кум
kum[kum]masculine
In Macedonian, the word for godfather is кум (kum).
The term кум refers to the man present at a baby's christening who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner. It is also used to refer to the man who serves as the sponsor or witness at a wedding, a role that carries high social importance in Macedonia.
Meaning: man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
Which one should you use?
кум is the masculine form used for a godfather, while the female counterpart (godmother) is кума.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain western regions of Macedonia, кум is used to refer to a godfather.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of кум is кумови.
How do you pronounce it?
kum
When do people say it?
In Macedonian culture, the role of the кум involves a significant lifelong bond of spiritual kinship and social responsibility that extends far beyond the initial christening.
Did you know?
- In Macedonia, the bond between a кум and the family is considered a spiritual kinship that is often regarded as stronger than blood relations.
- Choosing a кум is a serious decision, as the person is expected to act as a mediator and protector for the family during conflicts.
- If you are invited to a wedding as a кум, you are often expected to lead specific toasts and perform traditional rituals that a standard guest would not.
Examples in context
- Мојот кум ми ја подари таа црвена кошула.My godfather gave me that red shirt.This sentence shows how to use кум when discussing a gift from a godfather.Tatoeba #4079277 by Lepotdeterre, translation #2761953 by mervert1
- Мојот кум ми да рачен часовник за подарок.My godfather gave me a watch as a gift.This sentence demonstrates how to use кум when mentioning a gift from a godfather.Tatoeba #4079278 by Lepotdeterre, translation #2834067 by Desparil
- Мојот кум беше толку љубезен!My godfather was so kind!
Example conversation
Aleksandar and Elena are discussing baby planning.
- Александар AleksandarЕлена, дали веќе избравте кум за бебето?Elena, dali veќe izbravte kum za bebeto?Elena, have you already chosen a godfather for the baby?
- Елена ElenaДа, мојот брат ќе биде кум.Da, mojot brat ќe bide kum.Yes, my brother will be the godfather.
- Александар AleksandarТоа е одлична одлука.Toa e odlična odluka.That is a great decision.
- Елена ElenaТој многу го сака детето.Toj mnogu go saka deteto.He loves the child very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godfather” translations and entries кум, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
