Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Contractor'

English Word: Contractor

Key Russian Translations:

• подрядчик [pɐˈdrʲatʲɪk] - [Formal, Business Context]
• контрактор [kɐnˈtraktər] - [Informal, Borrowed Term, Modern Usage]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in business and legal contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "подрядчик"; A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "контрактор"

Pronunciation (Russian):

подрядчик: [pɐˈdrʲatʲɪk]

Note on подрядчик: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "р" sound is rolled, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

контрактор: [kɐnˈtraktər]

Note on контрактор: This is a direct borrowing from English, so the pronunciation is closer to the original English term, with stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person or company hired to perform specific work (Business/Legal Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• подрядчик - Used in formal, legal, or business contexts to refer to an individual or entity hired for construction, services, or other contracted work.

Usage Examples:

• Мы наняли подрядчика для ремонта дома.

  We hired a contractor to renovate the house.

• Подрядчик должен завершить проект к концу месяца.

  The contractor must complete the project by the end of the month.

• Этот подрядчик известен своей надежностью.

  This contractor is known for their reliability.

2. A person working under a contract (Modern/Informal Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• контрактор - Often used in modern contexts, especially in IT or freelance industries, to describe someone working on a contractual basis.

Usage Examples:

• Он работает как контрактор в IT-компании.

  He works as a contractor for an IT company.

• Многие контракторы предпочитают гибкий график.

  Many contractors prefer a flexible schedule.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

подрядчик (Noun, Masculine, Animate): Follows the second declension pattern in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

контрактор (Noun, Masculine, Animate): As a borrowed term, it follows similar declension patterns to "подрядчик" but is less commonly inflected in formal writing. Often used invariantly in casual speech.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for подрядчик:

• исполнитель
• заказчик (in specific contexts)

Note: "исполнитель" may imply a broader sense of "executor" or "performer," while "подрядчик" is more specific to contracted work.

Antonyms for подрядчик:

• заказчик (client or customer, the one who hires the contractor)

Related Phrases:

• генеральный подрядчик - General contractor (refers to the primary contractor overseeing a project).
• договор с подрядчиком - Contract with a contractor (common in legal/business contexts).
• работать контрактором - To work as a contractor (used in informal/modern contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "подрядчик" is the more traditional and formal term, widely used in legal, construction, and business contexts. It is the preferred choice in written and official communication.
• "контрактор" is a modern borrowing from English, often used in informal settings or specific industries like IT and freelancing. It may not be recognized by older speakers or in formal documents.
• When choosing between the two, consider the context: use "подрядчик" for formal or traditional settings, and "контрактор" for casual or modern discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "контрактор" in formal or legal contexts. Incorrect: "Мы подписали договор с контрактором." Correct: "Мы подписали договор с подрядчиком." (Explanation: "контрактор" sounds too informal for legal agreements.)
• Error: Misusing cases with "подрядчик." Incorrect: "Я говорил с подрядчик." Correct: "Я говорил с подрядчиком." (Explanation: The instrumental case is required after "с" when meaning "with.")

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the role of a "подрядчик" is often associated with construction and large-scale projects, reflecting the Soviet-era emphasis on state contracts and infrastructure. Trust and reliability are highly valued traits in a contractor, and the term may carry connotations of responsibility and accountability.

Related Concepts:

• договор (contract)
• заказчик (client)
• проект (project)