Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Courier'

English Word: courier

Key Russian Translations:

• курьер [ˈkurʲjer] - [Formal/Informal, Singular]
• посыльный [pɐˈsɨlnɨj] - [Informal, Singular, Often used for messenger or errand runner]

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

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "курьер"; B1 for "посыльный" due to less frequent usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

курьер: [ˈkurʲjer]

Note on курьер: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled, and "е" sounds like "ye".

посыльный: [pɐˈsɨlnɨj]

Note on посыльный: Stress on the second syllable. The "ы" is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, central "i".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who delivers messages, packages, or documents:

Translation(s) & Context:

• курьер - Most common term, used for delivery personnel in professional and everyday contexts (e.g., courier services).
• посыльный - Less formal, often implies a messenger or someone sent on an errand, sometimes in historical or casual contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Курьер доставил посылку за два часа.

  The courier delivered the package in two hours.

• Я заказал еду, и курьер приехал очень быстро.

  I ordered food, and the courier arrived very quickly.

• Посыльный принёс письмо от директора.

  The messenger brought a letter from the director.

• В старые времена посыльные бегали с важными новостями.

  In the old days, messengers ran with important news.

• Курьер оставил записку, что вернётся позже.

  The courier left a note that they would return later.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

курьер (noun, masculine): Follows the standard masculine noun declension in Russian.

посыльный (noun, masculine): Also follows standard masculine noun declension with an adjective-like ending in some forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for курьер/посыльный:

• доставщик (delivery person, more specific to goods)
• гонец (historical term for messenger)

Note: "доставщик" is often used for delivery of goods, while "гонец" is archaic and used in storytelling or historical contexts.

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, as the concept of "courier" does not have a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• курьерская служба - Courier service (refers to a delivery company).
• работать курьером - To work as a courier (common expression for employment).
• посыльный с письмом - A messenger with a letter (used in specific contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "курьер" is the most common and versatile term for "courier" in modern Russian, suitable for both formal (e.g., business delivery) and informal contexts (e.g., food delivery).
• "посыльный" is less common and often carries a connotation of a personal errand or a historical role as a messenger. It is rarely used in modern delivery service contexts.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two terms. For modern delivery services, always use "курьер".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "посыльный" to refer to a modern delivery person. Incorrect: "Посыльный доставил пиццу." Correct: "Курьер доставил пиццу." (The courier delivered the pizza.) Explanation: "посыльный" sounds outdated or inappropriate for modern delivery services.
• Error: Misplacing stress in "курьер". Many learners stress the second syllable. Incorrect pronunciation: [kurˈjer]. Correct: [ˈkurʲjer]. Explanation: Stress is on the first syllable.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, the role of a "курьер" has become increasingly prominent with the rise of online shopping and food delivery apps. Couriers are often seen as essential workers in urban areas, and the term is widely recognized due to popular delivery services like Yandex.Eda or Delivery Club.

Related Concepts:

• доставка (delivery)
• почтальон (postman)
• служба доставки (delivery service)