Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'drummer'

English Word: drummer

Key Russian Translations:

• барабанщик [bə.rəˈbanʲ.ɕːik] - [Informal; commonly used in everyday music contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in music-related discussions, literature, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and basic music terminology, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

барабанщик: [bə.rəˈbanʲ.ɕːik]

Note on барабанщик: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ban"), and the "щ" sound is a soft, palatalized "sh" which can be challenging for beginners. Pronounce it with a clear separation between syllables for natural flow.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who plays the drums, especially in a band or orchestra.

Translation(s) & Context:

• барабанщик - Used in informal and formal music contexts, such as describing band members or performers. It is a straightforward equivalent in everyday Russian speech.

Usage Examples:

• В нашей группе есть отличный барабанщик, который всегда задаёт ритм.

  In our band, there's a great drummer who always sets the rhythm.

• Барабанщик на концерте сыграл соло, которое взорвало публику.

  The drummer played a solo at the concert that blew the audience away.

• Молодой барабанщик учится в консерватории и уже выступает на фестивалях.

  The young drummer is studying at the conservatory and already performs at festivals.

• Без барабанщика оркестр звучит неполноценно, как будто чего-то не хватает.

  Without a drummer, the orchestra sounds incomplete, as if something is missing.

• Известный барабанщик из России гастролирует по миру с рок-группой.

  The famous Russian drummer is touring the world with a rock band.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Барабанщик" is a masculine noun (from the root "барабан" meaning "drum"). It follows the standard second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ударник (udarnik) - More general, often used for percussionists; slight nuance as it can imply broader rhythmic roles.
  • барабанер (barabaner) - Informal slang, less common and regional, implying a casual or amateur drummer.
• Antonyms:
  • певец (pevets) - Singer; contrasts by focusing on vocal rather than instrumental roles.

Related Phrases:

• Барабанщик в группе - Drummer in the band; used to specify a role within an ensemble.
• Играть как барабанщик - To play like a drummer; implies adopting a rhythmic style in music.
• Барабанщик на сцене - Drummer on stage; common in performance contexts, highlighting visibility and energy.

Usage Notes:

This translation directly corresponds to the English "drummer" in music contexts, but remember that Russian often requires the noun to agree in case with surrounding words. For example, use the genitive case in phrases like "роль барабанщика" (the role of the drummer). It's informal and versatile, suitable for both spoken and written Russian, but in formal writing, you might pair it with more descriptive phrases. When choosing between synonyms like "ударник," opt for "барабанщик" if the focus is specifically on drums. Avoid overusing it in non-music contexts to prevent confusion.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "с барабанщик" instead of "с барабанщиком" (with the instrumental case).

  Correct Usage: с барабанщиком (Correct instrumental form). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must adjust endings based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

• Common Error: Confusing it with "барабан" (the drum itself), leading to misuse like treating "барабанщик" as an adjective.

  Correct Usage: Use "барабанщик" as a noun only, e.g., "Он — барабанщик" (He is a drummer), not "барабан человек." Explanation: This stems from direct word-for-word translation; always ensure the context clearly distinguishes the person from the instrument.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, drummers like those in famous bands (e.g., from groups like DDT or Aquarium) often symbolize energy and rhythm in rock and folk music traditions. The role of the "барабанщик" gained prominence during the Soviet era in military bands and later in modern pop culture, reflecting Russia's rich musical heritage and the importance of percussion in folk dances like those in balalaika ensembles.

Related Concepts:

• гитарист (guitarist)
• басист (bassist)
• музыкант (musician)
• оркестр (orchestra)