Do you know what to call your uncle in Serbian? Or your niece? Family words are some of the first words we ever need in a new language, and in Serbian they come with lovely little surprises - like having two different words for "uncle"! Pour yourself a coffee, press play, and let's meet Jeremija's family together.
What is this lesson about?
In this lesson you will listen to a short podcast about Jeremija's family. As you listen, try to catch the names of his relatives. Then, learn (or refresh!) the most important Serbian family words, and finally - write your own example in the comment section below. Listening plus speaking about your own family is one of the fastest ways to make these words stick.
The family words
Here is the vocabulary from the podcast. Notice the two words for "uncle" - in Serbian we distinguish between the father's brother and the mother's brother!
| Serbian | English |
|---|---|
| mama / majka | mother |
| tata / otac | father |
| sin | son |
| ćerka | daughter |
| brat | brother |
| sestra | sister |
| baka | grandmother |
| deka | grandfather |
| stric / čika | uncle (father's brother) |
| ujak | uncle (mother's brother) |
| tetka / teta | aunt |
| bratanac | nephew |
| bratanica | niece |
| sestrić / sestričina | nephew / niece (sister's child) |
| rođak / rođaka | relative / cousin |
Tip: "Stric" is your father's brother, and "ujak" is your mother's brother. Children often say "čika" and "teta" as warm, friendly versions - exactly like English "uncle" and "auntie".
Your task
After listening to the podcast, write in the comment section below the names of your relatives. Follow the example, keep it simple, and don't worry about making mistakes - that's what the comment section is for!
The example
Here is the model example from the podcast. Notice how we introduce a relative and then say who he or she is to us:
"Tatin brat se zove Slobodan. On je moj stric/čika."
(My dad's brother is called Slobodan. He is my uncle.)
More Serbian examples
Now let's build a few more sentences with the same pattern. Read them out loud - slowly first, then faster:
- "Mamina sestra se zove Jelena. Ona je moja tetka." (My mum's sister is called Jelena. She is my aunt.)
- "Moj deka ima tri unuka." (My grandfather has three grandsons.)
- "Moj brat se zove Marko." (My brother is called Marko.)
- "Moj rođak živi u Novom Sadu." (My cousin lives in Novi Sad.)
And a couple of bonus sentences to stretch yourself:
- "Moja sestra ima jednu ćerku. Ona je moja sestričina." (My sister has one daughter. She is my niece. Note: a sister's daughter is sestričina; a brother's daughter is bratanica.)
- "Moja baka voli da čeka celu porodicu nedeljom." (My grandmother loves to wait for the whole family on Sunday.)
Questions about family words in Serbian
What is the difference between "stric" and "ujak"?
"Stric" (or the friendlier "čika") is your father's brother. "Ujak" is your mother's brother. Serbian makes this distinction naturally, so once you know it, you can describe your family tree very precisely.
How do I say "my cousin" in Serbian?
A male cousin or any relative is "rođak", and a female one is "rođaka". So you can say "Moj rođak živi u Novom Sadu" or "Moja rođaka je studentkinja."
How do I introduce a family member?
Use the pattern: [relative] + "se zove" + [name]. For example, "Tatin brat se zove Slobodan." Then add who they are to you: "On je moj stric."
Frequently asked questions
Are "mama" and "majka" interchangeable?
Yes, both mean "mother". "Mama" is warm and informal - the word children use - while "majka" sounds a bit more formal. The same goes for "tata" and "otac".
Do I need to use diacritics when writing comments?
It really helps! Writing ćerka, tetka, and deka correctly trains your eye and makes your Serbian look and feel right. Take your time - the comment section is the perfect place to practise.
What should I write in my comment?
Simply introduce two or three of your relatives using the pattern from the example. For instance: "Mamina sestra se zove Jelena. Ona je moja tetka." I will read every comment and reply with feedback.
Family is at the heart of Serbian culture, and these words will open so many conversations for you. I can't wait to read about your family in the comments - who is your stric, your tetka, your deka?
Srećno učenje!
Marina Petrović
P.S. Hungry for more words? Head over to More everyday Serbian and keep building your vocabulary, one warm little lesson at a time.