брат
brat[brat]
The English phrase "bro" can be translated into Macedonian as брат (brat).
In casual Macedonian, брат is often used as a vocative particle to emphasize a statement or to grab a friend's attention, similar to how "man" or "bro" is used in English. It can refer to a male comrade or friend, or someone who shares one's ideals.
Meaning: male comrade or friend, one who shares one’s ideals (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word брат literally means "brother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While брат means "brother", it is frequently used in informal speech to mean "bro" or "dude" when addressing a male friend. There are other informal variations: Братче is an affectionate, informal way to say "bro" and Друже is a casual way to say "bro" derived from the word for "friend".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of брат is брать.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [brat].
Did you know?
- Though брат is used for friends, it remains the standard, formal term used within religious contexts, such as referring to a monk or a fellow member of a religious community.
- Although брат means 'brother', it is often used in Macedonian to build an instant sense of trust or kinship with a total stranger during a negotiation.
- The word брат is shared across almost all Slavic languages, meaning a speaker of Macedonian could use this word to be understood by a Pole or a Bulgarian.
Examples in context
- Еј, брат, не сакам повеќе да слушам!OK!! Bro!! I don't want to hear any more!This sentence demonstrates the use of брат to express frustration.Tatoeba #4056826 by Lepotdeterre, translation #329121 by fcbond
- Ка́ј си, бе, брат?What's up, bro?This sentence shows how to use брат when asking how someone is.
- Брат, ќе одиме на́ кафе или слабо?Bro, we goin' for coffee or nah?This sentence illustrates using брат when making an informal suggestion.
Example conversation
Ivan and Elena are talking about a mutual friend.
- Иван IvanТој е како брат ми, Елена.Toj e kako brat mi, Elena.He is like a brother to me, Elena.
- Елена ElenaСе гледа дека се многу блиски.Se gleda deka se mnogu bliski.It's obvious that they are very close.
- Иван IvanДа, брат ми е најдобриот пријател.Da, brat mi e najdobriot prijatel.Yes, my bro is my best friend.
- Елена ElenaТоа е навистина убаво.Toa e navistina ubavo.That is really nice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry брат, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
