Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'waster'

English Word: waster

Key Russian Translations:

• расточитель [rəsˈtoʧʲɪtʲelʲ] - [Formal]
• бездельник [bʲɪzˈdʲelʲnʲɪk] - [Informal, often used for someone lazy or unproductive]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday conversation but appear in literature or formal discussions.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of noun inflections and contextual nuances in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

расточитель: [rəsˈtoʧʲɪtʲelʲ]

бездельник: [bʲɪzˈdʲelʲnʲɪk]

Note on расточитель: The stress falls on the third syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'т' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Note on бездельник: Pronounce the initial 'б' as a soft, voiced bilabial stop; variations in informal speech may soften the ending.

Audio: Play pronunciation for расточитель [Insert audio player or link here]

Audio: Play pronunciation for бездельник [Insert audio player or link here]

Meanings and Usage:

A person who wastes resources or time (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• расточитель - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who squanders money or opportunities, often with a negative connotation.
• бездельник - Applied in everyday informal settings to refer to a lazy individual who wastes time without purpose.

Usage Examples:

• Он известен как расточитель семейного состояния, тратя деньги на бесполезные вещи.

  He is known as a waster of the family fortune, spending money on useless things.

• Бездельник в офисе всегда находит способы избегать работы, что раздражает коллег.

  The waster in the office always finds ways to avoid work, which annoys colleagues.

• В романе главный герой предстаёт как типичный расточитель, потерявший всё из-за своей расточительности.

  In the novel, the main character appears as a typical waster, having lost everything due to his wastefulness.

• Не будь таким бездельником; найди себе полезное занятие, чтобы не тратить время впустую.

  Don't be such a waster; find yourself a useful activity so you don't waste time idly.

• Родители часто ругают его за то, что он расточитель, покупая ненужные гаджеты.

  Parents often scold him for being a waster, buying unnecessary gadgets.

A thing or activity that is wasteful (Secondary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• расточитель - In metaphorical contexts, referring to something that causes waste.

Usage Examples:

• Этот проект — настоящий расточитель ресурсов, не оправдывая вложенных усилий.

  This project is a real waster of resources, not justifying the efforts invested.

• Игры на телефоне могут стать расточителем времени, если не контролировать себя.

  Phone games can become a waster of time if you don't control yourself.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are nouns and follow standard Russian inflection patterns. For 'расточитель' (a masculine noun), it inflects by case and number. 'Бездельник' is also masculine and inflects similarly.

These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • транжир (more emphatic for a spendthrift)
  • лентяй (for бездельник, meaning lazy person)
• Antonyms:
  • экономист (for расточитель, meaning someone thrifty)
  • трудолюбивый (for бездельник, meaning hardworking)

Related Phrases:

• расточитель времени - Waster of time; refers to activities that consume time unproductively.
• бездельник на работе - Waster at work; describes someone unproductive in a professional setting.
• быть расточителем ресурсов - To be a waster of resources; used in environmental or economic contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Waster' in English often carries a negative judgment, similar to its Russian translations. Use 'расточитель' in formal writing or when emphasizing financial waste, while 'бездельник' is better for casual conversations about laziness. Be mindful of Russian noun genders and cases; for example, always adjust for the accusative case in direct objects. If the context involves multiple meanings, choose the translation based on whether you're describing a person or an activity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'расточитель' interchangeably with 'бездельник' without context. Correct: 'Расточитель' focuses on wasting resources, while 'бездельник' emphasizes idleness. Example of error: Saying 'Он бездельник, потому что тратит деньги' (implying laziness when waste is meant). Correct: 'Он расточитель, потому что тратит деньги'.

• Error: Forgetting noun inflections, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Correct: In a sentence like 'Я видел расточителя' (I saw the waster), ensure accusative form is used if required.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'расточитель' often appear in literature (e.g., in works by Dostoevsky), reflecting historical attitudes toward wealth and morality. 'Бездельник' is commonly used in everyday Russian humor or proverbs to critique societal laziness, highlighting the cultural value placed on productivity and diligence.

Related Concepts:

• прожига жизни
• лентяйство
• экономия