Ways to say it
| Bosnian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ujak | /ûjaːk/ | Latin, masculine |
| stric | /strîːt͡s/ | Latin, masculine |
| čiča | /t͡ʃît͡ʃa/ | Latin, masculine |
| amidža | /ǎmid͡ʒa/ | Latin, masculine, nonstandard, regional |
| tetak | Latin, masculine | |
| teča | Latin, masculine | |
| tečo | Latin, masculine | |
| daidža | /dǎid͡ʒa/ | Latin, masculine, nonstandard, regional |
In Bosnian, the word used for uncle depends on whether the person is a brother of your father or your mother. For example, stric is the specific term for a paternal uncle (your father's brother), while tetak refers to a maternal uncle (your mother's brother).
Which one should you use?
While stric and tetak are used to distinguish between paternal and maternal sides, other terms like ujak can be used more generally. čiča is also used colloquially to address or refer to an elderly man, even if there is no biological relation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term čiča is colloquial and used when addressing older men.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Several terms are regional or nonstandard. čiča is a regional colloquialism. amidža and daidža are rare, nonstandard regional forms.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the word stric is used as the direct object of a sentence, it changes to its accusative form, strica.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ujak is /ûjaːk/.
Did you know?
- The specific terms for uncles like amidža and daidža act as linguistic fossils of the Ottoman era in the Balkans.
- In Bosnia and Herzegovina, you might call a complete stranger čiča as a sign of respect for his age.
- Because Bosnian distinguishes so strictly between paternal and maternal sides, calling the wrong uncle by his specific title can lead to significant family confusion.
Examples in context
- Moj ujak dolazi sutra.My uncle is coming tomorrow.
- Gdje je tvoj ujak?Where is your uncle?
- Taj ujak je veoma ljubazan.That uncle is very kind.
Example conversation
Lejla and Amar are talking about a family gathering.
- LejlaDa li dolazi tvoj ujak?Is your uncle coming?
- AmarDa, moj ujak dolazi sa mojim tatom.Yes, my uncle is coming with my dad.
- LejlaDrago mi je što će on biti tu.I am glad he will be here.
- AmarI ja isto.Me too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries ujak, stric, čiča, amidža, tetak, tečo, daidža, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amidža, stric, čiča, CC BY-SA 4.0.
