Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sheriff'

English Word: sheriff

Key Russian Translations:

• шериф /ʃɛˈrɪf/ - [Informal, Borrowed term from English, often used in media or specific contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in translations of American literature, films, or discussions about US law enforcement.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; learners need familiarity with borrowed words and basic noun inflections, but it's not overly complex.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шериф: /ʃɛˈrɪf/

Note on шериф: The pronunciation closely mirrors the English original, with stress on the second syllable. Non-native speakers may struggle with the "ш" sound, which is a voiceless postalveolar fricative similar to "sh" in "sheep".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A law enforcement officer in certain US counties, responsible for maintaining order and serving warrants.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шериф - Used in informal or media contexts when referring directly to the American concept; suitable for discussions about Western films or US politics.

Usage Examples:

• В маленьком городке шериф был известен своей честностью. (In the small town, the sheriff was known for his honesty.)

  Translation: In the small town, the sheriff was known for his honesty. (This example shows the word in a narrative context, describing a character's role.)

• Шериф арестовал преступника после погони. (The sheriff arrested the criminal after a chase.)

  Translation: The sheriff arrested the criminal after a chase. (Illustrates action-oriented usage, common in action stories or reports.)

• В фильме главную роль играет шериф, борющийся с коррупцией. (In the movie, the main role is played by a sheriff fighting corruption.)

  Translation: In the movie, the main role is played by a sheriff fighting corruption. (Demonstrates usage in entertainment contexts, highlighting cultural borrowing.)

• Шериф округа проводит расследование ограбления банка. (The county sheriff is conducting an investigation of the bank robbery.)

  Translation: The county sheriff is conducting an investigation of the bank robbery. (Shows formal application in legal or official scenarios.)

• Местный шериф помогает жителям в чрезвычайных ситуациях. (The local sheriff helps residents in emergency situations.)

  Translation: The local sheriff helps residents in emergency situations. (Emphasizes community role, varying grammatical structure with verbs.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шериф" is a masculine noun borrowed from English, and it follows the third declension pattern in Russian, though as a loanword, it may not always inflect regularly in informal use. It is typically treated as an indeclinable noun in modern Russian, especially in media contexts, to preserve its foreign flavor.

Note: In some cases, especially in informal speech, "шериф" may remain unchanged across cases, reflecting its status as a borrowed term.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • полицейский (policeman) - More general term, often used interchangeably in everyday contexts.
  • судебный пристав (bailiff) - Emphasizes legal enforcement aspects.
• Antonyms:
  • преступник (criminal) - Direct opposite in law enforcement contexts.
  • грабитель (robber) - Specifically for criminal roles.

Related Phrases:

• шериф города - (Sheriff of the city) - Refers to a local law enforcement leader in a fictional or translated setting.
• шериф на Диком Западе - (Sheriff in the Wild West) - Common in historical or cinematic contexts, evoking American frontier themes.
• роль шерифа в фильме - (The role of the sheriff in the movie) - Used when discussing character archetypes in media.

Usage Notes:

"Шериф" directly corresponds to the English "sheriff" and is primarily used in borrowed or translated contexts, such as American media or literature. It is not a native Russian term, so it's restricted to informal or specialized discussions. When choosing between translations like "шериф" and "полицейский", opt for "шериф" only if the specific American connotation is needed; otherwise, "полицейский" is more versatile. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it agrees with adjectives and verbs in the masculine form, e.g., "хороший шериф" (good sheriff).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "шериф" as a direct equivalent in all law enforcement contexts without considering cultural differences. For example, learners might say "Я шериф" to mean "I am a police officer" in Russia, which is incorrect.

  Correct Usage: In Russia, say "Я полицейский" instead. Example: Incorrect - "Он шериф в Москве." Correct - "Он полицейский в Москве." Explanation: "Шериф" implies an American system, so it doesn't fit Russian contexts.

• Error: Failing to inflect the noun properly, e.g., using "шериф" in all cases. Example: Incorrect - "Я видел шериф" (meaning "I saw the sheriff"). Correct - "Я видел шерифа." Explanation: Proper declension is important for grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

"Шериф" carries strong associations with American culture, particularly from Wild West films and TV shows like those featuring sheriffs in frontier towns. In Russia, it's often romanticized or stereotyped in media, symbolizing rugged individualism and frontier justice, which contrasts with Russia's more centralized law enforcement history. This borrowing highlights the influence of Hollywood on global language and culture.

Related Concepts:

• полиция (police)
• детектив (detective)
• законы США (US laws)