кума
kuma[ˈkuma]feminine
The English word "godmother" is кума (kuma) in Macedonian.
The term refers to a woman present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner. In Macedonian culture, the term кума is often used as a respectful and affectionate title for a close female friend or relative, even outside of a religious context.
Meaning: woman present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of кума is куми.
How do you pronounce it?
kuma
Did you know?
- In some traditional regions, a кума might be chosen specifically to bridge a gap or create a permanent alliance between two families who were not previously close.
- The role of the ‘kuma’ involves specific ceremonial duties during weddings, such as being the one to lead certain traditional dances or songs.
- While ‘kuma’ is the female form, the masculine ‘kum’ is used for the godfather, and both are essential to the 'kumstvo' or godparent relationship.
Examples in context
- Таа ми е кума.She's my godmother.This sentence shows how to identify someone's godmother using кума.Tatoeba #4079280 by Lepotdeterre, translation #981804 by CK
- Кој ти е кума?Who is your godmother?This sentence is used to ask who someone's godmother is using кума.Tatoeba #4079281 by Lepotdeterre, translation #2807343 by patgfisher
- Кумата испече превкусна торта.The godmother baked a delicious cake.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form кума when referring to a godmother who has performed an action.Tatoeba #4079282 by Lepotdeterre, translation #818046 by Cindrogriza
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marko and Marija are talking about their baby's christening.
- Марко MarkoДали сакаш да бидеш кума на бебето?Dali sakash da bidesh kuma na bebeto?Do you want to be the baby's godmother?
- Марија MarijaДа, тоа би било огромно за мене!Da, toa bi bilo ogromno za mene!Yes, that would be huge for me!
- Марко MarkoСе радуваме што ќе ни бидеш кума.Se raduvame shto kje ni bidesh kuma.We are glad that you will be our godmother.
- Марија MarijaВе сакам многу, Марко!Ve sakam mnogu, Marko!I love you all very much, Marko!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godmother” translations and entries кума, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
