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People and family in Basque

234 words in Basque on the topic “people and family”: laguna — friend, familia — family, ama — mom, aita — dad. 234 words can be played from recordings.

Updated September 1, 2026 · Lingofly

234 words on the topic

  • laguna
    friend
    From lagun — 'friend' and 'helper' alike: laguntza, 'help', comes from it. A casual acquaintance is ezagun
  • familia
    family
    Family, the same word as in Spanish. A surname is «abizena»: you can hear «izen», name, inside it
  • ama
    mom
    A neutral word. The affectionate one is amatxo. Grandma is amona: the same ama at the front
  • aita
    dad
    The affectionate one is aitatxo. Grandpa is aitona: the same aita at the front, symmetric with ama/amona
  • haurra
    child
    Haur + a, and the r doubles at the seam: haurra. Children are haurrak; the playroom is haurrentzako — literally 'for children'
  • semea
    son
    In the basics haurra was 'child'; semea is a son exactly. A daughter is alaba. Seme-alabak — children in general, literally 'sons-daughters'
  • pertsona
    person
    The counting unit for people: bi pertsona — two people, not bi gizon. A neutral word instead of 'man and woman'
  • gizona
    man
    A man, and more broadly a person. «Gizaki», a human being, shares the root. Plural «gizonak»
  • emakumea
    woman
    From eme — 'female' plus a native tail. A long, honest word of its own
  • gaztea
    young man
    Gazte — 'young' in general: gaztea is a young man, neska gaztea a young woman. About wine too: ardo gaztea
  • neska
    young woman
    Neska is both 'girl' and a teenage girl, the same word. A boy is mutila
  • zaharra
    old man
    The same word as «old» from the market: an old man is just «old» with the article. More respectful: «adinekoa», «the one with years»
  • ezezaguna
    stranger
    From ezagun — 'familiar' + ez — 'not': 'un-familiar'. Ezezagun batek lagundu dit — a stranger helped me
  • jendetza
    crowd
    From jende — 'people': jendetza is 'peopleness'. At Bilbao's festivals there is no way around it
  • gurasoak
    parents
    Only in the plural: parents here are a 'pair'. A native old word: father and mother fused into one
  • anaia
    brother (of a woman)
    The brother of a sister: Basque counts whose relative it is. A man calls his brother neba
  • ahizpa
    sister (of a woman)
    A woman’s sister: this is the word a woman uses. A man says «arreba» — kinship is measured from the speaker
  • amona
    grandma
    Literally «good mother»: ama plus on. Grandma here is the «kind mother», and that is what she is called
  • aitona
    grandpa
    Literally «good father»: aita plus on. The pair to «amona» — grandpa and grandma, symmetrical to the end
  • osaba
    uncle
    A native word. The aunt is izeba: a symmetric pair, like aitona/amona
  • izeba
    aunt
    A native word. Her visit is an event: izeba etorriko da — 'aunt is coming'
  • biloba
    grandchild
    A native word: grandson and granddaughter at once — no gender. Grandmas win here: amonak are beyond competition
  • senidea
    relative
    A relative, a family member. «Senideak» — the relatives in general: everyone gathers for the holidays
  • lehengusua
    cousin (male)
    A male cousin. A female cousin is «lehengusina»: here gender is marked after all
  • haurrak
    children
    The plural of haurra — the child of the basics. The article -ak turns a child into children
  • mutila
    boy
    A boy, and more broadly a lad. «Mutil-laguna» — a boyfriend, literally «boy-friend»
  • neska
    girl
    The same word as 'young woman': Basque splits age flexibly. The girl and the young woman are one neska
  • alaba
    daughter
    The daughter: partner of semea — 'son'. Together — seme-alabak — 'children in general', literally 'sons-daughters'
  • Zenbat urte dituzu?
    how old are you?
    Literally 'how many years do you have?': age here is 'had', like hunger and pain. The answer: Hogei urte ditut
  • heldua
    adult
    The same word as 'ripe': a grown-up here is 'ripened'. Fruit and person alike 'reach' — heldu
  • nerabea
    teenager
    A native word: 'almost grown'. Age here goes from nerabea to heldua — like a fruit from green to ripe
  • haurtxoa
    infant
    The diminutive of haurra — 'child'. The infant sleeps — lo egiten du
  • adina
    age
    A native word. Nearby is adinduna — 'of age', the polite word about elders
  • Hogeita hamar urte ditut
    I'm thirty
    Literally 'thirty years I have': 'twenty and ten' — Basque counts by twenties. The numbers here work on age
  • teilatua
    roof
    A native word. Basque roofs are red and steep: the rain is a frequent guest here
  • horma
    wall
    A native word, short: the wall of the house and of the fortress — one horma
  • logela
    bedroom
    Literally 'the sleep room': lo — 'sleep' + gela. The bedroom here is 'the sleeping room' — honest about the main thing
  • patioa
    courtyard
    A loan from Spanish patio, openly admitted. In the heat people sit in its shade
  • sabaia
    ceiling
    A native word. The trouble sounds like this: sabaitik ura tantaka dator — 'water is dripping from the ceiling', call the technician
  • langa
    gate
    A gate, a wicket, a barrier — anything that blocks the way. Village gates are still «langa»
  • hesia
    fence
    A native word: fence and hedge. Behind the fence — the mountains: hesiaren bestaldean — 'on the other side'
  • garajea
    garage
    A loan from French through the neighbors, like ours. In the garage here: the car, the bike and everything else
  • postontzia
    mailbox
    Literally 'post-vessel': the same ontzi as the tableware. The box here is 'the letters' vessel'
  • sotoa
    basement
    A basement or cellar: cool and dark, as it should be. «Sotoan» — in the basement
  • ontziak garbitu
    wash the dishes
    Literally 'to clean the vessels': garbitu — wash and clean at once. After every lunch — the obligatory program
  • eskobatu
    sweep
    From eskoba — 'the broom' + -tu: to sweep is 'to broom'. The floor and the stairs — one verb; brushing is another one, eskuilatu
  • arropa garbitu
    do the washing
    Literally 'to clean the clothes': washing here is cleaning; the washing machine is garbigailua
  • plantxatu
    iron (clothes)
    A loan from Spanish planchar, openly admitted; in Basque it is spelt with tx. The iron is plantxa — also a borrowing
  • afaria prestatu
    make dinner
    Literally 'to prepare the dinner': prestatu — to prepare anything. Here they prepare lunch and exams alike
  • zakarra atera
    take out the trash
    Literally «take the rubbish out»: zakar, rubbish, as in «zakarrontzia» — the bin. It goes out in the evening: the bins stand by the street
  • xurgagailua
    vacuum cleaner
    Literally 'the sucker': xurgatu — 'to suck in' + -gailu, like igogailua — 'the lift'. Honestly named by its work
  • eskuila
    brush
    A brush in general: for clothes, shoes and hair. A hairbrush is «ile-eskuila», a comb is «orrazia»
  • pertza
    bucket
    A bucket, a big container for water. It carries water and helps wash the floor
  • plantxa
    iron (device)
    A loan from Spanish plancha, like the verb plantxatu. The iron here is a 'hot flat thing'
  • lagundu
    help
    A native word. Lagun — 'friend' inside: help here is 'being a friend in deeds'
  • Itxi atea!
    shut the door!
    Literally 'close the door': itxi — 'to close', source of itxita — 'closed'. The imperative is the bare root
  • Ireki leihoa!
    open the window!
    Literally «open the window»: ireki, to open, the pair to «itxi» — to close. The window is «leihoa»
  • eskatu
    ask for
    The same word as 'to order': you ask, order and request permission with it. To whom takes -i: osabari eskatu
  • Sartu al daiteke?
    may I come in?
    Literally 'is entering possible?': daiteke — the impersonal 'one may'. They knock and ask — politeness hasn't been abolished
  • Emadazu, mesedez.
    give me
    From eman — 'to give': the dazu tail hides both 'to me' and 'you'. To several people — Emadazue: the same with the plural 'you'
  • Isilik, mesedez.
    quiet, please
    Literally 'in silence, please': isilik — a state form, like nekatuta. 'Quiet down' here is 'be silent'
  • Orain nator.
    I'm coming
    Literally 'now I come': the present here means 'already on the way'. A short, honest promise
  • baimendu
    allow
    From baimen — 'permission': bizileku-baimena shares the root. To allow here is 'to give permission'
  • debekatu
    forbid
    To forbid. Signs speak for themselves: «Debekatuta» — «forbidden», «Erretzea debekatuta» — no smoking
  • kopeta
    forehead
    A native word, part of the face's map: aurpegia — 'face', kopeta — 'forehead'. A broad one is kopeta zabala
  • masaila
    cheek
    A native word: the cheek here is masaila. In children it reddens from frost and from shame — one word for both
  • kokotsa
    chin
    A native word: the face ends with it at the bottom. The beard grows exactly there
  • bekaina
    eyebrow
    A native word: it lives under the eye. Surprise is shown by raising both
  • betilea
    eyelash
    Literally «eye hair»: begi, eye, plus ile, hair. Eyelashes are little hairs guarding the eye
  • zimurra
    wrinkle
    A native word: related to zimurtu — 'to wrinkle up'. Wrinkles here are read like lines
  • orina
    mole
    A small dark spot on the skin. Plural «orinak»: show them to a doctor if they change colour
  • ile kizkurra
    curly
    Literally «hair curly»: ilea, hair, kizkur, curly. Straight hair is «ile lisoa»
  • burusoila
    bald
    Literally 'head bare': burua — 'head' + soil — 'empty, bare'. An honest word; grandpas don't take offense
  • ile zurikoa
    grey-haired
    Literally 'with white hair': ilea — 'hair' + zuri — 'white' + -ko. Grey hair here is just 'white hair' — no poetry
  • sorbalda
    shoulder
    A native word: the bag and the child are carried on it. Pain in it is sorbaldan mina
  • ukondoa
    elbow
    A native word: the elbow is what knocks on the table. From it, ukondoz — 'elbow-first, crookedly'
  • belauna
    knee
    A native word: belaun — and the same word means 'generation': generations were counted by knees. Plural: belaunak
  • azkazala
    fingernail
    A fingernail or toenail. They are cut with the verb «moztu» — to cut
  • azala
    skin
    A native word: the skin — the same word as the fruit's peel and the drum's head. The sun burns it with the verb erre — 'to burn'
  • altuera
    height (of a person)
    Height, stature: from «altu», tall. In conversation you just say «altua» — tall, «baxua» — short
  • argala
    slim
    A native word: slim, slender; the same word from which argaldu — 'to lose weight'. The compliment is simple: argala zara
  • neurri ertainekoa
    of average build
    Literally 'of average size': neurri — 'size', ertain — 'middle'. This is how you answer the question about someone's looks — without numbers
  • argaldu
    lose weight
    From argal — 'slim' + -tu: to lose weight is 'to become slim'. In summer it's done by running — korrika
  • pisua hartu
    gain weight
    Literally 'to take the weight': pisua — 'weight', the same word as 'the scales' + hartu — 'to take'. Weight here isn't 'gained', it's 'taken'
  • eskuzabala
    generous
    Literally 'wide-handed': esku — 'hand' + zabal — 'wide'. Generosity here is 'the open palm' — a picture instead of a definition
  • paziente
    patient
    A loan from Latin, like our 'patient', openly admitted. Patient with children, with queues and with language learners
  • lankorra
    hardworking
    Literally 'work-inclined': lan — 'work' + -kor, 'inclined'. Diligence here is not a virtue but a habit of the hand
  • fidagarria
    reliable
    From fidatu — 'to trust' + -garri, 'giving': reliable here is 'trust-giving'. Said of people and of cars alike
  • apala
    modest
    The same word as 'shelf' — context splits them: apal — 'low', hence both the shelf and modesty. Modest here is 'not pushing itself up'
  • soziala
    sociable
    A loan from Latin, like our 'social', openly admitted. Sociable here: comes alive in company
  • arduratsua
    caring
    From ardura — 'care, responsibility' + -tsu, 'full'. Caring here is 'carrying the care': for the younger ones, the plant, the task
  • serioa
    serious
    A loan from Latin through the Spanish serio, openly admitted. Serious at work and in promises
  • ondo hezia
    well-mannered
    Literally 'well raised': hezi — 'to raise'. Manners here are the result of care, as with a tree
  • umore zentzua
    sense of humor
    Literally 'the humor's sense': umore — 'mood and humor' at once (a loan, admitted), zentzu — 'sense'. Good humor is umore ona
  • zikoitza
    stingy
    A native word: stingy, miserly; greed is zikoiztasun. One word for both senses: about money and about toys
  • burugogorra
    stubborn
    Literally 'hard-headed': burua — 'head' + gogor — 'hard'. Stubbornness here is a property of the head, not the character
  • latza
    coarse
    A native word: rough, scratchy — the same as fabric and the sea. Coarseness here is the sandpaper quality of words
  • lotsagabea
    shameless
    Literally 'without shame': lotsa — 'shame' + gabe — 'without'. Boldness here is defined honestly: the absence of shame
  • maltzurra
    crafty
    Crafty, good at tricks: a maltzur gets his way and won't be fooled. Wit and cunning sit side by side — the deed tells them apart
  • berritsua
    chatty
    From berri — 'news' + -tsu, 'full': chatty here is 'overflowing with news'. Silence is harder for him than talking
  • adigabea
    absent-minded
    Literally 'without attention': adi — 'attention' + gabe — 'without'. Absent-mindedness here is not a vice but the absence of adi at that moment
  • haserrekorra
    hot-tempered
    From haserre — 'in anger' + -kor, 'inclined': hot-tempered here is 'quickly igniting'. The fire is fast — and goes out fast
  • indiferentea
    indifferent
    Borrowed from Latin. Indifference is also put as «ez zait axola» — «I don’t care»
  • inbidia izan
    to envy
    A loan from the Latin invidia, like our 'envy', openly admitted. Envy here is inbidia; to envy is inbidia izan, and the envied one takes -i: auzokoei — the neighbours
  • ohitura
    habit
    Literally 'custom-kin': ohi — 'custom' + -tura. A habit here is a little custom of one person
  • ekintza
    deed
    From ekin — 'to act' + -tza, the action noun: a deed here is 'an acting'. People are judged by them, not by words
  • jokatu
    behave
    A native word: to play, to act and to behave at once, like 'jugar'. Nola jokatzen du? — how does he behave?
  • errespetatu
    respect
    A loan from Latin, like ours, openly admitted. Respect here: for elders, for other people's time, for silence
  • goretsi
    praise
    To praise, to extol. Praise here is a «raising»: the person is set above the rest
  • errieta egin
    scold
    Literally 'to do a telling-off': errieta — 'a reprimand'. Scolding here is its own speech act, with its own word
  • barkatu
    forgive
    The same word as 'sorry' — context splits them: barkatu is both asked and given. Forgiveness here is the same gesture, in the other direction
  • gezurra esan
    lie
    Literally 'to speak the lie': gezurra — 'a lie', a native word. The truth is egia — and the choice between them stays open
  • esamesa
    gossip
    Gossip, talk behind someone’s back. Usually plural: «esamesak»
  • itxura egin
    pretend
    Literally 'to do the look': itxura — 'look, appearance' + egin — 'to do'. Pretending here is literal: you assemble an appearance and show it
  • harremana
    relationship
    A connection, a relationship; related to «hartu-eman» — «take-give», that is, dealings. A relationship is something two people keep up together
  • adiskidetasuna
    friendship
    From adiskide — 'friend' + -tasun: friendship here is 'friend-ness' in the name. The word is long, the feeling is simple
  • adiskidea
    friend (close)
    The same «adiskide» as in friendship: neutral, for a male or female friend. A synonym is «laguna», which also means companion
  • ezaguna
    acquaintance
    Related to «ezagutu» — to know, to meet: «ezagun» is known, familiar. Neither a friend nor a stranger — in between
  • maitemindu
    fall in love
    Literally «fall ill with love»: maite, beloved, plus min, pain, plus -du. Hence «maitemindua» — in love
  • hitzordua
    a romantic date
    Literally 'word-hour': hitz — 'word' + ordu — 'hour'. A date here is 'an hour for talking' — for lovers and for the doctor alike
  • jeloskor egon
    be jealous
    «Jeloskor» means jealous; «jeloskor egon» is to be jealous right now, a state. «Bekaitz», by contrast, is envy — a different feeling
  • banandu
    break up
    To split, to separate; related to «banatu» — to divide, hand out. A break-up isn’t always a fight — just moving apart
  • bakardadea
    loneliness
    From «bakar», alone, single, plus -dade, «-ness». Loneliness here isn’t a number of people but the quality of an hour
  • falta egin
    miss (a person)
    A loan from the Spanish falta — 'lack', openly admitted. Missing here is literal: a person 'is made a lack'
  • gizartea
    society
    Made of «giza-» — human and «arte» — between: society is «what lies between people». No grand words
  • biztanleria
    population
    From biztanle — 'an inhabitant' (from bizi — 'to live') + -eria, an assembly. In the good sense: everyone who breathes here
  • biztanlea
    inhabitant
    From bizi — 'to live': literally 'the living one'. One root for the whole demography: you live — you're counted
  • herritarra
    citizen
    Literally 'the country's person': herria — 'country, people' + -tar — 'hence'. Not a document but a belonging: you are of this land
  • hiriburua
    capital (city)
    Literally 'the city's head': hiria — 'city' + burua — 'head'. Not size but the place where thinking is done for all
  • bertakoa
    local
    From bertako — 'of here': the one who knows where the best bread is. Partner of arrotza — 'the stranger'
  • herria
    the people
    The same herri as country and village: the people as a whole. One word holds the whole picture: a country is its people, not its borders
  • gehienak
    the majority
    From gehi — 'more' + -ienak, 'the most': 'the more-ones' — those of whom there are more. A number turned into people
  • gutxiengoa
    the minority
    From gutxi — 'few' + -engo: 'the few-ones'. The exact shadow of gehienak: every word has its second half
  • boterea
    power (authority)
    An old borrowing, related to Latin «potere» — to be able. Power is what some can do for everyone
  • konpromisoa
    engagement
    The same word as 'compromise' — context splits them: konpromiso is a promise, and the engagement is the promise given to each other
  • konpromiso-eraztuna
    engagement ring
    Literally 'the engagement's ring': eraztuna — 'ring'. Named by the event at which it's put on
  • ezkontza-soinekoa
    wedding dress
    Literally 'the wedding's dress': soinekoa — 'dress'. Named by the day on which it's worn once
  • ezkontza zibila
    civil marriage
    Literally 'marriage civil': zibila — a loan from Latin, openly admitted. It happens at the town hall, before the church
  • ezkonberriak
    newlyweds
    Literally 'wedding-new': ezkon — 'wedding' + berri — 'new'. The wedding still fresh on them
  • eztei-bidaia
    honeymoon
    Literally «wedding trip»: eztei, wedding feast, plus bidaia, trip. The honeymoon is the first trip as a couple
  • etxe berriko festa
    housewarming
    Literally 'the new house's party': etxe berria — 'new house' + festa. The party the movers throw for friends
  • promozio-festa
    graduation party
    The borrowed root promozio — 'graduation' (from Latin, admitted) + the native festa. The school's graduation party
  • dolua
    mourning
    Mourning, grief; related to Spanish «duelo». Mourning is pain worn on the outside, like clothing
  • dolu-hitza
    condolences
    Literally 'the grief's word': dolu — 'grief' + hitz — 'word'. The words said to the grieving: sentitzen dut — 'I'm sorry'
  • langilea
    a factory worker
    The same word as 'an employee' — the meaning tells them apart: a factory worker is in production, hands and machine. From lan — work
  • kuadrilla
    a crew
    A borrowing from Spanish — cuadrilla, honestly marked. A crew is people of one job: Basques call a company of friends the same way
  • teknikaria
    a technician
    A borrowing from Greek — tekhne, craft, honestly marked. A technician walks behind the machines, the engineer's hands
  • argibideak
    instructions
    Literally 'clarifications': argi is light + -bide is path. Instructions are lighting up a dark job — nobody goes to the machine without them
  • lan-jantzia
    work clothes
    Literally 'the work's clothing': jantzi is clothing. Work clothes are what dirt and sparks do not frighten
  • lan-segurtasuna
    job safety
    The same phrase as 'safety rules' — the meaning tells them apart: job safety is the rule that protects the human, not the machine
  • ordutegiaren arabera
    by the schedule
    Literally 'according to the timetable': ordutegia is the timetable + arabera is 'according to'. By the schedule — time decides, the human lives under it
  • txandakako lana
    a rotation shift
    Literally 'shift work': txanda is a shift + -kako. A rotation shift — weeks away, then as many at home
  • geldialdia
    downtime
    From gelditu — to stop + -aldi, a period: downtime is 'standing' — the machine is broken, everybody waits
  • beti eskura
    always on call
    Literally 'always at hand': esku is hand + -ra, whereto. Always on call — wherever needed, there he is, not a minute free
  • ontasuna
    kindness
    From on — good + -tasun: kindness is the heart's 'goodness', shown in deeds
  • autokontrola
    self-control
    A borrowed word — Greek autos 'self' + Latin control, honestly marked. Self-control — the steering wheel in one's own hands: anger rises but stays inside
  • pazientzia
    patience
    A borrowing from Latin — patientia, suffering, honestly marked. Patience — being able to wait: boiling inside, waiting outside
  • egoismoa
    selfishness
    A borrowing from Latin — ego, I, honestly marked. Selfishness — all 'I': the world through other people's eyes is not visible
  • alferkeria
    laziness
    From alfer — 'lazy' + -keria, the suffix of vices. Laziness lies on the couch: bihar egingo dut, bihar — tomorrow, tomorrow
  • burugogortasuna
    stubbornness
    Literally 'head-hardness': buru is head + gogor is hard. Stubbornness is a stone: you cannot move it
  • jakin-mina
    curiosity
    Literally «knowing-ache»: jakin, to know, plus min, pain, and in compounds a craving. Curiosity eats at you: what comes next?
  • zintzotasuna
    integrity
    From zintzo — honest, straight + -tasun: integrity is clean hands and a kept word
  • asmatzeko gaitasuna
    resourcefulness
    Literally 'the ability to invent': asmatu is to invent + gaitasun is ability. Resourcefulness — the chain broke, it looks for a rope
  • axolagabekeria
    carelessness
    From axola — concern + gabe, without + -keria: carelessness is 'concernlessness' — bihar izango da, he says always — tomorrow, he says
  • irmoa
    decisive
    Its own word: irmo — firm, unwavering: decisive is forward without doubts
  • lotsatia
    shy
    From lotsa — shame + -ti, inclined: shy here is 'shame-inclined': the eyes drop, but the heart is big
  • minbera
    touchy
    From min — pain + -bera, sensitive: touchy is 'pain-sensitive': one bad word and he is hurt
  • malgua
    accommodating
    The same word as 'flexible' — the meaning tells them apart: accommodating is about a person: he bends but does not break, at peace with everybody
  • zehatza
    meticulous
    Exact, detailed: meticulous about a person who measures four times before cutting. The adverb is «zehazki»
  • harroa
    prideful
    Its own word: harro is proud and prideful at once. Prideful — even a small slight hurts: 'harroegia da' — too proud
  • eskuzabala
    openhanded
    The same word as 'generous' — the meaning tells them apart: openhanded always hears the call: the hand opens without asking
  • itxia
    reserved
    The same word as 'closed' — the meaning tells them apart: reserved is about a person: he says little, lives from the inside
  • zuzena
    blunt
    The same word as 'straight' — the meaning tells them apart: blunt is about a person: he says what he thinks, even when it is not pretty
  • aurreikusezina
    unpredictable
    From aurreikusi — to foresee + -ezin, cannot: unpredictable — what he will do tomorrow, you cannot say in advance
  • men egin
    to obey
    Its own phrase: men egin is to obey, to submit: 'gurasoei men egin' — obey your parents. It goes with -ri
  • puztu
    to brag
    The same word as 'to exaggerate' — the meaning tells them apart: to brag is to puff oneself up: wind inside, like in a balloon
  • zurrumurruak zabaldu
    to gossip
    Literally 'to spread the rumors': zurrumurru is a rumor + zabaldu is to spread. To gossip — opening a shop of other people's lives
  • itxurak egin
    to pretend
    Literally 'to make looks': itxura — look, appearance, egin — to do. Pretending is feeling one thing and showing another. «Antzeztu» is something else: acting a part on stage
  • bere burua kontrolatu
    to restrain oneself
    Literally 'to control one's own head': buru — head, and «bere burua» — oneself. Holding yourself on a leash. Holding back laughter is «barreari eutsi»
  • txantxetan egin
    to play a joke
    Literally 'to do in jest': txantxa is a joke. To play a joke — on a friend, without malice: 'ez gaizki' — not out of spite
  • gezurra esan
    to tell a fib
    The same phrase as 'to lie' — the meaning tells them apart: a fib is once, not a system: a small untruth that can be fixed
  • isilean entzun
    to eavesdrop
    Literally 'to hear in silence': isil is quiet + -ean. To eavesdrop — behind the door, not breathing
  • inposatu
    to impose oneself
    A borrowing from Latin — imponere, to place upon, honestly marked. To impose oneself — laying yourself on other people's shoulders: nobody called, and he came
  • hitzari eutsi
    to keep one's word
    Literally 'to hold on to the word': eutsi is to hold (a relative of barreari eutsi — keeping a straight face). Keeping one's word is fulfilling what was given
  • merezi izan
    to earn
    Literally 'to have deservingness': merezi is to deserve (a relative of ikustea merezi du — worth watching). To earn — trust and fame are taken by work
  • leporatu
    to reproach
    A relative of lepo — the neck: to reproach is to load the guilt onto the neck. Often in the news: errua leporatu — to pin the blame
  • goraipatu
    to praise
    From «gora», up, plus «aipatu», to mention: to praise is to «mention high», to lift someone in others’ eyes
  • gaitzetsi
    to condemn
    The same word as 'to disapprove' — the meaning tells them apart: to condemn is to pass sentence at once: gaitzetsi dute — they condemned
  • huts egin
    to let down
    Literally 'to make emptiness': huts is emptiness + egin. To let down — to leave the one who waited with nothing
  • nahita
    deliberately
    The same word as 'deliberately' — the meaning tells them apart: on purpose is seeking harm, not by chance: ez dut nahita — not on purpose
  • tontokeriagatik
    out of foolishness
    Literally 'because of foolishness': tonto is silly, a borrowing from Spanish, honestly marked + -keria + -gatik, because of. Out of foolishness — without thinking
  • asmo onekin
    with the best intentions
    Literally 'with a good intent': asmo is intent (a relative of asmatu — to invent) + on is good + -kin. With the best intentions — the outcome is bad, but the heart was kind
  • itsusia da
    it is ugly
    Literally 'ugly it is': itsusi is ugly — said of a face and of a deed alike. It is ugly — nobody asked for the judgment
  • asmo txarrik gabe
    not out of malice
    Literally 'without bad intention': asmo is intention + txar is bad + -rik gabe, without. Not out of malice — a mistake happened, there was no ill will
  • konfiantza
    trust
    A borrowing from Spanish — confianza, honestly marked. Trust — handing the keys into someone else's hands
  • inbidia
    envy
    A borrowing from Latin — invidia, honestly marked. Envy — what belongs to another enters the eye: without reason and without use
  • errukia
    pity
    The same word as 'sympathy' — the meaning tells them apart: pity looks from above, not from beside: laguntza da, baina goitik begiratuta — it is help, but looked at from high
  • eragina
    influence
    From eragin — to influence: influence works like water on stone: quietly and little by little
  • autoritatea
    authority
    A borrowing from Latin — auctoritas, honestly marked. Authority is not power but respect: one phrase — and the room falls silent
  • berdintasuna
    equality
    From berdin — the same + -tasun: equality is 'sameness' — one law for all
  • elkarrekikoa
    mutual
    From elkar — each other + -rekiko: mutual goes in two directions: you for me, I for you
  • modu berean
    as equals
    The same phrase as 'on equal terms' — the meaning tells them apart: as equals is about relations: talking and deciding without a boss
  • adiskidetu
    to hit it off
    The same word as 'to make up' — the meaning tells them apart: to hit it off is to start well for the first time: no quarrel, simply together
  • bazterrean egon
    to keep to the sidelines
    Literally «be at the edge»: bazter, side, edge. Keeping to the sidelines is watching from afar, not joining the circle
  • amaginarreba
    husband's mother
    A native word: ama + -ginarreba, 'in-law': the husband's mother. The general word covers the wife's mother too
  • emaztearen ama
    wife's mother
    Literally 'the wife's mother': emaztea + ama. Used when the difference matters; the general word is amaginarreba
  • aitaginarreba
    husband's father
    A native word: aita + -ginarreba: the husband's father. Partner of amaginarreba; the general word covers the wife's father too
  • suhi
    son-in-law
    A native word: the daughter's husband. The son's wife has a word of her own — errain
  • errain
    daughter-in-law
    A native word: errain — the son's wife. The daughter's husband, the son-in-law, is a different word, suhi
  • iloba
    nephew
    A native word: the sibling's son. One word for the niece too. Careful: biloba is the grandchild
  • iloba
    niece
    The same word as «nephew» — Basque doesn’t tell them apart: «iloba» is a brother’s or sister’s child. One word for both
  • biloba
    granddaughter
    The same word as 'grandchild' — context splits them: the granddaughter here is the son's or daughter's daughter. Careful: iloba is the nephew
  • bikiak
    twins
    Twins; related to «bi» — two. Same face, different character — that is why people mix them up
  • senideak
    the kin
    The plural of senidea — 'relative'. Senideak is all the kin: uncles, aunts and cousins at once
  • anaia nagusia
    older brother
    Literally «brother elder»: anaia, brother, plus nagusia, elder. Mind: «anaia» is a man’s brother, «neba» a woman’s
  • ahizpa txikia
    little sister
    Literally 'sister the little': ahizpa — 'sister' + txikia. The split holds: ahizpa is the man's sister; a woman says arreba
  • ume bakarra
    only child
    Literally 'child the only': bakarra — 'single'. Grows up without siblings, but with piles of friends
  • lehengusina
    cousin (female)
    From lehengusua — 'cousin': lehengusina is the female form. The uncle's or aunt's daughter
  • amaordea
    stepmother
    A native word: ama + -orde, 'instead' (ordeztu — 'to replace'): the father's second wife. Wicked in the tales, not in life
  • aitaordea
    stepfather
    A native word: aita + -orde, 'instead': the mother's second husband. Partner of amaordea
  • umezurtza
    orphan
    A native word: ume + zurtz — 'orphaned': the one without parents. The fairy-tale orphan always ends happy
  • alarguna
    widow
    A native word: the one who lost her husband. Widows often sit together on the square, talking
  • ezkontidea
    spouse
    A native word: ezkontza — 'wedding' + -ide, 'partner': the officially married one. The word of forms and documents
  • ezkontidea
    wife
    The same word as 'spouse' — Basque doesn't split: ezkontidea is husband and wife alike. The context tells the gender
  • ume txikia
    little one
    Literally 'the child small': ume — 'child' + txikia. The affectionate word for the smallest
  • jaioberria
    newborn
    A native word: jaio — 'to be born' + berri — 'new': just born, counting days
  • kotxetxoa
    baby stroller
    The diminutive of kotxea — 'car': the 'little car' is the stroller. Mom wheels it along the park paths
  • zaintzailea
    nanny
    From zaindu — 'to care for' + the doer tail. She works when the parents are at work
  • panpina
    doll
    A borrowed word. A doll is a girl’s first friend: she tells it stories before bed
  • zabuak
    swings
    A native word: zabu — the classic of the park. Up and down — and laughter across the whole yard
  • heziketa
    upbringing
    A native word: from hezi — 'to raise' + -keta. Done by word and example
  • obedientea
    obedient
    A loan from Spanish obediente, openly admitted. The obedient child does what's said the first time
  • adiskidetu
    be friends
    The same word as 'make peace' and 'get along' — context splits them: friendship here is long, day after day
  • laguntxoa
    buddy
    The diminutive of laguna — 'friend': a buddy is the one you play with in the yard

Download the word set (CSV) · Open the printable sheet

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How it sounds in a sentence

A word list is a blank. Conversation is made of sentences, and these are the ones the words fit into most often.

What is worth knowing about these words

laguna — friend. From lagun — 'friend' and 'helper' alike: laguntza, 'help', comes from it. A casual acquaintance is ezagun.

familia — family. Family, the same word as in Spanish. A surname is «abizena»: you can hear «izen», name, inside it.

ama — mom. A neutral word. The affectionate one is amatxo. Grandma is amona: the same ama at the front.

aita — dad. The affectionate one is aitatxo. Grandpa is aitona: the same aita at the front, symmetric with ama/amona.

Test yourself

First by ear — the way you will meet the word in conversation. Click the speaker and pick the translation.

  1. What is this word?

  2. What is this word?

  3. What is this word?

  4. What is this word?

  5. What is this word?

Now the other way around: recall the spelling from the meaning. That is harder, and therefore more useful.

  1. How do you say “friend” in Basque?

  2. How do you say “man” in Basque?

  3. How do you say “parents” in Basque?

  4. How do you say “grandchild” in Basque?

  5. How do you say “how old are you?” in Basque?

How to learn the set instead of just reading it

Mum, friend, child, neighbour. The first thing people ask you about, and the first thing you tell about yourself.

A list is read in a minute and forgotten in a day. What works: hide the translation, try to recall, get it wrong — and come back to the same words tomorrow.

Frequently asked

How do you say “friend” in Basque?

«laguna». From lagun — 'friend' and 'helper' alike: laguntza, 'help', comes from it. A casual acquaintance is ezagun. It is one of 234 words in the set “people and family” — the rest are in the table above.

How many family words do you need to start?

The whole set on this page is 234 words, but there is no need to start with all of it: the words you will need in the next few days are enough. Take them a few at a time — five to seven new ones per session.

Is there audio?

Yes, 234 words on this page can be played — click the speaker next to the word. The sound works on any phone, and nothing needs to be installed.

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