tetka
/têtka/Latin, feminine
The English word 'aunt' is translated into Bosnian as tetka. Wiktionary also lists teta and hala.
Meaning: a parent's sister or sister-in-law (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bosnian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tetka | /têtka/ | Latin, feminine |
| teta | /têta/ | Croatia |
| hala | /xâla/ /xǎːla/ |
Latin, feminine, regional |
| ujna | /ûːjna/ | Latin, feminine |
| daidžinca | Bosnia, Latin, feminine | |
| strina | Latin, feminine | |
| amidžinca | Bosnia, Latin, feminine |
The form teta is a general term that can refer to both maternal and paternal aunts.
Which one should you use?
While tetka is the general term, other forms specify the exact relationship. For example, daidžinca refers specifically to the wife of a maternal uncle. ujna and strina also denote specific types of aunts. amidžinca is a rare term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form teta is an informal and affectionate way to address an aunt, similar to the English 'auntie'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bosnia, you may use daidžinca to refer to a maternal uncle's wife and amidžinca is also a regional term used in Bosnia. The form hala is a regional variation. In Croatia, the form teta is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of tetka is tetke.
How do you pronounce it?
/têtka/
Did you know?
- The term teta is not just a word for an aunt, but is also used as an affectionate way to address any older woman in a friendly, informal manner.
- The word hala reflects the historical Ottoman influence on the Bosnian language, tracing its roots back to Arabic through Turkish.
- In many Bosnian households the specific terms like strina or ujna are used to signal a person's exact rank and role within the extended family hierarchy.
Examples in context
- Hej, strino! Kako si?Hey, auntie! How are you?
- Da li je tvoja tetka učiteljica?Is your aunt a teacher?
Example conversation
Jasmina and Amar are talking about family members during a walk.
- JasminaZnaš li gdje je moja tetka?Do you know where my aunt is?
- AmarMislim da je kod tvoje majke.I think she is at your mother's place.
- JasminaMožda si u pravu, Amare.You might be right, Amar.
- AmarNazovi je i pitaj je.Call her and ask her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aunt” translations and entries tetka, teta, hala, ujna, daidžinca, strina, amidžinca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hala, teta, tetka, ujna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
