Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'jailer'

English Word: jailer

Key Russian Translations:

• тюремщик [ˈtʲurʲɪmʂɨk] - [Formal, often used in literary or historical contexts]
• надзиратель [nədzʲɪrəˈtʲelʲ] - [Formal, commonly used in modern administrative or legal settings]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it appears more in literature, historical texts, or formal discussions about law enforcement.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners should be familiar with basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to professions and institutions. The word 'тюремщик' may be slightly more challenging due to its less frequent use, while 'надзиратель' aligns with standard intermediate levels.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тюремщик: [ˈtʲurʲɪmʂɨk]

надзиратель: [nədzʲɪrəˈtʲelʲ]

Note on тюремщик: The 'щ' sound ([ʂ]) can be tricky for English speakers, as it's a voiceless retroflex fricative—similar to the 'sh' in 'she', but more emphatic. Stress is on the first syllable.

Note on надзиратель: Pronounce with emphasis on the third syllable; the 'з' ([z]) is voiced, blending into the following 'и' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A person responsible for guarding prisoners in a jail or prison.

Translation(s) & Context:

• тюремщик - Used in formal, literary, or historical contexts, often implying a traditional or authoritarian role.
• надзиратель - Applied in modern, administrative contexts, such as in prisons or correctional facilities, emphasizing oversight and supervision.

Usage Examples:

• Тюремщик строго следил за заключёнными в старой крепости.

  The jailer strictly watched the prisoners in the old fortress.

• Надзиратель проверил камеры перед визитом инспектора.

  The jailer checked the cells before the inspector's visit.

• В романе Достоевского тюремщик изображён как символ власти и жестокости.

  In Dostoevsky's novel, the jailer is depicted as a symbol of authority and cruelty.

• Молодой надзиратель старался быть справедливым к узникам.

  The young jailer tried to be fair to the inmates.

• Тюремщик не позволил посетителям передать посылку.

  The jailer did not allow visitors to deliver the package.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'тюремщик' and 'надзиратель' are masculine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard second declension patterns for animate nouns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender, but as singular masculine nouns, they do not change in the nominative singular form. Below is a table outlining the key inflections for each:

These nouns are regular in their declension, with no irregularities. In plural form (though less common for these words), they would follow standard patterns: e.g., тюремщики (nominative plural). Note that 'надзиратель' can also appear in plural as надзиратели in contexts involving multiple guards.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • охранник (okhrannik) - More general term for a guard, often used interchangeably in casual contexts.
  • страж (strazh) - Implies a watchful protector, with a slightly archaic or poetic connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • заключённый (zaklyuchyonnyy) - Refers to a prisoner, directly opposite in role.
  • освободитель (osvoboditel') - Means a liberator or someone who sets free.

Related Phrases:

• начальник тюрьмы - (Chief of the prison; used to refer to a senior jailer or prison administrator.)
• тюремный надзиратель - (Prison jailer; a phrase emphasizing the institutional setting.)
• страж порядка - (Guardian of order; a broader phrase that can include jailers in law enforcement contexts.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'тюремщик' and 'надзиратель' both correspond closely to the English 'jailer', but 'тюремщик' carries a more traditional or literary flavor, often evoking images from Russian literature like Dostoevsky's works, while 'надзиратель' is more neutral and administrative. Use 'тюремщик' in formal or historical narratives, and 'надзиратель' in contemporary discussions. Be mindful of context: these words imply authority and are typically neutral or negative in connotation. Grammatically, always decline them according to the case required in the sentence. When choosing between translations, opt for 'надзиратель' in modern settings for better accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'тюремщик' with 'тюрьма' (prison): English learners might misuse 'тюремщик' to mean the building itself. Error: "Я посетил тюремщик." (Incorrect) Correct: "Я посетил тюрьму." Explanation: 'Тюремщик' refers to the person, not the place.
• Forgetting declension: Learners often leave nouns undeclined. Error: "Я видел надзиратель." (Incorrect) Correct: "Я видел надзирателя." (Accusative case) Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case for grammatical agreement.
• Overusing in casual speech: Mistakenly using these formal words in everyday talk. Error: Saying 'тюремщик' when 'охранник' would suffice in informal contexts. Explanation: Stick to synonyms like 'охранник' for casual conversations to avoid sounding overly formal.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'тюремщик' often appear in literature and historical contexts, reflecting the country's complex history with imprisonment, as seen in works by authors like Dostoevsky or Solzhenitsyn. These terms can carry undertones of authoritarianism from the Soviet era, where prison guards symbolized state control, helping to evoke themes of oppression and resilience in Russian narratives.

Related Concepts:

• тюрьма (prison)
• заключённый (prisoner)
• тюремная система (prison system)