Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Deckhand'

English Word: deckhand

Key Russian Translations:

• матрос [mɐˈtros] - [Neutral, General Usage]
• палубный матрос [pɐˈlubnɨj mɐˈtros] - [Specific, Nautical Context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in nautical or maritime contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

матрос: [mɐˈtros]

Note on матрос: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'o' is pronounced as a reduced 'a' sound due to Russian vowel reduction.

палубный матрос: [pɐˈlubnɨj mɐˈtros]

Note on палубный матрос: Stress on the second syllable of both words. 'палубный' has a soft 'l' sound, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A worker on a ship's deck

Translation(s) & Context:

• матрос - General term for a sailor or deck worker on a ship.
• палубный матрос - Specifically refers to a deckhand working on the deck, often used in technical or formal maritime contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Матрос чистил палубу корабля утром.

  The deckhand cleaned the ship's deck in the morning.

• Палубный матрос помог закрепить канаты перед штормом.

  The deckhand helped secure the ropes before the storm.

• Матросы работали под палящим солнцем весь день.

  The deckhands worked under the scorching sun all day.

• Капитан приказал матросу проверить снасти.

  The captain ordered the deckhand to check the rigging.

• Палубный матрос должен быть готов к любым погодным условиям.

  A deckhand must be prepared for any weather conditions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

матрос (noun, masculine): Follows the regular masculine noun declension in Russian.

палубный матрос: Compound term. 'палубный' (adjective, masculine) agrees with 'матрос' in gender, number, and case. Declines as a regular adjective + noun combination.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• моряк (sailor, broader term)
• юнга (young deckhand or cabin boy, specific to younger or apprentice sailors)

Note: 'моряк' is more general and can refer to any sailor, while 'матрос' specifically implies a lower-ranking deck worker.

Antonyms:

• капитан (captain)
• офицер (officer)

Related Phrases:

• матрос первого класса - Deckhand of the first class (a rank or title in naval hierarchy).
• работать как матрос - To work like a deckhand (implies hard physical labor).
• палубная служба - Deck duty (refers to tasks performed by deckhands on the ship's deck).

Usage Notes:

• 'матрос' is the most common and versatile term for 'deckhand' and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It generally implies a lower-ranking sailor performing manual tasks on a ship.
• 'палубный матрос' is more specific and often used in technical or professional maritime discussions to emphasize the deck-related duties.
• Be aware that 'матрос' can sometimes be used metaphorically in Russian to refer to any low-ranking worker in a broader context, though this is less common.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'моряк' interchangeably with 'матрос'. While 'моряк' means 'sailor', it is a broader term and does not specifically imply the deckhand role.
  Incorrect: Я видел моряка, который чистил палубу. (I saw a sailor cleaning the deck - too general).
  Correct: Я видел матроса, который чистил палубу. (I saw a deckhand cleaning the deck).
• Error: Incorrect case usage due to lack of understanding of Russian declensions.
  Incorrect: Я дал матрос деньги. (I gave the deckhand money - incorrect accusative form).
  Correct: Я дал матросу деньги. (I gave the deckhand money - correct dative form).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term 'матрос' often evokes imagery of the Soviet Navy or historical naval traditions, especially due to the prominent role of sailors in Russian history (e.g., the 1917 Revolution). It may carry a sense of camaraderie and toughness, associated with hard labor at sea.

Related Concepts:

• корабль (ship)
• палуба (deck)
• флот (fleet)
• шторм (storm)