заключённый
zaključónnyj[zəklʲʉˈt͡ɕɵnːɨj]masculine
The Russian word for prisoner is заключённый (zaključónnyj). Wiktionary also lists заключённая (zaključónnaja) and ареста́нт (arestánt).
Meaning: person incarcerated in a prison (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| заключённый | zaključónnyj | [zəklʲʉˈt͡ɕɵnːɨj] (narrow) | masculine |
| заключённая | zaključónnaja | masculine | |
| ареста́нт | arestánt | masculine | |
| ареста́нтка | arestántka | feminine |
The term is used to describe a person incarcerated in a prison. In certain ironic contexts, speakers might use the phrase клиенты Государства (clients of the State) to refer to prisoners.
What does it mean word for word?
The word заключённый is a passive participle meaning 'one who has been enclosed' or 'one who has been shut in'.
Which one should you use?
заключённый is the standard, modern term for a prisoner. In contrast, арестант is an archaic or literary term often found in historical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form заключённая is used specifically when referring to a female prisoner.
How do you pronounce it?
zaključónnyj
Did you know?
- In Russian prison slang, prisoners often avoid the formal word заключённый and instead use the term зек, which is a shortened version of заключённый уголовный.
- While заключённый is the legal term, prisoners often refer to themselves as сидящие (those who are sitting), referring to 'sitting' in prison.
- The word заключённый shares the same root as the Russian word for 'conclusion' or 'contract' (заключение), reflecting the idea of being 'locked into' a legal decision.
Examples in context
- Из тюрьмы сбежал заключённый.A prisoner escaped from the prison.This sentence is useful for showing how to say a prisoner escaped from prison using заключённый.Tatoeba #2777668 by marafon, translation #2853857 by CK
- Заключённый сбежал из тюрьмы.The prisoner escaped from prison.This sentence is useful for showing how to say the prisoner escaped from prison using заключённый.Tatoeba #3466905 by odexed, translation #266261 by CM
- Этот заключённый очень опасен.That prisoner is very dangerous.This sentence is useful for describing a prisoner as dangerous using заключённый.Tatoeba #6908113 by odexed, translation #13790842 by araneo
- Переписка с заключёнными осуществляется посредством доверенных лиц.Correspondence with prisoners is carried out through trusted persons.
- Наша цель реабилитация узников и их успешное возвращение в общество.Our goal is the rehabilitation of prisoners and their successful return to society.
- Моя подруга работает в комиссии по помощи сидельцам, и у неё много историй.My friend works in a commission to help prisoners, and she has many stories.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A detective and a journalist are discussing a news report.
- Мария MariaЭтот заключённый был переведён в другую тюрьму.Etot zaklyuchyonnyy byl perevedyon v druguyu tyur'mu.This prisoner was transferred to another prison.
- Дмитрий DmitryВы знаете, где он сейчас находится?Vy znayete, gde on seychas nakhoditsya?Do you know where he is located now?
- Мария MariaК сожалению, я не знаю подробностей.K sozhaleniyu, ya ne znayu podrobnostey.Unfortunately, I do not know the details.
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ постараюсь разузнать об этом сам.Ya postarayus' razuznat' ob etom sam.I will try to find out about it myself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prisoner” translations and entries заключённый, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
