Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Craftsman'

English Word: Craftsman

Key Russian Translations:

• мастер [ˈmastʲɪr] - [Neutral, Common]
• ремесленник [rʲɪmʲɪsˈlʲenːɪk] - [Formal, Historical]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "мастер"), B1 (Intermediate for "ремесленник")

Pronunciation (Russian):

мастер: [ˈmastʲɪr]

Note on мастер: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "р" sound is rolled slightly.

ремесленник: [rʲɪmʲɪsˈlʲenːɪk]

Note on ремесленник: Stress on the third syllable. The double "н" is pronounced distinctly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A skilled worker who makes or repairs things by hand

Translation(s) & Context:

• мастер - Commonly used for a skilled professional in a trade or craft (e.g., carpenter, plumber).
• ремесленник - More formal or historical, often referring to traditional artisans or craftsmen.

Usage Examples:

• Этот мастер сделал красивый стол из дерева.

  This craftsman made a beautiful wooden table.

• Мастер починил мой старый часы за один день.

  The craftsman repaired my old clock in one day.

• В старину ремесленники создавали уникальные изделия вручную.

  In the past, craftsmen created unique items by hand.

• Этот ремесленник известен своими керамическими горшками.

  This craftsman is known for his ceramic pots.

• Мастер своего дела всегда востребован.

  A craftsman of his trade is always in demand.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

мастер (noun, masculine, animate):

ремесленник (noun, masculine, animate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for мастер:

• специалист
• профессионал

Note: "специалист" emphasizes expertise in a specific field, while "профессионал" highlights a broader professional skill set.

Antonyms for мастер:

• любитель
• новичок

Related Phrases:

• мастер на все руки - "A jack of all trades" (someone skilled in many areas).
• мастер своего дела - "A master of one’s craft" (highly skilled in a specific trade).
• ремесленник старой школы - "A craftsman of the old school" (traditional or old-fashioned artisan).

Usage Notes:

• "мастер" is the more common and versatile term for "craftsman" in modern Russian, suitable for most contexts involving skilled manual work.
• "ремесленник" carries a more historical or formal connotation, often associated with traditional crafts or artisanship. It might sound outdated in casual conversation.
• When addressing or referring to a craftsman directly, "мастер" can be used as a polite form of address, similar to "sir" in English (e.g., "Мастер, вы можете это починить?").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ремесленник" in everyday speech for a modern craftsman. Wrong: "Этот ремесленник починил мой шкаф." Correct: "Этот мастер починил мой шкаф." Explanation: "ремесленник" is outdated for modern contexts; "мастер" is more appropriate.
• Error: Misusing grammatical cases after prepositions. Wrong: "Я говорил с мастер." Correct: "Я говорил с мастером." Explanation: The instrumental case is required after the preposition "с".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "мастер" often carries a tone of respect for skilled labor, reflecting the historical value placed on craftsmanship. During Soviet times, being a "мастер" in a factory or workshop was a prestigious title, symbolizing expertise and dedication. Traditional Russian crafts, such as woodcarving or lacquer box painting, are still associated with the term "ремесленник" in cultural discussions.

Related Concepts:

• ремесло (craft, trade)
• искусство (art, skill)
• работник (worker)