Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cancer'

English Word: cancer

Key Russian Translations:

• рак [rak] - [Formal, Medical, General Usage]

Frequency: High (commonly used in medical and everyday contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate, due to straightforward usage but specific context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рак: [rak]

Note on рак: The stress is on the single syllable. It is a short, sharp sound with a rolled 'r' typical in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Medical Condition (Disease)

Translation(s) & Context:

• рак - Used in medical contexts to refer to the disease 'cancer'.

Usage Examples:

• У него диагностировали рак лёгких.

  He was diagnosed with lung cancer.

• Рак - это серьёзное заболевание.

  Cancer is a serious illness.

• Она борется с раком уже пять лет.

  She has been fighting cancer for five years.

• Исследования направлены на лечение рака.

  Research is aimed at treating cancer.

• Рак груди - одна из самых распространённых форм.

  Breast cancer is one of the most common forms.

2. Zodiac Sign (Astrology)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Рак - Refers to the zodiac sign 'Cancer', used in astrological contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я по знаку зодиака Рак.

  I am a Cancer by zodiac sign.

• Раки часто чувствительны и эмоциональны.

  Cancers are often sensitive and emotional.

• Рак - это знак воды.

  Cancer is a water sign.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

рак is a masculine noun. It follows the regular declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Note: The word "рак" also means "crayfish" in Russian, and the declension remains the same regardless of meaning.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms (for disease context):

• онкология (more formal, refers to the field of study or the disease collectively)

Note: "онкология" is often used in medical contexts to refer to cancer as a field of study or treatment, while "рак" is more direct for the disease itself.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (as "cancer" does not have a direct opposite in this context).

Related Phrases:

• рак груди - Breast cancer.
• рак лёгких - Lung cancer.
• борьба с раком - Fight against cancer.
• диагностика рака - Cancer diagnosis.

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "рак" is used for both the medical condition and the zodiac sign, as well as "crayfish". Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.
• In medical contexts, "рак" is the most direct and commonly used term for cancer. Avoid using "онкология" when referring to a specific case of cancer, as it is broader and more formal.
• When using "рак" for the zodiac sign, it is often capitalized in informal writing (Рак), especially in horoscopes.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "онкология" instead of "рак" to refer to a specific type of cancer. Example: "У меня онкология груди" (incorrect) vs. "У меня рак груди" (correct). Explanation: "Онкология" refers to the study or field of cancer, not the disease itself.
• Error: Misinterpreting "рак" as only meaning "crayfish" and not recognizing its use for "cancer". Explanation: Always consider the context to determine the meaning of "рак".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussing cancer can be a sensitive topic, often approached with caution or euphemisms in casual conversation. Historically, the disease was sometimes referred to indirectly due to stigma, though this is less common today. Additionally, the zodiac sign "Рак" (Cancer) is associated with emotional depth and family values in Russian astrology interpretations.

Related Concepts:

• онкология (oncology)
• лечение (treatment)
• диагностика (diagnosis)
• зодиак (zodiac)