Talking about your family is one of the most popular topics of conversation in Russia. Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you about Russian words for family members. We will also look at some basic phrases, so when you are in a Russian-speaking environment, you have what to say and answer your conversation partner’s questions.
Russians often use the following words for their family members:
Мать [mat’y] mother
Отец [ot’-yets] father
Мама [ma-ma] mum
Папа [pa-pa] dad
Сестра [ses-tra] sister
Брат [brat] brother
Дочь [doch] daughter
Сын [syin] son
Бабушка [ba-bush-ka] grandmother
Дедушка [de-dush-ka] grandfather
Жена [zhe-na] wife
Муж [muzh] husband
Тётя [tyo-tya] auntie
Дядя [dya-dya] uncle
Родители [rod-ye-te-lyi] parents
Дети [dye-tyi] children
Внучка [vnuc’h-ka] granddaughter
Внук [vnuk] grandson
Семья [syem-ya] family
In the Russian language as well as the English language ther are tro options for the words “мама” and “папа”. The words “мама” and “папа” we more often use in everyday life, as they sound more softly than “мать” and “отец”.
The words “мать” and “отец” are mainly used when filling out documents or forms, when you are required to write about you parents.
People very often ask you a question about how many brothers and sisters you have, or if you have any children. So, you cane use these basic expressions to answer:
У меня есть сестра [U men’-ya yest’ ses-tra] I have a sister.
У меня есть брат [U men’-ya yest’ brat] I have a brother.
У тебя есть дети? [U teb-ya yesty det’-yi?] Do you have children?
У меня есть сын и дочь [U men-ya yest’ syin i doch ] I have a son and a daughter.
У меня нет детей [U men-ya nyet detey] I don’t have any children.
Well, we have got familiar with some basic words and phrases that you can use when speaking about your family. We hope you will find this article useful!
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