Bosnian, a South Slavic language spoken primarily in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is rich in terms that describe family and relationships. Understanding these words is essential for anyone looking to build connections or delve deeper into Bosnian culture. Here, we will explore some key family and relationship words in Bosnian with their definitions and examples.
Porodica
Porodica means “family” in Bosnian. This word encompasses the whole family unit, including parents, siblings, and extended relatives.
Svake nedjelje posjećujem svoju porodicu. (Every Sunday, I visit my family.)
Majka
Majka is the word for “mother.” It is a term of respect and endearment used when referring to one’s own mother or addressing someone else’s mother.
Majka mi sprema omiljeno jelo. (My mother is preparing my favorite dish.)
Otac
Otac signifies “father.” Just like majka, otac is used to address one’s own father or to refer to someone else’s father in conversation.
Moj otac je jako mudar čovjek. (My father is a very wise man.)
Brat
Brat translates to “brother.” It is used to talk about a male sibling.
Moj mlađi brat ide u školu sa mnom. (My younger brother goes to school with me.)
Sestra
Sestra means “sister” and refers to a female sibling.
Moja starija sestra je završila fakultet prošle godine. (My older sister graduated from college last year.)
Djed
Djed is the word for “grandfather.” This term is affectionate and often denotes respect for the family elder.
Moj djed voli pričati priče iz svoje mladosti. (My grandfather loves to tell stories from his youth.)
Baka
Baka translates to “grandmother.” This endearing term is used similarly to djed, showing affection and respect.
Moja baka pravi najbolje kolače. (My grandmother makes the best cakes.)
Suprug
Suprug means “husband.” It is used to refer to one’s male partner in marriage.
Moj suprug i ja planiramo putovanje. (My husband and I are planning a trip.)
Supruga
Supruga signifies “wife.” It refers to a woman who is married and is the partner to a suprug.
Moja supruga je talentirana umjetnica. (My wife is a talented artist.)
Dijete
Dijete stands for “child.” This term can be used for a son or a daughter and signifies someone’s offspring, regardless of age.
Naše dijete će krenuti u školu ove godine. (Our child will start school this year.)
Dečko
Dečko is a colloquial term for “boyfriend.” It denotes a non-marital romantic male partner.
Moj dečko voli planinariti. (My boyfriend likes to hike.)
Djevojka
Djevojka means “girlfriend.” It is used for a non-marital romantic female partner.
Moja djevojka je ljubiteljica knjiga. (My girlfriend is a book lover.)
Prijatelj
Prijatelj translates to “friend.” It refers to someone with whom one shares a bond of mutual affection and companionship, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.
Moj najbolji prijatelj dolazi u posjetu sutra. (My best friend is coming to visit tomorrow.)
Prijateljica
Prijateljica is the feminine form of “friend.” It specifically refers to a female friend.
Danas idem u kino s prijateljicom. (I’m going to the movies with a friend today.)
Understanding these Bosnian words for family and relationship is not only helpful for communicating with locals, but also provides insight into the values and social structures important to Bosnian culture. Whether you’re talking about your majka or your prijateljica, these terms foster a sense of intimacy and belonging within various types of relationships.
