леля
lelja[ˈlɛlʲɐ]feminine
The Bulgarian word for aunt is леля (lelja). Wiktionary also lists вуйна (vujna).
Meaning: a parent's sister or sister-in-law (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bulgarian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| леля | lelja | [ˈlɛlʲɐ] (narrow) | feminine |
| вуйна | vujna | feminine |
The term is used to refer to a parent's sister or sister-in-law. Beyond biological relations, леля is often used as a respectful or affectionate way to address an older woman who is not a blood relative, similar to the English term 'auntie'.
Which one should you use?
While леля is the general term for an aunt, вуйна is more specific and refers to a paternal aunt by marriage, specifically the wife of one's father's brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both леля and вуйна are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
lelja
When do people say it?
In many Bulgarian contexts, it is common to use леля as a polite way to address older women in the community even if they are not part of your family.
Did you know?
- The word леля shares a root with the name of a Slavic goddess of spring and love, also called Леля.
- In Bulgarian culture, calling a stranger леля is a way to soften a request or show warmth, whereas using a formal title might feel too cold or distant.
- The term леля is often used in Bulgarian folk songs to evoke nostalgia for childhood and the care of a maternal figure.
Examples in context
- Леля ми, която живее в Токио, ми изпрати красива блуза.My aunt, who lives in Tokyo, sent me a beautiful blouse.This sentence shows how to use леля when describing a relative's location.Tatoeba #2797987 by korobo4ka, translation #279735 by CK
- Леля ми ми даде един албум.My aunt gave me an album.This sentence demonstrates a simple use of леля regarding a gift.Tatoeba #764341 by ednorog, translation #266659 by CK
- Ще посетим леля си идната неделя.We are going to visit our aunt next Sunday.This sentence shows how to use леля when talking about visiting a relative.Tatoeba #799014 by ednorog, translation #263029 by CM
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Georgi and Viktoria are looking at old family photos.
- Георги GeorgiКоя е тази жена на снимката?Koya e tazi zhena na snimkata?Who is this woman in the photo?
- Виктория ViktoriyaТя е моята леля от София.Tya e moyata lyalya ot Sofia.She is my aunt from Sofia.
- Георги GeorgiТя прилича много на теб.Tya prilikha mnogo na teb.She looks a lot like you.
- Виктория ViktoriyaДа, леля ми винаги го казва.Da, lyalya mi vinagi go kazva.Yes, my aunt always says so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aunt” translations and entries леля, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries леля, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
