опека
opeka
The English word 'custody' (in the sense of legal care for a child or dependent) is translated into Russian as опека (opeka).
The term is used to describe the legal right or duty to care for a child or a dependent person.
Which one should you use?
While опека refers to guardianship for those unable to care for themselves, the term попечительство is used to describe a lighter form of trusteeship or stewardship.
How does it change in a sentence?
опека is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
opeka
Did you know?
- The word опека is used in a metaphorical sense to describe 'smothering' behavior, such as гиперопека, which refers to overprotective parenting.
- The word опека is a linguistic calque of the Latin word prōcūrātor, which meant a manager or agent.
- In common speech, Опека refers to both the legal status of guardianship and the actual government office that manages those cases.
Examples in context
- Решение о получении официальной опеки будет принято в ближайшие дни.The decision regarding official custody will be made in the coming days.
- Она находится под опекой государства.She is under the custody of the state.
- Опека над сиротами это сложная работа.Opeka nad sirotami eto slozhnaya rabota.Custody of orphans is a difficult job.
Example conversation
Two lawyers are discussing a legal case in an office.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСергей, как решился вопрос об опеке?Sergey, kak reshil'sya vopros ob opeke?Sergey, how was the custody issue resolved?
- Сергей SergeyАнастасия, опека осталась за матерью.Anastasiya, opeka ostalas' za mater'yu.Anastasia, custody remained with the mother.
- Анастасия AnastasiaЭто было правильным решением.Eto bylo pravil'nym resheniem.That was the right decision.
- Сергей SergeyЯ полностью с тобой согласен.Ya polnost'yu s toboy soglasen.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries опека, CC BY-SA 4.0.
