Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'euthanasia'

English Word: euthanasia

Key Russian Translations:

• эвтаназия /ɪf.taˈna.zʲi.ə/ - [Formal, Medical]

Frequency: Low (Specialized term used primarily in medical, ethical, and legal contexts; not common in everyday conversation).

Difficulty: Advanced (C1 level; requires understanding of complex ethical and medical vocabulary in Russian).

Pronunciation (Russian):

эвтаназия: /ɪf.taˈna.zʲi.ə/

Note on эвтаназия: The stress is on the third syllable ("na"), and the "зʲ" sound is a palatalized 'z', which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but this IPA reflects standard Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering, typically in terminal illness.

Translation(s) & Context:

• эвтаназия - Used in formal medical, ethical, and legal discussions, often in contexts involving human rights or end-of-life care.

Usage Examples:

• В некоторых странах эвтаназия считается законным способом облегчить страдания неизлечимо больных пациентов.

  In some countries, euthanasia is considered a legal way to alleviate the suffering of incurably ill patients.

• Эвтаназия вызывает острые этические дебаты в обществе, особенно в отношении активной и пассивной форм.

  Euthanasia sparks intense ethical debates in society, especially regarding active and passive forms.

• Медицинские специалисты должны учитывать моральные аспекты перед обсуждением эвтаназии с семьей пациента.

  Medical professionals must consider moral aspects before discussing euthanasia with a patient's family.

• В контексте паллиативной медицины эвтаназия иногда предлагается как крайняя мера.

  In the context of palliative medicine, euthanasia is sometimes proposed as a last resort.

• Эвтаназия не должна путаться с обычной медицинской помощью; это специфический термин для контролируемого прекращения жизни.

  Euthanasia should not be confused with regular medical care; it is a specific term for the controlled ending of life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Эвтаназия" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • добровольный уход (voluntary departure) - Often used in less formal or philosophical contexts, emphasizing personal choice.
  • помощь в умирании (assisted dying) - Focuses on the supportive aspect, similar to "euthanasia" but with a connotation of aid.
• Antonyms:
  • продление жизни (life extension) - Refers to efforts to prolong life, contrasting with the termination of life.
  • паллиативная помощь (palliative care) - Involves symptom relief without ending life, opposing the core idea of euthanasia.

Related Phrases:

• Активная эвтаназия - Active euthanasia; refers to direct action to end life, often in medical contexts.
• Пассивная эвтаназия - Passive euthanasia; involves withholding treatment to allow natural death.
• Эвтаназия по просьбе - Euthanasia on request; emphasizes voluntary aspects in ethical discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "эвтаназия" directly corresponds to the English term "euthanasia" and is used almost exclusively in formal, professional settings such as medical literature, legal documents, or ethical debates. It carries a neutral connotation but can evoke strong emotions due to cultural sensitivities around life and death. When choosing between translations like "добровольный уход," opt for "эвтаназия" in precise medical contexts to maintain accuracy. Be mindful of grammar; as a feminine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreement (e.g., "легальная эвтаназия" for "legal euthanasia"). In everyday Russian, avoid this term in casual conversation to prevent misunderstandings, as it is highly specialized.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "эвтаназия" with "суицид" (suicide). Incorrect: "Он выбрал эвтаназию из отчаяния" (implying non-medical suicide). Correct: "Эвтаназия проводится только в медицинских условиях с согласием." Explanation: Euthanasia involves medical oversight and consent, unlike suicide, which is self-inflicted without professional involvement.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "О эвтаназия" (wrong genitive). Correct: "О эвтаназии" (proper genitive). Explanation: Russian nouns must follow case rules; learners often overlook this, leading to grammatical errors in sentences.

• Error: Overgeneralizing to include non-euthanasia scenarios. Incorrect: "Эвтаназия для животных" without context. Correct: Use "эвтаназия" only for humans; for animals, say "эвтаназия животных" or specify. Explanation: In Russian, the term is primarily human-centric, so clarify contexts to avoid ethical missteps.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "эвтаназия" is a highly sensitive topic tied to historical and religious influences, such as the Orthodox Christian emphasis on the sanctity of life. It remains illegal in Russia, often sparking debates influenced by Soviet-era medical ethics and current human rights discussions. Understanding this context helps English speakers grasp why the term is used cautiously in public discourse, reflecting broader societal values around suffering and mortality.

Related Concepts:

• аборт (abortion)
• паллиативная помощь (palliative care)
• биоэтика (bioethics)