Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'servant'

English Word: servant

Key Russian Translations:

• слуга [ˈsluɡə] - [Formal, Historical or Literary Context]
• прислуга [ˈprʲislʊɡə] - [Formal, Refers to Domestic Staff or Servants Collectively]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, historical texts, and formal discussions, but less frequent in everyday modern conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun inflections and formal vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

слуга: [ˈsluɡə]

Note on слуга: The stress is on the first syllable. Be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which is palatalized.

Audio: []

прислуга: [ˈprʲislʊɡə]

Note on прислуга: The initial 'при-' prefix affects pronunciation, with a soft 'р' sound. It's a compound word, so practice the flow between syllables.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A person employed to perform domestic duties in a household.

Translation(s) & Context:

• слуга - Used in formal, literary, or historical contexts to describe a single servant, such as in stories or period dramas.
• прислуга - Refers to a group of servants or domestic staff in a more collective sense, often in formal or aristocratic settings.

Usage Examples:

• В старом замке работал преданный слуга, который заботился о всех жителях.

  In the old castle, a devoted servant worked who took care of all the residents.

• Прислуга в усадьбе готовила еду и убирала комнаты каждое утро.

  The servants in the estate prepared meals and cleaned the rooms every morning.

• Слуга хозяина всегда был наготове, чтобы выполнить любое поручение.

  The master's servant was always ready to carry out any task.

• В современном мире прислуга часто заменяется бытовой техникой, но в некоторых домах она все еще необходима.

  In the modern world, servants are often replaced by household appliances, but in some homes, they are still necessary.

• Молодой слуга учился у опытного дворецкого всем премудростям профессии.

  The young servant was learning all the intricacies of the profession from the experienced butler.

Secondary Meaning: A person in a subservient role, metaphorically (e.g., in service to a cause or organization).

Translation(s) & Context:

• слуга - Can be used metaphorically, e.g., in religious or ideological contexts, like "слуга народа" (servant of the people).

Usage Examples:

• Президент всегда подчеркивал, что он слуга народа, а не его хозяин.

  The president always emphasized that he is a servant of the people, not their master.

• В этой организации каждый сотрудник считает себя слугой общего дела.

  In this organization, every employee considers themselves a servant of the common cause.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "слуга" and "прислуга" are nouns. "Слуга" is a masculine noun that follows the standard first declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. "Прислуга" is a feminine noun that is often indeclinable in plural forms but follows regular patterns in singular.

Note: "Прислуга" in plural is often used without changes in some contexts, but the above reflects standard inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • помощник (pomoshchnik) - More neutral, often for assistants in modern contexts.
  • дворецкий (dvoretskiy) - Specifically for a butler or head servant.
  • рабочий (rabochiy) - If referring to a laborer or worker in service.
• Antonyms:
  • хозяин (khozyain) - Master or owner.
  • господин (gospodin) - Lord or employer.

Related Phrases:

• Верный слуга (Vernyy sluga) - Loyal servant; a phrase often used in stories to describe unwavering dedication.
• Домашняя прислуга (Domashnyaya prisluga) - Domestic staff; refers to household help in a formal setting.
• Слуга двух господ (Sluga dvukh gospodov) - Servant of two masters; an idiom based on a play, meaning someone serving conflicting interests.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "слуга" carries a more archaic or formal connotation compared to English "servant," which can be everyday. Use "слуга" for historical or literary contexts, and "прислуга" for groups. Be mindful of social implications, as these words can evoke class distinctions. When translating, choose based on number and context: singular vs. plural. For metaphorical uses, ensure the audience understands the figurative sense.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "слуга" in a modern, casual context where "помощник" is more appropriate. Correct: В офисе работает помощник (In the office, there is an assistant). Explanation: "Слуга" sounds outdated and may imply subservience, leading to confusion or offense.
• Mistake: Forgetting to inflect the noun, e.g., saying "Я видел слуга" instead of "Я видел слугу." Correct: Я видел слугу (I saw the servant). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so always check the grammatical context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "слуга" often appear in literature and historical narratives, reflecting the class system of Imperial Russia. For example, in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, servants symbolize social hierarchy and loyalty, providing insight into Russia's feudal past and its influence on modern social dynamics.

Related Concepts:

• дворецкий (dvoretskiy)
• горничная (gornichnaya)
• раб (rab)