Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Corporal'

English Word: corporal

Key Russian Translations:

• капрал [ˈkaprəl] - [Formal, Military Rank]
• ефрейтор [jɪˈfrʲejtər] - [Formal, Military Rank, Often used in Russian/Soviet military contexts]

Frequency: Low (Specific to military contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations due to specialized usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

капрал: [ˈkaprəl]

Note on капрал: Stress falls on the first syllable. Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers due to phonetic similarity.

ефрейтор: [jɪˈfrʲejtər]

Note on ефрейтор: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'р' sound, which is typical in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Military Rank (A non-commissioned officer rank)

Translation(s) & Context:

• капрал - Used in historical or foreign military contexts, less common in modern Russian military terminology.
• ефрейтор - Commonly used in Russian and Soviet military contexts to denote a rank just above private.

Usage Examples:

• Он был повышен до капрала после года службы.

  He was promoted to corporal after a year of service.

• Ефрейтор Иванов получил приказ от командира.

  Corporal Ivanov received an order from the commander.

• В иностранных армиях капрал — это низший офицерский чин.

  In foreign armies, a corporal is the lowest non-commissioned officer rank.

• Ефрейтор отвечает за дисциплину в своем отделении.

  The corporal is responsible for discipline in his squad.

• Капрал в британской армии имеет две нашивки.

  A corporal in the British army wears two chevrons.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

капрал (kapral): Masculine noun, follows the second declension pattern for animate nouns.

ефрейтор (efreytor): Masculine noun, also follows the second declension for animate nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for капрал/ефрейтор:

• младший сержант (slightly higher rank in some contexts)

Antonyms for капрал/ефрейтор:

• генерал (general, much higher rank)
• рядовой (private, lower rank)

Note: Synonyms and antonyms are limited due to the specific military nature of the term.

Related Phrases:

• повысить до ефрейтора - "to promote to corporal" (used in military advancement contexts)
• капрал британской армии - "corporal in the British army" (specifying foreign military context)
• ефрейторские нашивки - "corporal's chevrons" (referring to rank insignia)

Usage Notes:

• "капрал" is more commonly associated with foreign (especially Western) military ranks and is less frequent in modern Russian usage. It might appear in historical texts or translations.
• "ефрейтор" is the standard term in Russian and Soviet military contexts, often seen in contemporary usage. It is more familiar to Russian speakers.
• Both terms are strictly used in military contexts and are not interchangeable with civilian titles or ranks.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "капрал" in modern Russian military contexts. Correct Usage: Use "ефрейтор" when referring to a Russian military rank. For example, say "ефрейтор Иванов" instead of "капрал Иванов". Explanation: "капрал" sounds outdated or foreign in a Russian context.
• Error: Mispronouncing "ефрейтор" by stressing the first syllable. Correct Usage: Stress the second syllable [jɪˈfrʲejtər]. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the rank of "ефрейтор" carries historical significance, especially in the context of the Soviet military. It was often a stepping stone to higher non-commissioned officer ranks and symbolized a soldier's first leadership responsibilities. The term may evoke associations with World War II or Soviet-era military narratives in literature and film.

Related Concepts:

• сержант (sergeant)
• рядовой (private)
• воинское звание (military rank)