Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lackey'

English Word: lackey

Key Russian Translations:

• Лакей [lɐˈkej] - [Formal, Historical or Literary Context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in historical, literary, or formal contexts, but less frequent in everyday modern Russian conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; involves basic noun inflections, suitable for learners with some grasp of Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Лакей: [lɐˈkej]

Note on Лакей: The stress falls on the second syllable ('kej'). Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) at the end, which softens the preceding consonant but doesn't affect the vowel sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A servant or attendant, often implying subservience or low status

Translation(s) & Context:

• Лакей - Used in formal, historical, or literary settings to describe a male servant, such as in aristocratic households or period dramas (e.g., in contexts evoking 19th-century Russian literature).

Usage Examples:

• В старом дворце работал преданный лакей, который всегда был готов помочь хозяину.

  In the old palace, a devoted lackey worked, always ready to help the master.

• Лакей в униформе открыл дверь и поприветствовал гостей с поклоном.

  The lackey in uniform opened the door and greeted the guests with a bow.

• В современном театре роль лакея часто используется для сатиры на социальное неравенство.

  In modern theater, the role of a lackey is often used to satirize social inequality.

• Молодой лакей быстро научился всем обязанностям, включая сервировку стола и уход за лошадьми.

  The young lackey quickly learned all his duties, including setting the table and caring for the horses.

• Лакей стоял у входа, ожидая приказов от хозяина во время бала.

  The lackey stood at the entrance, waiting for orders from the master during the ball.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лакей" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, but learners should pay attention to the vowel changes in certain cases, such as the genitive singular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Слуга (sluga) - More general term for a servant, often used in everyday contexts.
  • Прислужник (prislužnik) - Implies a more subservient role, with subtle connotations of blind obedience.
• Antonyms:
  • Хозяин (khozyain) - Master or owner, directly opposite in the power dynamic.
  • Господин (gospodin) - Gentleman or lord, emphasizing superior status.

Related Phrases:

• Личный лакей (lichnyy lakey) - Personal lackey; a dedicated servant assigned to an individual, often in historical settings.
• Лакей в ливрее (lakey v livree) - Lackey in livery; refers to a servant in uniform, highlighting formal attire in aristocratic contexts.
• Дворецкий или лакей (dvoretskiy ili lakey) - Butler or lackey; a phrase used to compare roles in household staff.

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "Лакей" directly corresponds to the English "lackey" in its connotation of a subservient attendant, but it is more commonly found in literary or historical contexts rather than modern everyday language. Use it when discussing Russian literature (e.g., works by Pushkin) or formal settings to maintain accuracy.
• In contemporary Russian, opt for synonyms like "слуга" for general use to avoid sounding archaic. Be aware of the formal register; it's not suitable for informal conversations.
• Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires adjectives and verbs to agree in gender and case, e.g., "верный лакей" (faithful lackey).
• When choosing among translations, "Лакей" is best for contexts implying historical servitude, while "Прислужник" might be used for more metaphorical or modern subservience.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел лакей" instead of "Я видел лакея" (in accusative case). Correct: Я видел лакея. Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case; here, after "видел" (saw), accusative is needed.
• Error: Confusing with feminine forms, e.g., treating it as "Лакея" in nominative. Correct: Лакей is always masculine. Explanation: This can lead to gender agreement errors in sentences, such as with adjectives.
• Error: Overusing in modern contexts, e.g., saying "Мой лакей" for a personal assistant. Correct: Use "помощник" instead. Explanation: "Лакей" carries a historical tone that may sound outdated or humorous in casual speech.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "Лакей" often evokes images from 19th-century literature and society, such as in the works of Leo Tolstoy or Anton Chekhov, where it symbolizes class divides and servitude. It reflects historical aristocratic life in Russia, where lackeys were part of the household staff in noble estates, highlighting themes of social hierarchy and obedience that persist in cultural discussions today.

Related Concepts:

• Слуга (sluga)
• Дворецкий (dvoretskiy)
• Прислужник (prislužnik)