Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Conscript'

English Word: conscript

Key Russian Translations:

• призывник [prʲɪˈzɨvnʲɪk] - [Formal, Singular, Refers to a person]
• новобранец [nəvəˈbranʲɪts] - [Informal, Singular, Often used in military context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in military or legal contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

призывник: [prʲɪˈzɨvnʲɪk]

Note on призывник: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ы" sound is unique to Russian and may be challenging for English speakers.

новобранец: [nəvəˈbranʲɪts]

Note on новобранец: Stress on the third syllable. The soft "н" sound requires tongue placement near the palate.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person drafted into military service

Translation(s) & Context:

• призывник - Used in formal or legal contexts to refer to someone called up for mandatory military service.
• новобранец - More colloquial, often used in everyday speech or within military settings to describe a new recruit.

Usage Examples:

• Каждый призывник должен пройти медицинский осмотр перед службой.

  Every conscript must undergo a medical examination before service.

• Этот новобранец только что прибыл в часть и ничего не знает.

  This conscript just arrived at the unit and knows nothing.

• Призывники получили повестки на этой неделе.

  The conscripts received their draft notices this week.

• Новобранцы тренировались на плацу весь день.

  The conscripts trained on the parade ground all day.

• Он стал призывником в возрасте 18 лет, как и все его друзья.

  He became a conscript at the age of 18, just like all his friends.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

призывник (Masculine Noun):

новобранец (Masculine Noun): Follows similar declension patterns as above with regular endings for masculine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for призывник/новобранец:

• рекрут (more historical or literary)
• срочник (colloquial, refers to someone serving a fixed term)

Antonyms:

• ветеран (veteran)
• отставник (retiree from military service)

Note: "Рекрут" is less common in modern Russian and often appears in historical contexts, while "срочник" is very colloquial.

Related Phrases:

• призыв на военную службу - Draft into military service
• новобранец в армии - A new recruit in the army
• осенний призыв - Autumn draft (a specific conscription period in Russia)

Usage Notes:

• "Призывник" is the more formal and widely recognized term, often used in official documents or news reports about conscription.
• "Новобранец" carries a slightly more casual tone and is often used to emphasize the "newness" of the recruit in a military setting.
• Be aware that conscription is a culturally significant topic in Russia, and discussions around it may carry emotional or political connotations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "солдат" (soldier) instead of "призывник" or "новобранец" to mean conscript.
  Explanation: "Солдат" refers to a general soldier and does not imply the specific status of being drafted. Correct usage: "Этот призывник скоро станет солдатом" (This conscript will soon become a soldier).
• Error: Incorrect case usage, such as "Я вижу призывник" instead of "Я вижу призывника" (Accusative case).
  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with the verb and sentence structure. Always check the required case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, military conscription is mandatory for young men aged 18-27, and the term "призывник" is tied to this legal and social obligation. The concept of conscription carries historical weight, especially due to Russia's history of large-scale military engagements. Discussions about conscripts often evoke strong opinions, as some view it as a rite of passage, while others criticize the system.

Related Concepts:

• военная служба (military service)
• повестка (draft notice)
• армия (army)