Language/Slovak/Vocabulary/Family

Slovak Vocabulary - Family

Hi Slovak learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn Slovak vocabulary related to family, such as names of family members, marital status, and more. Slovak, a Slavic language, is spoken by over 5 million people worldwide. If you want to improve your Slovak vocabulary, you can also visit the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Names of family members

In Slovak, there are specific names for family members, as in any other language. Here are some examples:

Slovak	Pronunciation	English
otec	['ɔ.tɛts]	father
matka	['mat.ka]	mother
syn	['sin]	son
dcéra	['d.tʃɛ:.ra]	daughter
brat	[brat]	brother
sestra	['sɛs.tra]	sister

In Slovak, there are different words used for older and younger siblings. "Sestra" (sister) and "brat" (brother) are used for both, but if we want to specify that the sibling is older, we use "starší brat" (older brother) or "staršia sestra" (older sister) and if we want to specify that the sibling is younger, we use "mladší brat" (younger brother) or "mladšia sestra" (younger sister).

Marital status

In Slovak, there are different words used to describe a person's marital status.

Slovak	Pronunciation	English
slobodný/slobodná	['slɔbɔd.ni:/slɔbɔd.na: ]	single
ženatý	['ʒɛ.na.ti:]	married (for a man)
vydatá	['vi.da.ta:]	married (for a woman)
rozvedený/rozvedená	[rɔzvɛd.ɛ.ni:/rɔzvɛd.ɛ.na:]	divorced
ovdovelý/ovdovelá	[ɔv.dɔ.vɛ.li:/ɔv.dɔ.vɛ.la:]	widower/widow

For example, we can use these words in sentences:

• Person 1: Som slobodný. Cvičím jógu. (I am single. I practice yoga.)
• Person 2: Som vdaná a mám dve deti. (I am married and I have two children.)

Extended family

Slovaks place great importance on family, and even extended family relationships, such as grandparents, uncles, or cousins, are highly valued.

Slovak	Pronunciation	English
starý otec	['sta.ri: 'ɔ.tɛts]	grandfather
stará mama	['sta.ra: 'ma.ma]	grandmother
strýko	['str.i:.'kɔ]	uncle
teta	['tɛ.ta]	aunt
bratranec	[brat.ran.ɛts]	cousin (male)
sesternica	[sɛs.tɛr.ni.tsa]	cousin (female)

For example:

• Person 1: Sme veľká rodina, mám veľa príbuzných. (We are a big family, I have many relatives.)
• Person 2: Môj dedo je môj najlepší kamarát. (My grandfather is my best friend.)

Interesting facts

- Slovaks celebrate name days, which are the days when their given name is celebrated. These are often as important as birthdays! - Slovak weddings are often accompanied by the traditional folk music called "cigánska hudba", meaning Gypsy music. - Slovak cuisine is very rich, with dishes such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) or kapustnica (sauerkraut soup).

Dialogue

Ann and Peter are talking about their families:

• Ann: Ahoj Peter! Môj otec sa volá Jozef a mám jednu sestru.
• Peter: Ahoj Ann! Maličký svet! Aj môj otec sa volá Jozef, ale ja mám dvoch bratov.
• Ann: A ty si ženatý?
• Peter: Áno, mám manželku a dvoch synov. A ty?
• Ann: Nie, som ešte slobodná. Ale moji rodičia už nie sú mladí, tak hľadám si niekoho, kto by mi pomohol v núdzi.
• Peter: Rozumiem. No daj vedieť, ak budeš potrebovať pomoc.

English translation:

• Ann: Hi Peter! My father's name is Jozef and I have one sister.
• Peter: Hi Ann! Small world! My father's name is also Jozef, but I have two brothers.
• Ann: And are you married?
• Peter: Yes, I have a wife and two sons. And you?
• Ann: No, I am still single. But my parents are not young anymore, so I am looking for someone who could help me in case of need.
• Peter: I understand. Let me know if you need any help.

Sources

• 40+ Easy Slovak Vocabulary For Family That You Must Know - Ling ...
• Family words in Slovak
• Slovak language - Wikipedia

• Slovak cuisine on Wikipedia
• Slovak family life

---

➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Other Lessons

• Colors
• Clothes
• Jobs
• Shapes
• Education
• Health
• Seasons
• Maps
• Airport