욕조
A bathtub is a large container that you fill with water to wash your whole body.
Explanation at your level:
A bathtub is in your bathroom. You put water in it. You sit in the water to get clean. It is very nice to relax in a bathtub.
Most houses have a bathtub in the bathroom. You can fill it with hot water and soap. It is different from a shower because you sit down in the water.
A bathtub is an essential fixture in many homes. People often use it to relax after work by adding bubble bath or bath salts. It is larger than a sink and usually has a drain at the bottom.
While many modern apartments feature walk-in showers, the bathtub remains a symbol of comfort and luxury. It is frequently associated with self-care routines, and many people prefer a long soak to a quick shower.
The bathtub serves as a functional piece of architecture in interior design, often serving as the focal point of a master bathroom. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, it represents a private sanctuary for decompression in our fast-paced society.
Historically, the bathtub has evolved from a simple wooden vessel to a sophisticated ergonomic appliance. It reflects changing social standards regarding privacy, sanitation, and the commodification of domestic leisure time in the modern era.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A bathtub is a large container for bathing.
- It is found in bathrooms.
- It is used for soaking and relaxing.
- It is a countable, common noun.
When we talk about a bathtub, we are referring to that large, deep basin found in most bathrooms. It is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, soak in warm water, and scrub away the stress.
Unlike a shower, which is designed for quick washing while standing, a bathtub allows you to submerge your body. Whether it is a classic claw-foot tub or a modern jetted model, its primary purpose remains the same: personal hygiene and relaxation.
The word bathtub is a compound noun, combining 'bath' and 'tub'. The word 'bath' traces back to Old English bæth, while 'tub' comes from Middle English, likely related to Low German or Dutch words for a wooden vessel.
Historically, bathing was a communal activity in ancient civilizations like Rome. It wasn't until the 19th century that indoor plumbing made individual bathtubs a common luxury in private homes. Early tubs were often made of wood, copper, or cast iron.
You will hear people say they are taking a bath or drawing a bath. These are the most common ways to use the word in daily conversation. It is a very neutral, everyday term used in both casual and formal contexts.
Common collocations include 'fill the bathtub,' 'scrub the bathtub,' or 'a deep bathtub.' It is rarely used in abstract or metaphorical ways, keeping its meaning firmly rooted in the physical object.
While 'bathtub' itself isn't the center of many idioms, related concepts exist. Throw the baby out with the bathwater means to accidentally discard something valuable when getting rid of something unwanted.
Another common, though slightly humorous, reference is bathtub gin, which refers to low-quality, homemade alcohol produced during the Prohibition era in the United States, often mixed in bathtubs.
The word bathtub is a countable noun. Its plural form is simply bathtubs. In terms of articles, you would say 'a bathtub' when referring to one in general, or 'the bathtub' when talking about a specific one in your home.
The pronunciation is /ˈbæθ.tʌb/ in both American and British English. The stress is on the first syllable. It rhymes with words like 'scrub' (in the second half) and 'hub'.
Fun Fact
The term 'bathtub gin' became famous during the US Prohibition era because bottles were often too tall to fill under standard sinks.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'a' in bath is long, like 'father'.
The 'a' in bath is short, like 'cat'.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'th' sound
- Adding an extra syllable
- Stress on the second syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy.
Simple noun usage.
Easy to pronounce.
Clear sounds.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
A bathtub, two bathtubs.
Imperative Mood
Clean the bathtub.
Prepositions of Place
In the bathtub.
Examples by Level
The bathtub is white.
bathtub = 욕조
Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.
I like my bathtub.
like = 좋아하다
Basic SVO.
The bathtub is big.
big = 큰
Adjective usage.
Wash in the bathtub.
wash = 씻다
Imperative.
This is a bathtub.
this = 이것
Demonstrative.
Clean the bathtub.
clean = 청소하다
Imperative.
Water is in the bathtub.
water = 물
Prepositional phrase.
My bathtub is new.
new = 새로운
Possessive adjective.
Fill the bathtub with warm water.
I scrubbed the bathtub today.
The bathtub has a leak.
She is sitting in the bathtub.
Is the bathtub clean?
The baby is in the bathtub.
My bathtub is very deep.
We bought a new bathtub.
I love to soak in the bathtub after a long day.
The hotel room has a large bathtub.
Make sure to drain the bathtub after use.
He slipped while getting out of the bathtub.
We are planning to replace our old bathtub.
The bathtub faucet is dripping.
She added bubbles to the bathtub.
A bathtub is better than a shower for relaxing.
The master suite features a luxurious claw-foot bathtub.
Installing a new bathtub can significantly increase home value.
She prefers a bathtub over a shower for her evening routine.
The contractor recommended a porcelain bathtub for durability.
He spent an hour in the bathtub reading a book.
The bathroom renovation includes a modern, freestanding bathtub.
Ensure the bathtub is properly sealed to prevent water damage.
There is nothing like a hot bathtub to soothe sore muscles.
The architectural design incorporates a minimalist, sunken bathtub.
The therapeutic benefits of a daily soak in a bathtub are well-documented.
The antique bathtub was the centerpiece of the vintage bathroom renovation.
She opted for a jetted bathtub to assist with her physical therapy.
The plumbing for the bathtub needs to be upgraded to meet current codes.
A deep, cast-iron bathtub provides excellent heat retention.
The hotel's presidential suite boasts a marble bathtub with a city view.
The custom-built bathtub was designed to fit the unique dimensions of the room.
The evolution of the bathtub reflects broader shifts in domestic hygiene and private comfort.
The artisanal bathtub, carved from a single block of stone, was a masterpiece of craft.
She found solace in the quiet ritual of the evening bathtub soak.
The Victorian-era bathtub remains an iconic symbol of historical interior design.
The installation of the oversized bathtub required structural reinforcement of the floor.
He pondered the philosophical implications of Archimedes' bathtub discovery.
The luxury bathtub market emphasizes ergonomic design and sensory experience.
The bathtub serves as a metaphor for domestic tranquility in the novel.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"throw the baby out with the bathwater"
To lose the good while getting rid of the bad.
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater when you reorganize the team.
idiomatic"bathtub gin"
Homemade, poor-quality alcohol.
The party was serving bathtub gin.
historical/slang"take a bath"
To suffer a large financial loss.
He really took a bath on that stock investment.
casual/business"in the tub"
Currently bathing.
The kids are in the tub.
casual"draw a bath"
To fill a bathtub with water.
I'll go draw a bath for you.
neutral"bath time"
The scheduled time for bathing.
It's bath time for the toddler!
casualEasily Confused
Both are in the bathroom.
Shower = standing, Bathtub = sitting.
I take a shower in the morning and a bath at night.
Both are containers.
Basin is usually for hands/face.
Wash your face in the basin.
Plumbing fixture.
Sink is for hands/kitchen.
Wash dishes in the sink.
It's a type of tub.
Brand name for jetted tubs.
The jacuzzi is very relaxing.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + fill + the bathtub + with + noun
I fill the bathtub with bubbles.
Subject + sit + in + the bathtub
She sits in the bathtub.
There + be + a + bathtub + in + room
There is a bathtub in the room.
Subject + clean + the bathtub
He cleans the bathtub.
Subject + replace + the bathtub
They replaced the bathtub.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
They are related but have different grammatical roles.
You take a bath, you don't take the object itself.
Different physical actions.
It is a compound noun.
It is strictly a noun.
Tips
Memory Palace
Visualize your own bathroom to remember the word.
Native Usage
Use 'take a bath' instead of 'do a bath'.
Cultural Insight
Bathtubs are seen as a place of relaxation.
Grammar Shortcut
It is a countable noun, so use 'a' or 'the'.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'th' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'I am taking a bathtub'.
Did You Know?
Archimedes discovered displacement in a bathtub.
Study Smart
Label your bathroom items with sticky notes.
Rhyme Time
Rhyme it with 'scrub' to remember the ending.
Context
Used in home descriptions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'BAT' taking a 'TUB' ride.
Visual Association
A rubber duck floating in a white ceramic tub.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe your ideal bathtub experience in three sentences.
Word Origin
English
Original meaning: A vessel for bathing.
Cultural Context
None, though it is a private space.
Bathtubs are standard in most homes, though walk-in showers are becoming more popular in urban areas.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home
- Fill the bathtub
- Clean the bathtub
- Bath time
At a hotel
- Does the room have a bathtub?
- The bathtub is large
Home renovation
- Replace the bathtub
- Install a new bathtub
Relaxation
- Soak in the bathtub
- Add bath salts
Conversation Starters
"Do you prefer a bathtub or a shower?"
"How often do you take a bath?"
"What is your ideal bathtub like?"
"Have you ever renovated a bathroom?"
"Do you like bubble baths?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your favorite bathroom.
Why do people enjoy taking baths?
Write about a funny memory in a bathroom.
If you could design a dream bathtub, what would it look like?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, a bathtub is for soaking while a shower is for standing.
Yes, but it is not its primary design.
A vintage-style tub with four feet.
B-A-T-H-T-U-B.
Yes.
No, some only have showers.
A tub with water jets for massage.
Weekly is recommended.
Test Yourself
I wash in the ___.
The bathtub is for washing.
What do you do in a bathtub?
Bathtubs are for bathing.
A bathtub is a type of furniture.
It is a plumbing fixture.
Word
Meaning
Common verb-noun collocations.
The water is in the bathtub.
Score: /5
Summary
A bathtub is a large basin for bathing that provides a space for personal hygiene and relaxation.
- A bathtub is a large container for bathing.
- It is found in bathrooms.
- It is used for soaking and relaxing.
- It is a countable, common noun.
Memory Palace
Visualize your own bathroom to remember the word.
Native Usage
Use 'take a bath' instead of 'do a bath'.
Cultural Insight
Bathtubs are seen as a place of relaxation.
Grammar Shortcut
It is a countable noun, so use 'a' or 'the'.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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바구니
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