Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'furrier'

English Word: furrier

Key Russian Translations:

• меховщик (/mʲɪˈxofɕːɪk/) - [Formal, Professional context]

Frequency: Low (This word and its Russian equivalent are not commonly used in everyday conversation, appearing more in specialized contexts like trade or history.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to professions, but not overly complex for learners at this level.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

меховщик: /mʲɪˈxofɕːɪk/

Note on меховщик: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'm' (/mʲ/) and a soft 'ш' (/ɕː/), which can be challenging for English speakers due to the lack of direct equivalents. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who deals in furs, makes fur clothing, or repairs fur items.

Translation(s) & Context:

• меховщик - Used in formal or professional contexts, such as describing a trade or business related to fur processing in Russian-speaking regions.

Usage Examples:

• Он работает меховщиком в местном магазине.

  He works as a furrier in the local shop.

• Меховщик аккуратно починил старую шубу.

  The furrier carefully repaired the old fur coat.

• В Москве много меховщиков, специализирующихся на зимней одежде.

  In Moscow, there are many furriers specializing in winter clothing.

• Её семья владеет мастерской, где меховщик создаёт эксклюзивные изделия.

  Her family owns a workshop where the furrier creates exclusive items.

• Меховщик посоветовал, как правильно ухаживать за меховыми изделиями.

  The furrier advised on how to properly care for fur items.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

меховщик is a masculine noun (2nd declension in Russian). It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for animate nouns. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пушной мастер (pushnoy master) - More general term for a fur specialist; often used interchangeably but implies a broader skill set.
  • шкуросъёмщик (shkurosyomshchik) - Less common, specifically for someone involved in fur preparation, with a connotation of raw material processing.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a profession-specific term. (Antonyms might include unrelated professions like "портной" for tailor, but they are not precise opposites.)

Related Phrases:

• меховой магазин - A fur shop; Commonly used in contexts discussing retail or commerce involving furs.
• работа меховщика - The work of a furrier; Refers to the profession's daily tasks, often in job descriptions or historical texts.
• меховой бизнес - Fur business; Implies the commercial aspect, such as trading or manufacturing furs.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "меховщик" directly corresponds to "furrier" in English, emphasizing a professional role in the fur industry. It is typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as business, history, or cultural discussions, rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences; as a masculine noun, it pairs with masculine adjectives and verbs. When choosing between synonyms like "пушной мастер," opt for "меховщик" if the focus is on craftsmanship. In modern usage, this term may carry connotations of traditional trades, so it's less common in urban slang.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "меховщик" with "механик" (mechanic): English learners might mistakenly use "механик" due to similar sounds, but this refers to vehicle repair. Incorrect: "Он механик для шуб." (Wrong association). Correct: "Он меховщик для шуб." (He is a furrier for coats). Explanation: Pay attention to root words—'мех' means fur, not machines.

• Improper declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "Я видел меховщик" instead of "Я видел меховщика" in accusative. Correct usage: Always decline based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, furriers and the fur trade have historical significance due to Russia's harsh winters and vast natural resources. Terms like "меховщик" evoke traditions from the tsarist era, when fur was a luxury export. Today, it reflects environmental debates around fur farming, making it a word with both economic and ethical connotations in contemporary Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• шуба (fur coat)
• мех (fur)
• пушнина (furs as a material)