Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'finalist'

English Word: finalist

Key Russian Translations:

• финалист [fʲɪˈnalʲɪst] - [Formal, Used in contexts like sports or competitions]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in media, sports, and formal announcements, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level, as it involves understanding competition-related vocabulary and basic noun inflections; suitable for learners with some exposure to Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

финалист: [fʲɪˈnalʲɪst]

Note on финалист: The stress falls on the third syllable ("na"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized 'н' sound. Pronounce it with a soft 'l' as in "million".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A person who has reached the final stage of a competition or contest.

Translation(s) & Context:

• финалист - Used in formal and sports contexts, such as Olympic events or academic contests, to denote a competitor who has advanced to the finals.

Usage Examples:

• Он стал финалистом национального конкурса талантов.

  He became a finalist in the national talent competition.

• Финалисты соревнования получат специальные призы.

  The finalists of the competition will receive special prizes.

• В этом году финалистами олимпиады стали студенты из разных стран.

  This year, the finalists of the Olympiad were students from various countries.

• Как финалист, она готовилась к финальному раунду с большим энтузиазмом.

  As a finalist, she prepared for the final round with great enthusiasm.

• Финалисты шоу всегда привлекают внимание СМИ.

  Finalists of the show always attract media attention.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

финалист is a masculine noun in Russian, and it follows the standard second declension pattern for most masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It inflects based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • финальный участник (final participant) - Often used interchangeably, but slightly more descriptive in formal contexts.
  • претендент (claimant or contender) - Applies in competitive scenarios with a nuance of rivalry.
• Antonyms:
  • проигравший (loser) - Used to denote someone who did not advance.
  • отборочный участник (preliminary participant) - Refers to those eliminated before the finals.

Related Phrases:

• Стать финалистом - To become a finalist; Used in contexts of achievement and progression in competitions.
• Финалист конкурса - Finalist of the contest; A common phrase in award ceremonies or talent shows.
• Между финалистами - Among the finalists; Indicates comparison or selection within a group.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "финалист" directly corresponds to the English "finalist" and is typically used in formal or semi-formal settings like sports, academic events, or reality TV. It's important to note the gender agreement: as a masculine noun, it must agree with adjectives and verbs accordingly (e.g., "он стал финалистом"). When choosing between synonyms like "претендент," opt for "финалист" in contexts specifically involving finals. Be mindful of case inflections to ensure grammatical accuracy in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper case inflection, e.g., saying "Я видел финалист" instead of "Я видел финалиста" (accusative case).

  Correct Usage: "Я видел финалиста." Explanation: In Russian, direct objects require the accusative case, so the ending changes from "финалист" to "финалиста."

• Error: Confusing it with "финал" (final), leading to misuse like "Он финал" instead of "Он финалист."

  Correct Usage: "Он финалист." Explanation: "Финал" means the event itself, not the participant, so ensure the context is clear.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "финалист" often carries a sense of national pride, especially in events like the Eurovision Song Contest or Olympic Games, where Russian finalists are celebrated in media and public discourse. It reflects the competitive spirit in Russian society, influenced by historical emphasis on achievements in sports and arts during the Soviet era.

Related Concepts:

• конкурс (competition)
• олимпиада (Olympiad)
• победитель (winner)