Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'superintendent'

English Word: superintendent

Key Russian Translations:

• суперинтендант [su.pʲɪ.rʲɪn.tʲɪnˈdant] - [Formal, Borrowed term, Often used in professional or administrative contexts]
• управляющий [ʊˈprav.lə.jʊʂːɪj] - [Formal, More common in everyday Russian for managerial roles]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more specialized in formal, institutional settings like education or law enforcement.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with borrowed words and Russian noun declensions. For 'суперинтендант', it's straightforward for learners at this level, but 'управляющий' may involve understanding adjective-noun agreements.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

суперинтендант: [su.pʲɪ.rʲɪn.tʲɪnˈdant] (Note the stress on the fourth syllable; this is a borrowed word from English, so pronunciation closely mirrors the original.)

управляющий: [ʊˈprav.lə.jʊʂːɪj] (The stress is on the second syllable; pay attention to the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.)

Note on суперинтендант: This word may vary slightly in informal speech, with some speakers softening the consonants for easier pronunciation, but in formal contexts, stick to the standard IPA.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A person who supervises or manages an organization, building, or department (e.g., in education or maintenance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• суперинтендант - Used in formal, professional contexts like police or school administration; implies a high-level supervisory role.
• управляющий - More general for managers or overseers in business or residential settings; often interchangeable but less formal than суперинтендант.

Usage Examples:

• В школе суперинтендант отвечает за общий порядок и дисциплину.

  In the school, the superintendent is responsible for overall order and discipline.

• Наш управляющий в здании всегда оперативно решает проблемы с ремонтом.

  Our building superintendent always promptly handles repair issues.

• Суперинтендант полиции координирует расследования в регионе.

  The police superintendent coordinates investigations in the region.

• Как управляющий, он управляет персоналом и бюджетом компании.

  As the superintendent, he manages the staff and budget of the company.

• В американских фильмах суперинтендант часто изображается как строгий руководитель.

  In American films, the superintendent is often depicted as a strict leader.

Meaning 2: In some contexts, a chief administrator or overseer (e.g., in public works or utilities)

Translation(s) & Context:

• суперинтендант - Preferred in bureaucratic or governmental settings for emphasizing authority.
• управляющий - Used when the role involves day-to-day operations, such as in property management.

Usage Examples:

• Городской суперинтендант контролирует работу коммунальных служб.

  The city superintendent oversees the work of municipal services.

• Как управляющий, она отвечает за безопасность в жилом комплексе.

  As the superintendent, she is responsible for safety in the residential complex.

• Суперинтендант в университете организует академические мероприятия.

  The university superintendent organizes academic events.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'суперинтендант' and 'управляющий' are masculine nouns in Russian. 'Суперинтендант' is a borrowed noun that follows the first declension pattern with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. 'Управляющий' is an adjective-derived noun that declines like a standard masculine noun. Below is a table for their key inflections:

Note: 'Суперинтендант' is often used in singular form and does not change as freely as native Russian words, making it easier for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • директор (dy.rek.tor) - More general for a director or head.
  • начальник (na.chal'.nik) - Implies a boss or chief, with a slight connotation of authority.
• Antonyms:
  • подчиненный (pad.chy.ney.nыy) - Subordinate or employee.
  • исполнитель (is.pol'.ni.tel') - Executor or one who carries out tasks, without supervisory role.

Note: Synonyms like 'директор' are often preferred in Russian for their native feel, but they may not capture the exact borrowed nuance of 'суперинтендант'.

Related Phrases:

• Суперинтендант полиции - Superintendent of police; refers to a high-ranking officer in law enforcement.
• Управляющий домом - Building superintendent; common in residential management contexts.
• Школьный суперинтендант - School superintendent; used in educational administration.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'суперинтендант' is a direct borrowing from English and is typically reserved for formal or specialized contexts, such as in translations of American media or official documents. It doesn't have exact equivalents in everyday Russian, so 'управляющий' is often used as a more natural alternative. When choosing between translations, opt for 'суперинтендант' in bureaucratic settings and 'управляющий' for general management to better match the English word's nuance. Be mindful of declensions when using these in sentences, as Russian requires agreement with case and number.

• Context matters: In informal speech, Russians might simplify to 'босс' (boss) instead.
• Grammar tip: Always decline the noun according to its role in the sentence, e.g., in genitive for possession.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse 'суперинтендант' by treating it as an indeclinable word, leading to incorrect forms like using the nominative in all cases. For example:

• Error: "Работа с суперинтендант" (incorrect; misses genitive case).
• Correct: "Работа с суперинтендантом" (proper genitive form).
• Explanation: Russian nouns must agree with the sentence structure, unlike English. Another common mistake is confusing it with 'управляющий' and using it interchangeably without considering formality, which can make speech sound overly formal or awkward.

Cultural Notes:

The term 'суперинтендант' reflects Russia's adoption of Western administrative terminology, especially from English-speaking countries like the US or UK. In Russian culture, such roles emphasize hierarchy and authority, often seen in Soviet-era influences where supervisors held significant power. This can add a layer of formality in contexts like education, where it evokes images of strict oversight, differing from more collaborative Western models.

Related Concepts:

• администратор
• руководитель
• инспектор