брат
brat[brat]masculine
The Ukrainian word for brother is брат (brat).
The word refers to a male sibling.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Which one should you use?
While брат is the most common and general term, other forms exist to change the tone of the relationship. Братик is used to express affection, and братан is a colloquial term used among close friends or peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on its role in a sentence. Use брата when expressing possession or when the brother is the direct object of a verb. Use братові when you are giving something to your brother or doing something for him. Use братом to indicate accompaniment, such as being with your brother or to indicate the means by which something is done.
How do you pronounce it?
brat
Did you know?
- The Ukrainian word брат shares a common root with the English word 'brother', as both descend from the ancient Proto-Indo-European root *bhrāter.
- In Ukrainian folklore and traditional songs, the figure of the 'brother' often serves as a symbolic archetype for the brave protector of the homeland.
- In some Ukrainian religious contexts, брат is used as a title for monks or fellow members of a religious community, regardless of their family ties.
Examples in context
- У мене є брат.I have one brother.This sentence demonstrates how to use the form брат to express possession.Tatoeba #540798 by deniko, translation #256071 by CK
- Я – твій брат.I'm your brother.This sentence shows the use of брат in a simple identity statement.Tatoeba #5954528 by older, translation #1977902 by Balamax
- Том її брат.Tom is her brother.This sentence illustrates how to identify someone using the form брат.Tatoeba #6919969 by deniko, translation #2590077 by CM
- Це мій брат.This is my brother.
- Андрій, це мій братик.Andriy, this is my brother.
- Олександр – це мій бра́тан.Oleksandr – this is my brother.
- 494 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families over coffee.
- Сергій SerhiiТвій брат зараз живе в Києві?Tviy brat zaraz zhyve v Kyyevi?Does your brother live in Kyiv now?
- Олена OlenaТак, мій брат зараз працює там.Tak, miy brat zaraz pratsyuye tam.Yes, my brother is working there now.
- Сергій SerhiiЦе дуже добре.Tse duzhe dobre.That is very good.
- Олена OlenaДякую, Сергію.Dyakuyu, Serhiyie.Thank you, Serhiy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries брат, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries брат, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
