чу́мка
čúmka
The English word distemper is translated into Russian as чу́мка (čúmka).
Meaning: disease (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is čúmka.
Did you know?
- The word чу́мка is derived from чума, which means 'plague'. This links a common canine ailment to one of the most feared human pandemics in history.
- The linguistic leap from the terrifying чума to the casual чу́мка shows how Russian speakers use suffixes to psychologically diminish a threat, making a deadly force feel like a manageable, everyday problem.
- While чу́мка specifically refers to the viral disease, Russian speakers often use the broader term чума metaphorically to describe a chaotic or overwhelming situation.
Examples in context
- Я слышал, что бешка заразная, но правильная прививка поможет.I heard that distemper is contagious, but the right vaccine will help.
- У собаки оказалась чу́мка.U sobaki okazalas' chumka.The dog has distemper.
- Ветврач подтвердил, что это чу́мка.Vetvrach podtverdil, chto eto chumka.The vet confirmed that it is distemper.
Example conversation
Sergey and Ekaterina are discussing their pet's health at home.
- Сергей SergeyЕкатерина, врач сказал, что у пса чу́мка.Ekaterina, vrach skazal, chto u psa chumka.Ekaterina, the doctor said the dog has distemper.
- Екатерина EkaterinaО боже, Сергей, это очень плохо.O bozhe, Sergey, eto ochen' plokho.Oh my god, Sergey, that is very bad.
- Сергей SergeyНам нужно срочно лечить его.Nam nuzhno srochno lechit' yego.We need to treat him urgently.
- Екатерина EkaterinaЯ сейчас же поеду в клинику.Ya seychas zhe poyedu v kliniku.I will go to the clinic right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “distemper” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
