Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| брата́н | bratán | masculine |
| брато́к | bratók | masculine |
| бра́тец | brátec | masculine |
| брати́шка | bratíška | masculine |
These terms refer to a male comrade, friend or someone who shares one's ideals. While the root relates to the word for 'brother', the specific nuance depends on the form used. For example, the borrowed term Бро is used colloquially by the younger generation, while Пацан refers to a young guy or lad in a playful and familiar context. Conversely, a speaker might facetiously or ironically use Товарищ among friends.
What does it mean word for word?
All these forms are derived from the root word брат, which means 'brother'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ in their social connotation: брата́н is heavy slang with a 'street' connotation. брато́к is a colloquial diminutive that sounds more casual and friendly. бра́тец is an informal diminutive that can sometimes be used patronizingly or ironically depending on the tone. And брати́шка is an affectionate term meaning 'little brother' used for a younger male friend or a dear friend.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
bratán
Did you know?
- While брата́н is used for friends, the word брат is often used in Russian criminal slang to denote a member of a specific organized crime group or a 'brother' in the underworld.
- While бра́тец means 'little brother', using it with a stranger can actually sound condescending or patronizing rather than warm.
- Russian uses the root брат in the phrase брат за брата, which implies a level of loyalty where one would sacrifice everything for their 'bro', regardless of blood relation.
Examples in context
- Привет, бро! Как дела?Hey, bro! How are you?
- Ты мой настоящий брата́н.Ty moy nastoyashchiy bratán.You are my real bro.
- Послушай, брата́н, мне нужна помощь.Poslushay, bratán, mne nuzhna pomoshch'.Listen, bro, I need help.
- Он мой старый брата́н.On moy staryy bratán.He is my old bro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bro” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
