Accoucheur Usage and Pronunciation

Teacher Gu's English Class

Overview Meaning Pronunciation Usage Practice

accoucheur

/ˌækuːˈʃɜːr/
Noun Medical term

Definition: A male midwife or obstetrician

Origin: From French "accoucher" (to deliver a baby)

📚 Core Meanings

Medical professional

A man who assists women in childbirth

The accoucheur delivered the baby safely.
The male midwife delivered the baby safely.
Medicine

Obstetric specialist

A doctor specializing in childbirth

She consulted an experienced accoucheur.
She consulted an experienced obstetrician.
Specialist

Historical term

Traditional term for male birth attendants

In the 18th century, accoucheurs became more common.
In the 18th century, male birth attendants became more common.
History

"Accoucheur" is a specialized medical term, primarily used in historical or formal contexts. While less common in everyday speech, it remains important in medical history discussions.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

The accoucheur arrived just in time for the delivery.

Modern accoucheurs undergo extensive training.

This accoucheur has delivered over 500 babies.

Translation

The male midwife arrived just in time for the delivery.

Modern male obstetricians undergo extensive training.

This obstetrician has delivered over 500 babies.

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/ˌækuːˈʃɜːr/

ah-koo-SHUR

American Pronunciation

/ˌækuːˈʃɜːr/

ah-koo-SHUR

Key Pronunciation Points:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing as "a-COUCH-er" (should be /ˌækuːˈʃɜːr/)
  • Stressing the first syllable
  • Hard "ch" sound instead of /ʃ/

🎯 Common Collocations

Professional + accoucheur

Describing qualifications

certified accoucheur
certified male midwife
Professional

Historical + accoucheur

Referring to past practice

19th century accoucheur
19th century male birth attendant
History

Accoucheur + training

About education

accoucheur training program
obstetrician's training program
Education

Grammar Notes

Singular: accoucheur
Plural: accoucheurs

⚠️ Common Confusions

Don't confuse:

An accoucheur is a female midwife. (Incorrect)

Correct:An accoucheur is specifically male (the female equivalent is "accoucheuse")

Accoucheur is a modern term. (Incorrect)

Correct:Accoucheur is somewhat archaic, with "obstetrician" being more common today

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The accoucheur monitored the pregnancy carefully.
2. This famous accoucheur wrote a manual on childbirth.
3. Hospitals employed accoucheurs in the 19th century.

1. The male midwife monitored the pregnancy carefully.

2. This famous obstetrician wrote a manual on childbirth.

3. Hospitals employed male birth attendants in the 19th century.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat these sentences:

• The accoucheur arrived promptly. [ˌækuːˈʃɜːr]
• She preferred a female accoucheuse. [ˌækuːˈʃɜːz]
• Accoucheurs were controversial historically. [ˌækuːˈʃɜːrz]

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. An accoucheur is always female.
2. Pronounced [əˈkaʊtʃər]
3. Accoucheurs use modern ultrasound equipment.

1. An accoucheur is specifically male.

2. Pronounced [ˌækuːˈʃɜːr] (French-style "ch")

3. Obstetricians use modern ultrasound equipment (more accurate for contemporary practice)