Family (rodina) is the cornerstone of Slovak cultural life. Weekend Sunday family lunches (nedeľný obed), celebrating namedays (meniny), and gathering for Christmas Eve (Štedrý večer) are cherished traditions across Slovakia.
Immediate Family Members
| Slovak Formal Term | Endearing / Daily Term | English Translation | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| otec | ocko / otecko / tato | father / dad | Masculine |
| matka | mama / mamička | mother / mom | Feminine |
| rodičia | rodičia | parents | Plural |
| syn | synček | son | Masculine |
| dcéra | dcérka | daughter | Feminine |
| brat | braček | brother | Masculine |
| sestra | sestrička | sister | Feminine |
| súrodenci | súrodenci | siblings | Plural |
| dieťa / deti | dieťatko | child / children | Neuter / Plural |
| manžel | muž | husband | Masculine |
| manželka | žena | wife | Feminine |
Extended Family & In-Laws
| Slovak Term | English Translation | Relationship Context |
|---|---|---|
| starý otec / dedko | grandfather / grandpa | Father of parent |
| stará mama / babka | grandmother / grandma | Mother of parent |
| starí rodičia | grandparents | Grandfather and grandmother together |
| vnuk / vnučka | grandson / granddaughter | Children of one’s children |
| strýko / ujo | uncle | Brother of parent or aunt’s husband |
| teta / tetička | aunt | Sister of parent or uncle’s wife |
| bratranec | male cousin | Son of aunt or uncle |
| sesternica | female cousin | Daughter of aunt or uncle |
| svokor / svokra | father-in-law / mother-in-law | Parents of spouse |
| zať / nevesta | son-in-law / daughter-in-law (also bride) | Spouse of child |
Marital Status & Relationships
- Slobodný (m) / Slobodná (f): Single / Unmarried
- Ženatý (m) / Vydatá (f): Married (Note: Slovak uses distinct words for men and women!)
- Rozvedený (m) / Rozvedená (f): Divorced
- Vdovec (m) / Vdova (f): Widower / Widow
- Priateľ / Kamarát: Boyfriend or male friend (Priateľka / Kamarátka for female)
Introducing Your Family in Slovak
| Speaker | Slovak Dialogue Line | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Elena | Toto je moja rodina. Toto je môj manžel Peter a naša dcéra Sofia. | This is my family. This is my husband Peter and our daughter Sofia. |
| Kolega | Teší ma! Máte aj ďalšie deti? | Pleased to meet you! Do you also have other children? |
| Elena | Áno, máme ešte staršieho syna, ktorý študuje v Bratislave. | Yes, we also have an older son who studies in Bratislava. |
Written and reviewed by the TheLernen language team·Last updated: 2026-07-18
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