Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'voucher'

English Word: voucher

Key Russian Translations:

• ваучер [vɐˈut͡ɕər] - [Formal, Commonly used in business and online contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is moderately common in modern Russian, especially in commercial and digital contexts, but not as frequent as everyday vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; it's a borrowed word from English, making it accessible for learners with basic vocabulary but requiring familiarity with noun inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ваучер: [vɐˈut͡ɕər]

Note on ваучер: The stress is on the second syllable ("ut"), and the "ч" sound is a palatalized affricate, similar to the "ch" in "church" but softer. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A document or code entitling the holder to a discount, service, or goods.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ваучер - Used in formal or commercial settings, such as online shopping or promotions.

Usage Examples:

• Я получил ваучер на скидку в магазине.

  I received a voucher for a discount at the store.

• Этот ваучер можно использовать только один раз.

  This voucher can only be used once.

• Она обменяла ваучер на бесплатный билет в кино.

  She exchanged the voucher for a free movie ticket.

• Ваучер был приложен к покупке в интернете.

  The voucher was attached to the online purchase.

• Мы получили ваучер в подарок от компании.

  We received a voucher as a gift from the company.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ваучер" is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from English, and it follows the standard patterns of third-declension nouns in Russian, though as a modern loanword, it may not always inflect regularly in informal use. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: In informal contexts, some speakers may not inflect it fully, treating it as indeclinable, especially in advertising.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • купон (kupón) - Similar, often used interchangeably for coupons or tickets; more traditional than ваучер.
  • сертификат (sertifikát) - Used for certificates or gift cards, with a slight connotation of formality.
• Antonyms:
  • штраф (shtraf) - Refers to a fine or penalty, opposite in the context of benefits or discounts.

Related Phrases:

• ваучер на скидку - A voucher for a discount; commonly used in sales promotions.
• электронный ваучер - Electronic voucher; refers to digital codes in online transactions.
• подарочный ваучер - Gift voucher; used for presents or rewards.

Usage Notes:

"Ваучер" directly corresponds to the English "voucher" as a borrowed term, primarily in commercial contexts. It is most appropriate in formal or business settings, such as e-commerce or marketing. Be mindful of its gender (masculine) when using in sentences, as it affects adjective agreement (e.g., "новый ваучер" for "new voucher"). If multiple translations exist, choose "ваучер" for modern, international contexts, but "купон" for more traditional Russian usage. Avoid overusing it in everyday conversation, as it may sound overly technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "ваучер" as indeclinable and not changing its form in sentences, e.g., saying "Я видел ваучер" instead of correctly inflecting in other cases.

  Correct: Use proper inflections, like "Я видел ваучера" in genitive case. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree with case, so learners should practice declension to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing "ваучер" with "купон" and using them interchangeably without context, e.g., using "ваучер" for a physical coupon.

  Correct: "Купон" is better for traditional paper coupons, while "ваучер" suits digital or promotional ones. Explanation: This distinction prevents misuse and helps convey precise meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ваучер" is a relatively modern term influenced by global commerce, especially post-Soviet economic reforms. It reflects Russia's integration into international markets, where such vouchers are common in tourism and online shopping. Historically, similar concepts existed in the form of rationing coupons during the Soviet era, adding a layer of cultural resonance for older generations.

Related Concepts:

• скидка (skidka) - Discount
• промокод (promokod) - Promo code
• бонус (bonus) - Bonus