Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'paycheck'

English Word: paycheck

Key Russian Translations:

• зарплата [zɐrˈpɫatə] - [Formal, Informal; Used in everyday financial contexts]
• чек [t͡ɕek] - [Formal; Used specifically for a check or voucher, less common for regular paychecks]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly encountered in daily conversations, professional settings, and media in Russian-speaking contexts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Suitable for learners with basic vocabulary, as it involves common nouns and financial terms. For 'чек', it may be A2 if focusing on simple loanwords.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

зарплата: [zɐrˈpɫatə]

Note on зарплата: The stress falls on the second syllable ("pɫatə"). Pronounce the 'р' as a rolled 'r', which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations may occur in regional dialects, such as softer consonants in southern Russia.

чек: [t͡ɕek]

Note on чек: This is a loanword from English/French, so it's pronounced similarly to "check" but with a soft Russian 'ч' sound, like 'ch' in "church".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A check or payment given to an employee as compensation for work, often implying a regular salary or wage.

Translation(s) & Context:

• зарплата - Used in both formal (e.g., official documents) and informal contexts (e.g., casual conversations about finances); implies a monthly or periodic payment.
• чек - Used in formal or business contexts, such as banking or payroll systems, when referring to a physical check.

Usage Examples:

• Я получил зарплату на банковский счёт в конце месяца.

  I received my paycheck into my bank account at the end of the month.

• Её зарплата всегда задерживается из-за административных проблем.

  Her paycheck is always delayed due to administrative issues.

• Он обменял чек на наличные деньги в банке.

  He cashed his paycheck at the bank.

• Зарплата сотрудников зависит от их производительности и опыта.

  The employees' paychecks depend on their performance and experience.

• После получения зарплаты, она планирует поехать в отпуск.

  After getting her paycheck, she plans to go on vacation.

Meaning 2: Figurative use, referring to earnings or income in a broader sense (less common for 'paycheck' specifically).

Translation(s) & Context:

• зарплата - In metaphorical contexts, such as discussing freelance income; informal usage.

Usage Examples:

• Эта работа принесла ему хорошую зарплату, но мало удовлетворения.

  This job brought him a good paycheck, but little satisfaction.

• Зарплата фрилансера варьируется в зависимости от проектов.

  A freelancer's paycheck varies depending on the projects.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. 'Зарплата' is a feminine noun of the first declension, which follows regular patterns in Russian grammar. It inflects based on case, number, and gender. 'Чек' is also a masculine noun but can be indeclinable in some contexts as a loanword.

Note: 'Чек' may not inflect in all contexts, especially in modern usage, making it simpler for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: оклад (oklad) - Fixed salary; заработок (zarabotok) - Earnings, often implying effort-based income; гонорар (gonorar) - Fee for services.
• Antonyms: долг (dolg) - Debt; убыток (ubytok) - Loss.

Related Phrases:

• Получить зарплату - To receive one's paycheck; Used for the act of getting paid, common in employment discussions.
• Задержка зарплаты - Paycheck delay; Refers to late payments, a frequent issue in some industries.
• Выплата зарплаты - Paycheck disbursement; Formal term for the process of distributing salaries.

Usage Notes:

'Зарплата' is the most direct and versatile translation for 'paycheck' in Russian, encompassing both the concept of a physical check and general salary payments. It is neutral in tone and can be used across formal and informal settings, but avoid it in highly technical financial contexts where 'чек' might be more precise. English speakers should note that Russian often emphasizes monthly payments, so phrases like 'получить зарплату' align with cultural norms. When choosing between translations, opt for 'зарплата' for everyday use and 'чек' for banking scenarios. Grammatically, ensure proper declension based on sentence structure to avoid errors.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'зарплата' interchangeably with 'деньги' (money), which is too vague. Correct: 'Зарплата' specifically means earned wages, not general currency. Example of error: "Я хочу зарплата сейчас" (incorrect, as it should be "Я хочу получить зарплату сейчас"). Explanation: Always use the verb 'получить' or appropriate case for accuracy.

• Error: Forgetting to inflect 'зарплата' in sentences, e.g., saying "Я получил зарплата" instead of "Я получил зарплату". Correct: "Я получил зарплату". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so pay attention to accusative forms in direct objects.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions about 'зарплата' often highlight economic realities, such as delays in payments due to bureaucratic processes or the importance of state-controlled wages in certain sectors. Historically, during the Soviet era, salaries were standardized, which influences how modern Russians view paychecks as a symbol of stability rather than individual negotiation.

Related Concepts:

• пенсия (pension)
• бонус (bonus)
• доход (income)