Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bedpan'

English Word: bedpan

Key Russian Translations:

• утка /ˈutka/ - [Formal, Medical context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in medical and caregiving discussions but not everyday casual language)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to health; suitable for learners with some familiarity with Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

утка: /ˈutka/

Note on утка: The stress is on the first syllable (/ˈutka/). The 'у' is pronounced as a short 'oo' sound, similar to 'book' in English. Be mindful of the soft 'т' in some regional accents, but standard pronunciation is straightforward.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A shallow vessel used as a toilet by a bedridden person, typically in medical settings.

Translation(s) & Context:

• утка - Used in formal medical or caregiving contexts, such as hospitals or home care for patients.

Usage Examples:

• Медсестра принесла утку пациенту, чтобы он мог использовать её в постели.

  The nurse brought the bedpan to the patient so he could use it in bed.

• В больнице утка часто применяется для пожилых людей с ограниченной подвижностью.

  In the hospital, a bedpan is often used for elderly people with limited mobility.

• После операции доктор рекомендовал использовать утку для комфорта больного.

  After the surgery, the doctor recommended using a bedpan for the patient's comfort.

• Утка должна быть чистой и стерильной, чтобы избежать инфекций.

  The bedpan must be clean and sterile to prevent infections.

• В домашних условиях утка может быть заменена на более современные устройства, но она всё ещё в ходу.

  In home settings, a bedpan can be replaced with more modern devices, but it is still in use.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word 'утка' is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular inflection patterns for most cases. Below is a table outlining its forms:

Note: As a regular first-declension noun, it does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • горшок (gorshok) - A general term for a potty or chamber pot, often used interchangeably in non-medical contexts.
  • мочеотвод (mocheotvod) - More technical, emphasizing its function in urine collection.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific object without clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• сменить утку (smenit' utku) - To change the bedpan; used in caregiving routines to indicate replacement for hygiene.
• использовать утку (ispol'zovat' utku) - To use the bedpan; common in instructions for patients or nurses.
• утка для пациентов (utka dlya patsientov) - Bedpan for patients; a phrase highlighting its medical application.

Usage Notes:

'Утка' directly corresponds to 'bedpan' in English, primarily in formal medical contexts. It is a neutral term without strong emotional connotations, but usage is limited to professional or practical situations to avoid sounding crude. When speaking Russian, ensure correct gender agreement (feminine) in sentences, e.g., 'Эта утка новая' (This bedpan is new). If multiple translations exist, choose 'утка' for general medical scenarios, but 'горшок' might be more appropriate in everyday home care. Always consider the context to maintain politeness, as discussing such topics can be sensitive.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying 'Я вижу утка' instead of 'Я вижу утку' (I see the bedpan).

  Correct: 'Я вижу утку' – Learners often forget accusative case after verbs like 'видеть'. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement based on the verb's object.

• Error: Confusing with animal 'утка' (duck), leading to misuse in sentences.

  Correct: Context clarifies, but specify 'медицинская утка' if needed. Explanation: Homophones exist in Russian; always provide context to avoid ambiguity.

• Error: Omitting inflections in phrases, e.g., 'утка пациент' instead of 'утка для пациента'.

  Correct: 'утка для пациента' – Explanation: Prepositional phrases require proper genitive or dative forms for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'утка' is a practical term rooted in everyday medical care, reflecting the historical emphasis on home-based healthcare in rural or Soviet-era settings. It doesn't carry significant cultural symbolism but underscores the importance of efficiency and modesty in discussing personal health needs, especially among older generations.

Related Concepts:

• больница (bol'nitsa) - Hospital
• постельный режим (postel'nyy rezhim) - Bed rest
• медицинское оборудование (meditsinskoye oborudovaniye) - Medical equipment