Russian · Family & Relationships

Семья

semya

Family

Beginnernoun · feminine

Definition

A group of people related by blood or marriage.

Example

Моя семья живёт в Санкт-Петербурге.

My family lives in Saint Petersburg.

Etymology

The word 'семья' (semya) descends from Old East Slavic 'семь' (syem'), meaning 'seven,' which historically referred to the seven members often found in a family unit. Its evolution reflects the significance of familial structures in Slavic culture.

How & Where It’s Used

'Семья' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts and can be found in everyday conversation. It is widely spoken across Russia and other post-Soviet countries, with no significant regional variations.

Watch “Family” pronunciation on YouTube
familysocial

Related Terms