционер: Stress falls on the fourth syllable. The "ц" sound is a sharp, unaspirated 'ts'.

собиратель: [sɐbʲɪˈratʲɪlʲ]

Note on собиратель: Stress on the third syllable. The soft 'лʲ' at the end requires a palatalized pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who collects items as a hobby or profession:

Translation(s) & Context:

• коллекционер - Commonly used for someone who collects stamps, coins, art, etc.

Usage Examples:

• Он коллекционер старинных монет.

  He is a collector of ancient coins.

• Моя сестра — коллекционер марок.

  My sister is a stamp collector.

• Коллекционеры собрались на выставке.

  Collectors gathered at the exhibition.

2. A person who gathers or compiles (often abstract or traditional items):

Translation(s) & Context:

• собиратель - Used for someone who gathers folklore, stories, or cultural artifacts.

Usage Examples:

• Он собиратель народных сказок.

  He is a collector of folk tales.

• Собиратели традиций сохраняют культуру.

  Collectors of traditions preserve culture.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

коллекционер (Noun, Masculine, Animate):

собиратель (Noun, Masculine, Animate): Follows a similar declension pattern to коллекционер but with stem changes. Refer to standard Russian grammar resources for full forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for коллекционер:

• собиратель (in specific contexts)
• любитель (amateur collector)

Note: "любитель" implies a less serious or professional approach compared to "коллекционер".

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, but contextually "раздающий" (distributor) could contrast with the idea of collecting.

Related Phrases:

• коллекционер марок - Stamp collector.
• коллекционер искусства - Art collector.
• собиратель фольклора - Folklore collector.

Usage Notes:

• "Коллекционер" is the more common and neutral term for a collector of physical items like stamps or coins. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• "Собиратель" often carries a cultural or metaphorical connotation, such as collecting stories, traditions, or intangible heritage. It is less common in everyday speech.
• Ensure proper noun declension based on the grammatical case required in the sentence (see table above).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "собиратель" for a stamp or coin collector.
  Incorrect: Он собиратель марок.
  Correct: Он коллекционер марок.
  Explanation: "Собиратель" is inappropriate for physical hobby collections and sounds unnatural in this context.
• Error: Incorrect case usage, e.g., not declining "коллекционер" in oblique cases.
  Incorrect: Я говорил с коллекционер.
  Correct: Я говорил с коллекционером.
  Explanation: Russian nouns must be declined based on their role in the sentence.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, collecting (especially stamps, coins, or Soviet-era memorabilia) has historically been a popular hobby, often associated with intellectual curiosity. The term "коллекционер" may evoke nostalgia for Soviet times when such activities were widespread.

Related Concepts:

• коллекция (collection)
• собирать (to collect/gather)
• хобби (hobby)