Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'footman'

English Word: footman

Key Russian Translations:

• лакеи [lɐˈkʲej] - [Formal, Plural, Historical Context]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in modern everyday Russian; it's mostly encountered in historical or literary contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and formal vocabulary, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лакеи: [lɐˈkʲej]

Note on лакеи: The stress falls on the second syllable, which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'k' sound. Pronounce it with a soft 'k' as in 'key'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A male servant in livery, often in a historical or aristocratic setting.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лакеи - Used in formal, historical, or literary contexts to describe servants in noble households; typically plural in Russian usage.

Usage Examples:

• В старом дворце работали лакеи в униформе.

  In the old palace, footmen worked in uniform.

• Лакеи подавали блюда на званом ужине у графа.

  The footmen served dishes at the count's formal dinner.

• В исторических фильмах лакеи часто изображаются как преданные слуги.

  In historical films, footmen are often depicted as loyal servants.

• Лакеи в эпоху императоров были частью придворного этикета.

  Footmen in the era of emperors were part of court etiquette.

• Современные музеи иногда нанимают лакеев для реконструкций.

  Modern museums sometimes hire footmen for reconstructions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лакеи" is a masculine plural noun in Russian, derived from the French "lackey." It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in -и, but it is less common and often remains in its base form in modern usage.

Note: This word is invariant in some contexts due to its borrowed nature, and the singular form is not frequently used.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • слуга (sluga) - A general term for a servant; less formal and more versatile.
  • дворецкий (dvoretskiy) - Specifically for a butler or head servant; implies higher status.
• Antonyms:
  • хозяин (khozyain) - Master or owner; directly opposite in a hierarchical sense.
  • господин (gospodin) - Lord or gentleman; used for someone of higher social standing.

Related Phrases:

• Ливрейные лакеи - Livery footmen; refers to servants in traditional uniforms, often in historical reenactments. (Used in contexts discussing formal attire or events.)
• Придворные лакеи - Court footmen; implies service in a royal or noble court. (Common in literature about Russian imperial history.)
• Лакеи в опере - Footmen in the opera; a phrase for theatrical depictions. (Appears in cultural or artistic discussions.)

Usage Notes:

"Лакеи" directly corresponds to the English "footman" in historical contexts but is rarely used in contemporary Russian. It's more common in formal writing, literature, or when discussing pre-revolutionary Russia. English learners should note that Russian nouns like this decline based on case, so pay attention to sentence structure (e.g., use genitive for possession). If the context is modern, consider alternatives like "слуга" for a more neutral tone. Choose "лакеи" for precision in historical or formal settings to avoid sounding archaic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "лакеи" in singular form without context, e.g., saying "лакеи" when a plural is unintended. Correct: In Russian, it's almost always plural; if singular is needed, use "лакеи" carefully or opt for "дворецкий". Example of error: "Он был лакеи" (incorrect). Correct: "Он был лакеем" (with proper declension).

• Error: Mispronouncing the palatalized 'к' sound, making it sound like English "key" instead of the softer Russian version. This can lead to confusion with similar words. Explanation: Practice with native audio to master the phonetics.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лакеи" evokes images of the imperial era, such as in the courts of the Romanov dynasty. It symbolizes the rigid class system of 18th-19th century Russia, as depicted in literature like Tolstoy's works. Understanding this term helps English speakers grasp the social hierarchies in Russian history, where servants like footmen played key roles in aristocratic households.

Related Concepts:

• дворецкий
• аристократ
• императорский двор