Family & People

How to Say “sister” in Macedonian

сестра
Pronunciation: sestraEnglish: sister

What Does “сестра” Mean?

The Macedonian expression for “sister” is сестра (Latin: sestra). It belongs to the category of Macedonian vocabulary for family and people. Macedonian is a South Slavic language written in the Cyrillic alphabet and spoken by about 1.5 million people, primarily in North Macedonia. It is fully phonetic — every letter makes a consistent sound — so once you learn the 31-letter alphabet you can read and pronounce any word.

How to Pronounce сестра

сестра is pronounced sestra — the transliteration maps each Cyrillic letter to a predictable Latin equivalent, with no silent letters or irregular spellings to watch out for. Stress in Macedonian generally falls on the third-to-last syllable in longer words, though for shorter words and phrases it often falls on the first syllable. Tap “Play Audio” above to listen to the pronunciation.

When to Use “сестра

Family is central to Macedonian culture. Extended family gatherings are common, and knowing family vocabulary helps you understand and participate in conversations about relatives and relationships. These words are frequently used in both formal and informal settings.

This expression is appropriate in both formal and informal situations.

Grammar Notes

Key grammar elements in this expression: feminine, noun. Understanding these building blocks helps you form your own Macedonian sentences. The OpaLingo Journey covers these grammar concepts in detail with interactive exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you say "sister" in Macedonian?

"sister" in Macedonian is сестра. It is pronounced "sestra" — Macedonian is a phonetic language so every letter maps to a consistent sound.

How do you pronounce сестра?

сестра is pronounced "sestra". Macedonian uses the Cyrillic alphabet but is fully phonetic — once you know the letters, you can pronounce any word correctly. Tap the “Play Audio” button on this page to hear it pronounced.

Is "sister" formal or informal in Macedonian?

This expression is appropriate in both formal and informal situations.

Related Macedonian Family & People Words

Practice “сестра” with Interactive Exercises

OpaLingo's free interactive lessons include native Macedonian audio, flashcards, and quizzes to help you remember Macedonian vocabulary for family and people for good. No account required — start learning immediately.