Speaking about family in English

by | Last updated Dec 15, 2023 | English Learning

Interested in acquiring English vocabulary related to family and relatives? Explore these terms and phrases to enhance your knowledge.

The topic of family and relatives is consistently relevant, given their proximity and the ongoing events in their lives. There are constant occurrences such as marriages, relocations to new cities, job searches, and even the addition of new family members like children or grandchildren.

In many societies, the nuclear family plays a crucial role, making it essential to have the vocabulary to discuss it when learning a language. If you’ve ever had to talk about your family or relatives in English, you understand the significance of having the appropriate vocabulary to express yourself freely on this subject.

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Names of Family Members 

  •        Mother
  •         Father
  •         Parents
  •         Brother
  •         Sister
  •         Siblings
  •         Cousins
  •         Relatives
  •         Wife
  •         Husband
  •         Son
  •         Daughter
  •         Children
  •         Aunt
  •         Uncle
  •         Nephew
  •         Niece
  •         Grandparents
  •         Grandmother
  •         Grandfather
  •         Spouse
  •         Stepmother / Stepfather
  •         Stepson /stepdaughter
  •         Stepsister/stepbrother
  •         Half-sister
  •         Half-brother
  •         Sister-in-law
  •         Brother-in-law
  •         Father-in-law
  •         Mother-in-law
  •         Grandson
  •         Granddaughter
  •         Grandchildren

Brief Family Talk in English

  •        I live near my sister/cousin, so we meet for coffee every week.
  •         My brother lives far away, but I go to visit him and his family sometimes/every summer.
  •        My brother/sister (name) lives in (place). He/She is an (occupation).
  •         I look like my Dad. We both have blue eyes and fair hair.
  •         I come from a small/big family.
  •         There are (number) people in my family.
  •         I’m very different from my Mum. She is talkative and doesn’t like to wait for anything. But I’m very shy and patient.
  •        We always have lunch/dinner together at the weekend. Sometimes we go away for the weekend.
  •        We don’t see each other very often, but I try to call my parents once a week/day.
  •        My sister likes staying at home and cooking, but I prefer gardening and outdoor activities.
  •        My brother enjoys playing sports, but I prefer reading and watching movies.

There’s virtually no end to the sentences you can create. You can discuss their personalities, looks, or the activities they enjoy.

Potential topics for discussion include:    

  1.       The names of each family member and how they are related to you
  2.       Appearance and personality 
  3.       Brief facts about your family 
  4.       What kind of relationship you have with each family member 

That’s all. If you have questions, feel free to write them in the Comments.

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Nilay Ozdemir

Nilay Ozdemir

I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.

Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.

I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.

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