Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'retainer'

English Word: retainer

Key Russian Translations:

• слуга /ˈsluɡə/ - [Formal, Historical context]
• аванс /ɐˈvans/ - [Business or Financial context]

Frequency: Medium - Both translations are commonly encountered in literature, historical texts, and professional settings, but not in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: For "слуга": A2 (Beginner) - Basic noun with straightforward usage; For "аванс": B1 (Intermediate) - Involves financial contexts that may require vocabulary on payments and contracts.

Pronunciation (Russian):

слуга: /ˈsluɡə/

Note on слуга: The stress is on the first syllable; ensure a clear "sl" sound, which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft Russian consonants.

аванс: /ɐˈvans/

Note on аванс: Stress on the second syllable; the "v" sound is similar to English, but pay attention to the vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, common in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A servant or attendant (e.g., in historical or domestic contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• слуга - Used in formal, literary, or historical settings to refer to a loyal servant or employee in a household.

Usage Examples:

• В старом замке слуга всегда был рядом с хозяином.

  In the old castle, the retainer was always by the master's side.

• Слуга выполняет повседневные обязанности в усадьбе.

  The retainer carries out daily duties in the estate.

• В русской литературе слуга часто изображается как верный спутник.

  In Russian literature, the retainer is often depicted as a faithful companion.

• Молодой слуга учится у опытного мастера.

  The young retainer learns from the experienced master.

Meaning 2: A fee paid in advance to secure services (e.g., in legal or business contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• аванс - Used in professional settings for an upfront payment to retain services, such as in law or consulting.

Usage Examples:

• Адвокат требует аванс перед началом работы.

  The lawyer requires a retainer before starting the work.

• В контракте указано, что аванс должен быть выплачен заранее.

  The contract states that the retainer must be paid in advance.

• Аванс помогает обеспечить лояльность специалиста.

  The retainer helps to ensure the specialist's loyalty.

• Без аванса подрядчик может отказаться от проекта.

  Without a retainer, the contractor might decline the project.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "слуга" (a masculine noun in Russian):

This word follows standard Russian noun declension for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It is inflected based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its declensions in singular form:

Case	Singular
Nominative	слуга
Genitive	слуги
Dative	слуге
Accusative	слугу
Instrumental	слугой
Prepositional	слуге

Note: In plural, it becomes "слуги" (nominative), with further inflections. This is a regular pattern, but English learners should note case changes for prepositions.

For "аванс" (a masculine noun):

This word is also regularly inflected as a masculine noun. It does not have significant irregularities:

Case	Singular
Nominative	аванс
Genitive	аванса
Dative	авансу
Accusative	аванс
Instrumental	авансом
Prepositional	авансе

It remains unchanged in plural forms in many contexts, as it's often used as a countable noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: прислуга (more general for domestic staff, often interchangeable with слуга in historical contexts); лакей (specifically for a footman or valet, with a slightly more archaic connotation)
• Antonyms: хозяин (master or employer, contrasting the subordinate role)

Related Phrases:

• Домашний слуга - Household retainer; a phrase referring to a live-in servant, commonly used in descriptions of traditional Russian estates.
• Уплатить аванс - To pay a retainer; used in business to indicate advance payment for ongoing services.
• Аванс за услуги - Retainer for services; a fixed phrase in legal contracts to secure professional commitment.

Usage Notes:

"Retainer" as "слуга" corresponds closely to English in historical or literary contexts but is less common in modern Russian; prefer it for formal writing. For "аванс", it directly matches the financial meaning but may imply a more binding commitment in Russian culture. Be cautious with context: use "аванс" in professional emails or contracts, and avoid mixing it with "слуга" to prevent confusion. Grammar note: Both nouns require correct case agreement with verbs and prepositions, e.g., "я нанял слугу" (I hired a retainer).

• When choosing between translations, opt for "слуга" in personal or narrative contexts and "аванс" in transactional ones.
• Russian often emphasizes relationships, so phrases with "слуга" might carry connotations of loyalty not always present in English.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "слуга" with "слушатель" (listener), mistakenly using it in unrelated contexts. For example:

• Incorrect: "Он был слуга на встрече." (Wrong: implying he was a servant at the meeting, but meant to say listener.)
• Correct: "Он был слушателем на встрече." (He was a listener at the meeting.) Explanation: "Слуга" specifically means a servant, not someone who listens.
• Another error: Using "аванс" without specifying the amount, e.g., "Я заплатил аванс" without context, which can be vague. Correct usage: "Я заплатил аванс за юридические услуги." (I paid a retainer for legal services.) This ensures clarity in financial discussions.

Cultural Notes:

The term "слуга" evokes images from Russian literature, such as in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, where retainers symbolize class divides and loyalty in pre-revolutionary society. In modern Russia, it's less common due to social changes, but it carries nostalgic or historical weight, often romanticized in media. For "аванс", it reflects Russia's bureaucratic traditions, where upfront payments are crucial in business to build trust, stemming from historical economic uncertainties.

Related Concepts:

• хозяин (master or owner)
• подрядчик (contractor)
• зарплата (salary)