Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'instructor'

English Word: instructor

Key Russian Translations:

• инструктор (/ɪnstra'ktor/) - [Formal, Singular, Used in educational or professional contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts like education, sports, and training, but not as ubiquitous as everyday words like "teacher").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic understanding of noun declensions and everyday vocabulary, but straightforward for learners at this level).

Pronunciation (Russian):

инструктор: /ɪnstra'ktor/ (The stress is on the second syllable, as in "in-STRAK-tor". The "р" is rolled, which is a common feature in Russian pronunciation.)

Note on инструктор: Be mindful of the rolled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. In fast speech, the vowel in the stressed syllable may shorten slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A person who teaches or trains others in a practical skill, such as driving, sports, or military procedures.

Translation(s) & Context:

• инструктор - Used in formal settings like schools, gyms, or professional training; implies hands-on guidance rather than theoretical teaching.

Usage Examples:

• Мой инструктор по вождению очень терпеливый и объясняет всё подробно.

  My driving instructor is very patient and explains everything in detail.

• В тренажёрном зале работает опытный инструктор, который помогает новичкам.

  In the gym, there is an experienced instructor who helps beginners.

• Инструктор по плаванию научил детей правильной технике.

  The swimming instructor taught the children the proper technique.

• Во время военной подготовки инструктор демонстрирует тактические приёмы.

  During military training, the instructor demonstrates tactical maneuvers.

Meaning 2: A teacher or guide in a specific field, often with an emphasis on practical application rather than academic theory.

Translation(s) & Context:

• инструктор - Applied in contexts where expertise is demonstrated through demonstration, such as workshops or hands-on classes; less common in formal academia.

Usage Examples:

• Инструктор по йоге проводит уроки в парке каждое утро.

  The yoga instructor holds classes in the park every morning.

• На курсах первой помощи инструктор показывает, как делать искусственное дыхание.

  In the first aid course, the instructor demonstrates how to perform artificial respiration.

• Инструктор по компьютерным курсам объясняет основы программирования.

  The computer course instructor explains the basics of programming.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Инструктор" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners. In plural, it simply adds the suffix as per standard rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • учитель (teacher, but more general and often academic; differs from инструктор by implying less hands-on training)
  • тренер (coach, specifically in sports; used when the focus is on physical or competitive skills)
• Antonyms:
  • ученик (student; represents the learner rather than the teacher)
  • новичок (beginner; implies inexperience, contrasting with the expertise of an instructor)

Related Phrases:

• инструктор по вождению - Driving instructor; used in contexts of learning to drive, emphasizing practical road skills.
• личный инструктор - Personal trainer; common in fitness settings for individualized coaching.
• инструктор по фитнесу - Fitness instructor; refers to someone leading group exercise classes.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "инструктор" is a precise equivalent for "instructor" when the role involves practical demonstration and guidance, unlike "учитель" which is more for classroom teaching. It is typically used in formal or professional contexts, such as sports, military, or vocational training. When choosing between translations, opt for "инструктор" if the emphasis is on hands-on skills; be aware of grammatical gender (always masculine), which affects agreements in sentences. For example, adjectives must agree: "хороший инструктор" (good instructor).

Common Errors:

• Confusing "инструктор" with "учитель": English learners often use "учитель" interchangeably, but this can imply a more academic role. Error: "Мой учитель по вождению" (incorrect for driving). Correct: "Мой инструктор по вождению". Explanation: "Инструктор" specifies practical training, while "учитель" is for general education.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "с инструктор" instead of "с инструктором" in the instrumental case. Error: "Я учусь с инструктор". Correct: "Я учусь с инструктором". Explanation: Always decline based on the sentence structure to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, instructors like "инструктор по вождению" play a significant role in practical education, often reflecting the country's emphasis on structured training in areas like driving and sports. Historically, during the Soviet era, instructors were key in state-run programs, symbolizing expertise and discipline, which can add a layer of respect to the term in modern contexts.

Related Concepts:

• преподаватель (lecturer or professor)
• тренер (coach)
• наставник (mentor)