Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reservist'

English Word: reservist

Key Russian Translations:

• резервист (/rʲɪˈzɛrvʲɪst/) - [Formal, Military context]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in military, news, and official contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; involves understanding borrowed words and basic noun inflections, suitable for learners with some familiarity with Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

резервист: /rʲɪˈzɛrvʲɪst/ (The stress is on the third syllable; the 'р' is rolled, and the 'е' is pronounced as a short 'e' sound.)

Note on резервист: Be cautious with the palatalized 'рʲ' at the beginning, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. In fast speech, it may soften slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A member of the military reserve forces, someone who is not on active duty but can be called up when needed.

Translation(s) & Context:

• резервист - Used in formal military or governmental discussions, often in contexts involving defense policies or national service.

Usage Examples:

• Он был призван как резервист во время конфликта.

  He was called up as a reservist during the conflict.

• Резервисты проходят ежегодные тренировки для поддержания готовности.

  Reservists undergo annual training to maintain readiness.

• В её семье несколько человек служат резервистами в армии.

  In her family, several people serve as reservists in the army.

• Правительство увеличило финансирование для резервистов в свете новых угроз.

  The government increased funding for reservists in light of new threats.

• Молодой резервист вернулся домой после успешной миссии.

  The young reservist returned home after a successful mission.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Резервист" is a masculine noun (second declension in Russian). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • запасник (/zɐˈpasnʲɪk/) - Often used interchangeably, but more common in informal or historical contexts.
  • резервистский боец - Emphasizes the fighter aspect, with subtle differences in military specificity.
• Antonyms:
  • регулярный солдат (/rʲɪɡʊˈlʲarnɨj sɐlˈdat/) - Refers to full-time active-duty personnel.

Related Phrases:

• мобилизованный резервист - A reservist who has been mobilized; used in contexts of national emergencies or wars. (Mobilized reservist)
• резервистская служба - Refers to reserve duty or service; common in military discussions. (Reservist service)
• призыв резервистов - The call-up of reservists; often in news about defense strategies. (Call-up of reservists)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "резервист" directly corresponds to the English "reservist" as a borrowed term, primarily used in formal or military contexts. It is gender-neutral in plural form but masculine in singular, so ensure agreement with adjectives or verbs (e.g., "он является резервистом" for a male). When choosing between synonyms like "запасник," opt for "резервист" in modern official contexts for precision. Be mindful of regional variations; in some post-Soviet states, it may carry slight nuances in military policy discussions.

• Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it is domain-specific.
• In sentences, it often pairs with verbs like "призывать" (to call up) or "служить" (to serve).

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "резервист" with "солдат" (soldier), leading to overuse or incorrect inflection. For example:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., "Я видел резервист" instead of "Я видел резервиста" (in accusative case).
• Correct: "Я видел резервиста." (I saw the reservist.) - Explanation: Russian requires proper declension based on sentence structure.
• Error: Mixing with synonyms without context, e.g., saying "запасник" when "резервист" is more appropriate in formal military reports.
• Correct: Use "резервист" for precision in official contexts to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, reservists play a significant role due to mandatory military service in Russia. The concept evokes themes of national defense and patriotism, especially post-World War II and during the Cold War era. Terms like "резервист" often appear in media during geopolitical tensions, reflecting Russia's emphasis on a strong reserve force as part of its strategic military doctrine.

Related Concepts:

• армия (army)
• мобилизация (mobilization)
• военная служба (military service)