Russian Word for Father, Mother, Brother & All Family Members – With Pronunciation

Never try to figure out how two people are related in a Russian family unless you’re ready for a long, detailed genealogy lesson that somehow spans at least three generations and numerous cousins. A simple “uncle” or “cousin” is never enough—every answer comes with a brief history of the family tree, and by the time they’re done, you might even forget why you asked in the first place. 😅

In Russian culture, family is not just about close relatives; it’s a vast, interconnected network where everyone seems to know everyone—or at least pretends to. 🙂 Family ties are deeply important, and this is reflected in the language. Whether someone is on the mother’s or father’s side, whether they are older or younger, all of this determines the specific term used to refer to them.

If you want to learn the Russian words for “mother” and “father,” it’s best to start with the basics. “Mother” in Russian is мама (máma), while “Father” in Russian is папа (pápa). From there, an entire linguistic system unfolds, where every relative has a specific name based on their exact place in the family. If you’re curious about how Russians refer to their family members—and want to avoid accidentally calling a stranger your uncle—keep reading! 😃

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Russian Word for Father and Mother

Father in Russian – Папа (Papa)

The Russian word for father is папа (pápa), pronounced as PAH-pah.

Like мама, this is the casual and affectionate way to say “father.” A more formal term is отец (otyets), used in official settings or respectful references. Fathers in Russian culture are traditionally seen as the protectors and providers of the family. Much like in Arabic, Russian fathers can also be addressed using a title based on their child’s name. For example, someone named Ivan might be called Батя Ваня (Batya Vanya), meaning “Father Vanya,” as a sign of familiarity and affection.

Mother in Russian – Мама (Mama)

In Russian, the word for mother is мама (máma), pronounced as MAH-mah.

Mothers hold a central role in Russian families, often seen as the emotional core of the household. The word мама is commonly used in everyday speech, but in more formal or poetic contexts, you may also hear мать (mat’), which is a more official way to say “mother.” Russian mothers are often the caretakers and problem-solvers in the family, known for their warmth and unwavering support.

Russian Words for Son and Daughter

Son in Russian – Сын (Syn)

In Russian, the word for son is сын (syn), pronounced as sin (with a short “i” sound).

Sons traditionally play an important role in Russian families, often viewed as the ones who carry on the family name. In older traditions, the firstborn son was expected to take care of his parents as they aged. While modern Russian families are less rigid in this expectation, there is still a strong cultural emphasis on the responsibility of sons toward their parents and family legacy.

Daughter in Russian – Дочь (Doch’)

The Russian word for daughter is дочь (doch’), pronounced as doch (with a soft “ch” sound”).

The plural form, дочери (docheri), is used when referring to multiple daughters. Daughters are often cherished in Russian families and seen as the heart of the household. It’s common for Russian parents to give their daughters affectionate diminutive nicknames, such as дочка (dochka), which adds warmth and familiarity.

Russian Words for Brother and Sister

Brother in Russian – Брат (Brat)

In Russian, the word for brother is брат (brat), pronounced as braht.

In Russian families, older brothers often take on a protective role, while younger brothers are expected to show respect to their older siblings. To specify whether someone is an older or younger brother, additional words are used:

• Старший брат (starshiy brat) – Older brother
• Младший брат (mladshiy brat) – Younger brother

In casual speech, Russians may use affectionate diminutive forms like братишка (bratishka), which roughly translates to “bro” or “little bro.”

Sister in Russian – Сестра (Sestra)

The Russian word for sister is сестра (sestra), pronounced as syes-TRAH.

Just like with brothers, Russian distinguishes between older and younger sisters:

• Старшая сестра (starshaya sestra) – Older sister
• Младшая сестра (mladshaya sestra) – Younger sister

A common affectionate nickname for a sister is сестрёнка (sestrënka), which adds a sense of warmth and closeness, similar to “sis” in English. In many Russian families, older sisters often take on a motherly role, caring for their younger siblings.

Russian Words for Grandfather and Grandmother

Grandfather in Russian – Дед (Ded)

In Russian, the word for grandfather is дед (ded), pronounced as dyed.

This is the informal and most commonly used term. However, a more affectionate version is дедушка (dedushka), which is the equivalent of saying “grandpa.” This term carries a warm and respectful tone, making it the preferred way for children and adults alike to address their grandfather.

Grandfathers in Russian culture are often seen as wise family figures, passing down traditions, stories, and life lessons. It’s not uncommon to hear grandfathers referred to with a bit of humor and admiration, as they often take on the role of storytellers and even mischief-makers in the family.

Grandmother in Russian – Бабушка (Babushka)

The Russian word for grandmother is бабушка (babushka), pronounced as BAH-boosh-ka.

This affectionate term is widely used across Russian-speaking families. In some cases, the shorter бабуля (babulya) or баба (baba) is used, especially in rural areas, though baba can sometimes sound old-fashioned or informal.

Grandmothers in Russian families are often the heart of the home, known for their warmth, storytelling, and of course, their incredible cooking. Russian babushkas are legendary for their wisdom, protective nature, and ability to whip up a feast from seemingly nothing.

Russian Words for Uncle and Aunt

Uncle in Russian – Дядя (Dyadya)

In Russian, the word for uncle is дядя (dyadya), pronounced as DYAH-dyah.

Unlike some other languages that distinguish between paternal and maternal uncles, Russian uses дядя for both. However, if clarification is needed, one can specify:

• Брат отца (brat otsa) – Father’s brother
• Брат матери (brat materi) – Mother’s brother

Russian uncles often play a strong role in family life, sometimes acting as second fathers, especially in large families. Children may address not only their actual uncles as dyadya but also close family friends as a sign of respect.

Aunt in Russian – Тётя (Tyotya)

The Russian word for aunt is тётя (tyotya), pronounced as TYOH-tya.

Just like with uncles, Russian does not have separate words for a paternal or maternal aunt. However, to specify:

• Сестра отца (sestra otsa) – Father’s sister
• Сестра матери (sestra materi) – Mother’s sister

Aunts, or tyotyas, often have a nurturing role in Russian families. Just like uncles, a close family friend can also be referred to as тётя as a sign of warmth and familiarity.

Russian Words for Cousin (Male and Female)

Male Cousin in Russian – Двоюродный брат (Dvoyurodny brat)

In Russian, the word for a male cousin is двоюродный брат (dvoyurodny brat), pronounced as dvo-YU-rod-ny brat.

The term двоюродный means “second-degree” or “once removed,” indicating that cousins are considered relatives of the second degree in the family hierarchy. Since Russian does not have separate words for maternal and paternal cousins, this term applies to all male cousins, regardless of which side of the family they come from.

Female Cousin in Russian – Двоюродная сестра (Dvoyurodnaya sestra)

The Russian word for a female cousin is двоюродная сестра (dvoyurodnaya sestra), pronounced as dvo-YU-rod-na-ya ses-TRA.

Just like with двоюродный брат, this term is used universally for cousins on both the mother’s and father’s side. In casual conversation, Russians sometimes shorten these phrases to just двоюродный or двоюродная when the context is clear.

Cousins in Russian families are often close, and in many cases, they grow up like siblings. In extended families, it’s common to have strong lifelong bonds with cousins, reinforced by frequent family gatherings and celebrations.

Russian Words for Husband and Wife

Husband in Russian – Муж (Muzh)

In Russian, the word for husband is муж (muzh), pronounced as moozh.

The word муж is the most common and neutral way to refer to a husband. However, in affectionate speech, wives might use diminutive or playful terms like муженька (muzhen’ka), which translates to something like “dear husband” or “hubby.”

In traditional Russian culture, the husband is often seen as the head of the household, responsible for providing and protecting the family. However, modern Russian families tend to have more equal partnerships, where responsibilities are shared between both spouses.

Wife in Russian – Жена (Zhena)

The Russian word for wife is жена (zhena), pronounced as zhe-NAH.

This is the standard term, but in a more affectionate context, husbands might say жёнушка (zhyonushka), which carries a warm and loving tone similar to “wifey” in English.

In Russian families, wives have traditionally been seen as the heart of the home, taking care of family matters and ensuring that the household runs smoothly. While this dynamic has evolved in modern times, Russian culture still values the role of the wife as a key figure in maintaining family unity.

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