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.