primu
The Chamorro word for cousin is primu.
The word primu is used to refer to a child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister.
Meaning: child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister (noun)
Which one should you use?
While primu is the standard term, che'lu is an informal alternative used to mean cousin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guam, the term primu is used to refer to cousins.
Did you know?
- Traditional Chamorro society was matrilineal, meaning that although primu covers all cousins, the clan lineage was historically tracked through the mother.
- Chamorro kinship is traditionally bilateral, meaning primu is used equally for cousins on both the mother's and father's side.
- The word primu is a direct loanword from the Spanish 'primo'.
Example conversation
Angelica and Antonio are talking about their family members.
- AngelicaSi Antonio, primu-mu yan i hågao?Antonio, is your cousin with you?
- AntonioHågao, primu-hu yan gühi.Yes, my cousin and child.
- AngelicaKao hasso-mu i primu?Do you remember the cousin?
- AntonioHasso-hu i primu.I remember the cousin.
