Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'informer'

English Word: informer

Key Russian Translations:

• информатор /ɪnfɐrˈmatər/ - [Formal, Used in contexts involving law enforcement or intelligence]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal, professional, or journalistic contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and formal vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

информатор: /ɪnfɐrˈmatər/

Note on информатор: The stress falls on the third syllable (-ma-). Be cautious with the 'р' sound, which is a rolled 'r' in Russian, potentially challenging for English speakers. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who provides information, especially secretly or to authorities.

Translation(s) & Context:

• информатор - Used in formal settings like investigations or journalism; implies a reliable source of confidential information.

Usage Examples:

• Русский полицейский использовал информатора, чтобы раскрыть преступление.

  The Russian police used an informer to uncover the crime. (Demonstrates use in a law enforcement context.)

• Журналист получил ценную информацию от анонимного информатора.

  The journalist received valuable information from an anonymous informer. (Shows use in media or investigative scenarios.)

• В шпионском фильме главный герой становится информатором для иностранного агентства.

  In the spy movie, the main character becomes an informer for a foreign agency. (Illustrates use in narrative or fictional contexts.)

• Информатор в компании раскрыл коррупционные схемы руководства.

  The informer in the company exposed the management's corrupt schemes. (Highlights use in corporate or ethical dilemmas.)

• Правительственный информатор помог предотвратить террористический акт.

  The government informer helped prevent a terrorist act. (Emphasizes use in national security contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Информатор" is a masculine noun (from the first declension group in Russian). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners at B2 level. Always adjust for agreement with adjectives or verbs in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: доносчик (informer with a negative connotation, often implying betrayal), осведомитель (informant in a more neutral or official sense)
• Antonyms: молчальник (a person who keeps silent, though not a direct antonym; use with caution as it's less common)

Brief note: "Доносчик" carries a historical stigma from Soviet times, implying snitching, while "осведомитель" is more formal and less judgmental.

Related Phrases:

• Конфиденциальный информатор - A confidential informer; used in contexts requiring secrecy, such as espionage.
• Анонимный информатор - An anonymous informer; common in journalism for whistleblowers.
• Информатор в разведке - An informer in intelligence; refers to sources in military or security operations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "информатор" directly corresponds to the English "informer" but is typically reserved for formal or professional contexts, unlike everyday English usage. It often implies a level of reliability or official involvement. When choosing between synonyms like "доносчик" and "осведомитель," opt for "информатор" in neutral scenarios to avoid negative undertones. Grammatically, ensure it agrees in case and number with surrounding elements, e.g., in prepositional phrases. For English learners, be mindful of cultural nuances where this word might evoke historical sensitivities.

• Always use in singular form unless referring to multiple individuals.
• In spoken Russian, it may be softened in informal settings by rephrasing, e.g., "источник информации" for a less formal tone.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "информатор" with "доносчик," mistakenly using the latter in neutral contexts, which can imply betrayal. For example:

• Error: "Он был доносчиком в полиции." (Incorrect if neutral; sounds accusatory.)
• Correct: "Он был информатором в полиции." (Neutral and accurate.)
• Explanation: "Доносчик" has a pejorative connotation from historical contexts, so use "информатор" for factual reporting. Another common mistake is incorrect declension, e.g., saying "информаторa" in nominative case instead of "информатор."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "информатор" is often associated with Soviet-era intelligence and surveillance, evoking themes from literature like spy novels or historical events. It can carry a sense of mistrust or heroism, depending on context, reflecting Russia's complex history with informants during the KGB era. This adds a layer of depth, making it a word with potential emotional weight in conversations.

Related Concepts:

• агент (agent)
• шпион (spy)
• осведомитель (informant)