導尿管
dou6 niu6 gun2
The English word "catheter" is 導尿管 (dou6 niu6 gun2) in Cantonese.
導尿管 refers specifically to a urinary catheter.
Meaning: small tube inserted into a body cavity (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 導尿管 is composed of 導 (guide), 尿 (urine) and 管 (tube).
Which one should you use?
While 導尿管 is the specific term for a urinary catheter, 尿管 serves as a formal, shorter alternative for the same device. Additionally, 導管 can be used formally to mean a tube or cannula and may refer to a catheter depending on the medical context.
How do you pronounce it?
dou6 niu6 gun2
Did you know?
- While 導尿管 is the standard term, in many Cantonese-speaking regions with high Western influence, medical professionals may colloquially use the English word 'catheter' even when speaking Cantonese.
- The character 導 in 導尿管 is used in Cantonese not only for guiding fluids but also for 'conducting' electricity and 'leading' a group of people.
- In casual Cantonese conversation, patients and caregivers often refer to the process of using a 導尿管 as 插管 (inserting a tube), which can also refer to intubation in a respiratory context.
Examples in context
- 呢條導尿管係一次性使用嘅。ni1 tiu4 dou6 niu6 gun3 hai6 jat1 ci3 sing3 si6 jung6 ge3.This catheter is for single use.
- 護士正在檢查導尿管通唔通。wu6 si6 zing3 zoi6 gim2 caa4 dou6 niu6 gun3 tung1 m4 tung1.The nurse is checking if the catheter is clear.
Example conversation
A nurse is explaining a procedure to a patient's family member.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit雅婷，醫生話要幫佢插導尿管。aa2 ting4, ji1 sang1 waa4 jiu3 bong1 keoi5 caap3 dou2 nyiu2 gun2.Ya Ting, the doctor said he needs a catheter.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting點解要用導尿管？dim2 gaai2 jiu3 jung6 dou2 nyiu2 gun2?Why is a catheter necessary?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit因為佢而家唔能夠自己小便。jan1 wai6 keoi5 ji4 gaa1 m4 nang4 gau3 zi6 gei2 siu2 bin1.Because he cannot urinate on his own right now.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting明白，咁就麻煩醫生喇。ming4 baak6, gam2 zau6 maa4 fan4 ji1 sang1 laa3.I understand, then we will leave it to the doctor.
