Родина (rodyna) – Family
This is a general term for family, used to refer to the entire family unit or household.
Моя родина велика і дружня. (My family is big and friendly.)
Батьки (bat’ky) – Parents
The word for parents in Ukrainian is used to collectively mention your mother and father.
Мої батьки зараз на роботі. (My parents are at work right now.)
Мати (maty) – Mother
The Ukrainian word for mother is “mati”, a term of respect and endearment.
Моя мати найкраща кухарка. (My mother is the best cook.)
Батько (bat’ko) – Father
“Bat’ko” is the Ukrainian word for father, and it’s often used in a formal context.
Мій батько дуже мудрий. (My father is very wise.)
Брат (brat) – Brother
A male sibling is called a “brat” in Ukrainian.
Мій брат старший за мене на два роки. (My brother is two years older than me.)
Сестра (sestra) – Sister
The Ukrainian word for sister is “sestra”, used for a female sibling.
У мене є молодша сестра. (I have a younger sister.)
Діти (dity) – Children
This word refers to children, either your own or someone else’s.
Їхні діти дуже виховані. (Their children are very well-behaved.)
Хлопець (khopec’) – Boyfriend
A casual or serious male romantic partner is referred to as a “khopec'”.
Мій хлопець приготував вечерю. (My boyfriend cooked dinner.)
Дівчина (divchyna) – Girlfriend
This term is used for a female romantic partner, whether casually dating or in a committed relationship.
Моя дівчина вчителька. (My girlfriend is a teacher.)
Дружина (druzhyna) – Wife
A legally married female partner is known as a “druzhyna” in Ukrainian.
Моя дружина любить подорожувати. (My wife loves to travel.)
Чоловік (cholovik) – Husband
The Ukrainian word for a legally married male partner is “cholovik”.
Мій чоловік працює в лікарні. (My husband works at the hospital.)
Бабуся (babusya) – Grandmother
A warm term for grandmother, “babusya” is used with endearment in Ukrainian families.
Моя бабуся готує смачну їжу. (My grandmother cooks delicious food.)
Дідусь (didus’) – Grandfather
The Ukrainian word for grandfather, “didus'”, conveys respect and affection.
Мій дідусь був шахтарем. (My grandfather was a miner.)
Вуйко (vuyko) – Uncle
An uncle from either side of the family is referred to as “vuyko”.
Мій вуйко чудово співає. (My uncle sings wonderfully.)
Тітка (titka) – Aunt
This is the word for the sister of either parent, known as “titka”.
Моя тітка лікарка. (My aunt is a doctor.)
Племінник (pleminnyk) – Nephew
A son of one’s sibling or spouse’s sibling is called a “pleminnyk”.
Мій племінник їде в університет. (My nephew is going off to university.)
Племінниця (pleminnytsya) – Niece
The daughter of one’s sibling or spouse’s sibling is a “pleminnytsya”.
Моя племінниця ще в школі. (My niece is still in school.)
Understanding and using these expressions for family and relationships will not only help you communicate more effectively in Ukrainian but will also provide a deeper insight into the cultural values and social dynamics of Ukrainian-speaking societies. As in any language, these terms are often accompanied by a rich set of cultural customs and expectations, so getting familiar with them is a valuable part of your language learning journey.