sinovica
Latin
The English word "niece" can be translated into Serbian using sinovica. Wiktionary also lists bratanica and bratična sinovka.
Meaning: fraternal or sororal niece (noun)
Ways to say it
| Serbian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sinovica | Latin | |
| bratanica | Latin | |
| bratična sinovka | Latin | |
| sestričina | Latin | |
| nećakinja | /net͡ɕǎkiɲa/ | Latin, feminine |
| nećaka | /nêt͡ɕaka/ | Latin, Serbia |
| nestera | Croatia, Latin, archaic |
Which one should you use?
The term sestričina specifically refers to a sister's daughter, whereas bratanica refers to a brother's daughter.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term nestera is an archaic form used to mean niece.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Serbia, the word nećaka is a common colloquial way to refer to a niece.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the generic term nećakinja is nećakinje.
Did you know?
- The term sinovica is used for a niece who is the daughter of a son, but it is also the word for 'daughter-in-law' in many Serbian dialects.
- Because Serbian is highly inflected, the word for niece changes its ending depending on whether she is the subject or the object of the sentence.
- The word sinovica comes from sin, meaning 'son', essentially describing the girl as the 'child of a son'.
Examples in context
- Dođi, mala sestričina, da ti pričam bajke.Come here, little niece, let me tell you fairy tales.
- Moja sinovica je veoma pametna.My niece is very smart.
Example conversation
Nikola and Milica are looking at a family photo.
- NikolaPogledaj, ovo je moja sinovica.Look, this is my niece.
- MilicaBaš je slatka devojčica.She is a very sweet girl.
- NikolaHvala, ona je veoma pametna.Thanks, she is very smart.
- MilicaKao i njen otac!Just like her father!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “niece” translations and entries nećakinja, nećaka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
