Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dutchman'

English Word: Dutchman

Key Russian Translations:

• голландец [ɡɐˈlændʲɪt͡s] - [Formal, Masculine noun, Used in general contexts referring to a male from the Netherlands]
• голландка [ɡɐˈlændʲkə] - [Formal, Feminine noun, Used specifically for a female from the Netherlands]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in discussions about nationalities, travel, or history, but not as common as basic everyday vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR standards; requires understanding of noun genders and basic inflections. For 'голландка', it remains B1 as well.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

голландец: [ɡɐˈlændʲɪt͡s] (The stress is on the third syllable; note the palatalized 'дʲ' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.)

голландка: [ɡɐˈlændʲkə] (Similar to 'голландец' but with a feminine ending; pay attention to the soft 'кə' sound.)

Note on голландец: The 'æ' sound is like the 'a' in 'cat' in English, and the word may vary slightly in rapid speech. For learners, practice the rolled 'r' if your accent includes it.

Audio: Play pronunciation for голландец [Audio file placeholder]

Audio: Play pronunciation for голландка [Audio file placeholder]

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A native or inhabitant of the Netherlands, typically referring to a person of Dutch nationality or origin.

Translation(s) & Context:

• голландец - Used in formal writing, historical contexts, or when specifying a male individual (e.g., in demographic discussions or travel guides).
• голландка - Used similarly but for female individuals, emphasizing gender in contexts like biographies or social descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Этот известный голландец открыл новые торговые пути в XVII веке.

  This famous Dutchman discovered new trade routes in the 17th century.

• Моя соседка — голландка, она приехала из Амстердама.

  My neighbor is a Dutchwoman; she came from Amsterdam.

• В музее мы увидели портрет голландца в традиционной одежде.

  In the museum, we saw a portrait of a Dutchman in traditional clothing.

• Голландец, с которым я работал, был экспертом по искусству.

  The Dutchman I worked with was an expert in art.

• Эта голландка внесла вклад в международную науку.

  This Dutchwoman made a contribution to international science.

Meaning 2: In a broader or metaphorical sense, sometimes used in English to refer to objects or things associated with the Netherlands (e.g., in nautical terms, like a "Dutchman" in sailing), but less common in Russian translations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• голландец - Rarely used metaphorically in Russian, such as in historical or literary contexts (e.g., for a type of knot or sail).

Usage Examples:

• В старых морских историях упоминается хитрый голландец, символизирующий приключения.

  In old sea stories, a cunning Dutchman is mentioned, symbolizing adventures.

• Этот узел называют голландцем из-за его происхождения.

  This knot is called a Dutchman because of its origin.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'голландец' (masculine) and 'голландка' (feminine) are nouns that follow standard Russian inflection patterns for animate nouns. They decline based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for 'голландец' (singular; plural forms are regular).

For 'голландка' (feminine), the inflections are similar but follow feminine patterns:

Plural forms for both are regular and do not have irregularities. These words do not change in the plural nominative except for standard endings (e.g., голландцы for masculine plural).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • нидерландец (niderlandets) - More formal or official term, often used in diplomatic or modern contexts; implies a broader reference to the Netherlands.
  • голландец (as above, but can be interchangeable in casual use).
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a nationality term. However, for contrast: иностранец (inostranez) - Meaning "foreigner," which could be used in opposition in certain contexts.

Related Phrases:

• голландский язык [ɡɐˈlændʲskʲɪj jɪˈzɨk] - Dutch language; Used in educational or linguistic discussions.
• из Голландии [iz ɡɐˈlændʲɪj] - From the Netherlands; Common in travel or biographical contexts, with the meaning: originating from that country.
• голландская кухня [ɡɐˈlændʲskəj kʊxˈnʲa] - Dutch cuisine; Refers to traditional food, with the meaning: culinary traditions of the Netherlands.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'голландец' directly corresponds to the English 'Dutchman' when referring to a male, but always consider gender agreement—use 'голландка' for females to maintain accuracy. This word is neutral in tone but leans formal; in casual speech, Russians might use it in historical or cultural discussions. Be mindful of grammar: it must agree with case and number in sentences. For multiple translations, choose based on context—'нидерландец' is preferred in official settings for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'голландец' with 'немец' (nemets, meaning German). Incorrect: "Этот голландец говорит по-немецки." (This Dutchman speaks German—implying he's German.) Correct: "Этот голландец говорит по-голландски." Explanation: Learners often mix up European nationalities; always verify the specific country.

• Error: Forgetting gender inflections. Incorrect: Using 'голландец' for a female (e.g., "Эта голландец..."). Correct: "Эта голландка..." Explanation: Russian nouns have strict gender rules, unlike English, so adjust based on the subject's gender to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

The term 'голландец' often evokes images of Dutch history, such as the Golden Age of exploration and art (e.g., Rembrandt or Van Gogh). In Russian culture, it's associated with positive stereotypes of innovation and trade, stemming from historical ties between Russia and the Netherlands. However, be aware that 'Holland' technically refers only to a part of the Netherlands, so using 'голландец' might carry a slightly informal or regional connotation in precise contexts.

Related Concepts:

• немец (German)
• француз (Frenchman)
• нидерландский (related to the Netherlands in general)