Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rearguard'

English Word: rearguard

Key Russian Translations:

• арьергард [ɐˈrʲɛrɡərt] - [Formal, Military context; Singular]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in military, historical, or specialized contexts; not common in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with Russian military terminology and noun declensions, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

арьергард: [ɐˈrʲɛrɡərt]

Note on арьергард: The stress falls on the second syllable ("rʲɛr"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the rolled 'r' sound. Variations may occur in rapid speech, but standard pronunciation is as above.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A body of troops or forces positioned at the rear to protect the main body, often during retreat or advance.

Translation(s) & Context:

• арьергард - Used in formal military discussions, historical texts, or strategic contexts; implies defensive protection in a rear position.

Usage Examples:

• Войска арьергарда защищают отступающую армию от преследования.

  The rearguard troops protect the retreating army from pursuit.

• В битве при Бородино арьергард сыграл ключевую роль в замедлении противника.

  In the Battle of Borodino, the rearguard played a key role in slowing down the enemy.

• Современные военные стратегии часто включают укрепление арьергарда для обеспечения безопасного отхода.

  Modern military strategies often involve strengthening the rearguard to ensure a safe withdrawal.

• Арьергард был сформирован из элитных подразделений для прикрытия основных сил.

  The rearguard was formed from elite units to cover the main forces.

• В исторических романах арьергард часто описывается как героический элемент сражения.

  In historical novels, the rearguard is often depicted as a heroic element of the battle.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "арьергард" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows standard noun inflection patterns but is not commonly used in everyday language, making it relatively stable. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, but pay attention to the stress, which remains on the second syllable in most cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тыловая охрана (tylovaya okhrana) - More general term for rear protection, often used in broader security contexts.
  • заградительный отряд (zagrazditelnyy otryad) - Implies a blocking or defensive unit, with a slight emphasis on obstruction.
• Antonyms:
  • авангард (avangard) - The vanguard or front guard, representing the leading edge of forces.
  • передовой отряд (per edovoy otryad) - Forward unit, contrasting with rear positioning.

Related Phrases:

• Укрепление арьергарда - Strengthening the rearguard; Used in strategic planning to enhance defensive capabilities.
• Арьергардное сражение - Rearguard action; Refers to a battle fought by the rearguard to delay the enemy.
• Отход под прикрытием арьергарда - Withdrawal under rearguard cover; Common in military tactics for safe retreats.

Usage Notes:

"Арьергард" directly corresponds to the English "rearguard" in military contexts, but it's a formal term rarely used outside of historical, strategic, or professional discussions. English learners should note that Russian military vocabulary often incorporates loanwords like this one, which retain their original form. When choosing between translations, opt for "арьергард" in precise historical or tactical scenarios; for more general protection, "тыловая охрана" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence's case to avoid errors, and it's typically used in singular form unless referring to multiple units.

• In formal writing, pair it with verbs like "защищать" (to protect) or "прикрывать" (to cover).
• Avoid using it in casual conversations, as it may sound overly technical.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake the declension of "арьергард," treating it as indeclinable due to its foreign origin. For example:

• Error: Войска в арьергард (incorrect; misses genitive case).
• Correct: Войска в арьергарде (proper prepositional case).
• Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case, so always adjust endings. Another common mistake is confusing it with "авангард," leading to swapped meanings in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, the concept of a "rearguard" (арьергард) is deeply tied to military traditions, especially from events like the Napoleonic Wars or World War II. It symbolizes resilience and sacrifice, as seen in literature such as Tolstoy's "War and Peace," where rearguard actions are portrayed as heroic defenses. This reflects Russia's historical emphasis on strategic depth and endurance in warfare.

Related Concepts:

• авангард (avangard)
• фланг (flang)
• тыл (tyl)