rođak
/rôd͡ʑaːk/Latin, masculine
The Croatian word for cousin is rođak. Wiktionary also lists bratić and bratučed.
Meaning: child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister (noun)
Ways to say it
| Croatian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rođak | /rôd͡ʑaːk/ | Latin, masculine |
| bratić | /brâtit͡ɕ/ | Latin, masculine |
| bratučed | Latin, masculine | |
| bratučeda | Latin, feminine | |
| drugobratučed | Latin, masculine | |
| drugobratučeda | Latin, feminine |
While rođak is a common way to refer to a cousin in everyday conversation, it is also the standard word for any relative. For more specific terms, you can use bratić or bratučed.
Which one should you use?
rođak is a general term that most commonly means 'relative', though it can be used for 'cousin'. bratić and bratučed are more specific terms for a cousin. bratučed (masculine) and bratučeda (feminine) are formal terms, while drugobratučed (masculine) and drugobratučeda (feminine) are also available forms.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the masculine form bratić in a sentence where it is the direct object, such as 'I see my cousin', you must use the accusative form bratića instead of the nominative bratić.
How do you pronounce it?
/rôdʑaːk/
Did you know?
- While rođak is the general term, Croatian has a precise system of kinship terms that can distinguish between cousins on the father's side and the mother's side.
- The specific term bratić is formed by adding the diminutive suffix -ić to brat, which literally means 'brother'.
- The complex term drugobratučed is used to specify a 'second cousin' or a cousin of a different degree, adding precision that 'cousin' lacks in English.
Examples in context
- On je moj rođak.He is my cousin.
- Moj rođak dolazi sutra.My cousin is coming tomorrow.
- On je vrlo drag rođak.He is a very dear cousin.
Example conversation
Ivana and Ivan are talking about a family gathering.
- IvanaDolazi li tvoj rođak na rođendan?Is your cousin coming to the birthday party?
- IvanDa, on dolazi s obitelji.Yes, he is coming with his family.
- IvanaDrago mi je što će on doći.I am glad that he is coming.
- IvanTakođer, on je jako ljubazan.Also, he is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cousin” translations and entries rođak, bratić, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bratić, rođak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
