Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pregnant'

English Word: pregnant

Key Russian Translations:

• беременная /bʲɪrʲɪˈmʲenːəjə/ - [Formal, Feminine]
• беременный /bʲɪrʲɪˈmʲenːɨj/ - [Formal, Masculine]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations related to health, family, and medicine, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary in general contexts).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of adjective declensions, but the core vocabulary is straightforward for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

беременная: /bʲɪrʲɪˈmʲenːəjə/

беременный: /bʲɪrʲɪˈmʲenːɨj/

Note on беременная: The stress is on the third syllable ("men"), and the palatalized 'r' sound (/rʲ/) can be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio to master the soft consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Carrying a developing fetus, typically referring to a state of pregnancy.

Translation(s) & Context:

• беременная - Used in formal or medical contexts to describe a female in pregnancy; common in healthcare discussions.
• беременный - Used similarly but for masculine contexts, though less common as pregnancy is gender-specific.

Usage Examples:

• Она беременная и готовится к родам в ближайшие месяцы.

  She is pregnant and preparing for childbirth in the coming months.

• Моя сестра беременная, поэтому мы все помогаем ей дома.

  My sister is pregnant, so we're all helping her at home.

• Врачи подтвердили, что пациентка беременная на раннем сроке.

  The doctors confirmed that the patient is pregnant in the early stages.

• Если женщина беременная, ей нужно быть осторожной с физическими нагрузками.

  If a woman is pregnant, she needs to be careful with physical exertion.

• Он узнал, что его жена беременная, и они начали планировать будущее.

  He found out that his wife is pregnant, and they started planning for the future.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Беременная and беременный are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. They follow the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives. Below is a table outlining the key inflections for "беременная" (feminine singular as base form).

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular forms; they change predictably based on Russian grammar rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • в положении - Informal equivalent, often used in everyday speech for a lighter tone.
  • в ожидании ребенка - Phrase meaning "expecting a child," used in more poetic or descriptive contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • не беременная - Direct opposite, meaning "not pregnant."
  • стерильная - In medical contexts, meaning "sterile" or "infertile."

Related Phrases:

• беременность - Refers to the state or period of pregnancy; used in medical or personal discussions.
• в положении - A common idiomatic phrase meaning "in a family way" or informally "pregnant."
• ожидание ребёнка - Means "expecting a child," often in emotional or planning contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "беременная" is the most precise translation for "pregnant" when referring to females, while "беременный" is used for males in rare, metaphorical contexts (e.g., animal breeding). Always match the gender of the subject for accuracy. This word is neutral in formality but is more common in medical or familial settings. When choosing between translations, opt for "в положении" in casual conversations to sound more natural. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities, as discussions about pregnancy may involve euphemisms in polite company.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "беременная" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Она беременная дом" instead of "Она беременная женщина" in the correct case.

  Correct: Ensure the adjective agrees in case, e.g., "Она в беременной стадии" (with genitive case). Explanation: Russian adjectives must inflect to match the noun's case, which English learners often overlook.

• Error: Confusing it with "беспокойная" (anxious), due to similar sounds.

  Correct: Use "беременная" specifically for pregnancy. Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in health-related talks; always double-check pronunciation and context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, pregnancy (беременность) is often celebrated with family traditions, such as announcing it during holidays or seeking advice from elders. The word carries positive connotations in family-oriented contexts, but in historical or rural settings, it might evoke themes from literature like Tolstoy's works, where pregnancy symbolizes life's continuity amidst social changes.

Related Concepts:

• рождение
• мать
• ребёнок