What is a family?
A family is a group of people connected by love or blood.
- You can talk about your family using simple English words.
- Let’s learn some of these words.
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Who are your parents?
Your parents are your mother and father.
In English, we often use shorter, informal words:
- Mum (for mother)
- Dad (for father)
For example:
- My mum is happy.
- My dad is tall.
Do you have brothers or sisters?
Your brothers and sisters are your siblings.
- If you have a boy, he is your brother.
- If you have a girl, she is your sister.
For example:
- I have one brother.
- She has two sisters.
Who are your grandparents?
Your grandparents are your mum’s or dad’s parents.
We use these words for grandparents:
- Granny or Grandma (for grandmother)
- Granddad or Grandpa (for grandfather)
For example:
- My granny is old.
- My granddad tells stories.
What about aunts, uncles, and cousins?
These are other important family members.
- Your aunt is your mum’s or dad’s sister.
- Your uncle is your mum’s or dad’s brother.
- Your cousin is the child of your aunt or uncle.
For example:
- My aunt lives in London.
- My uncle likes sports.
- My cousin is my friend.
| English Word | Who is this person? |
|---|---|
| Mum | Your mother (female parent) |
| Dad | Your father (male parent) |
| Sister | A girl who has the same parents as you |
| Brother | A boy who has the same parents as you |
| Granny | Your mother’s or father’s mother |
| Granddad | Your mother’s or father’s father |
| Aunt | Your mum’s or dad’s sister |
| Uncle | Your mum’s or dad’s brother |
| Cousin | The child of your aunt or uncle |
Examples
- This is my family.
- My mum is a teacher.
- My dad likes to read.
- I have one brother and one sister.
- My granny visits every Sunday.
- My granddad has a big garden.
- My aunt and uncle have two children.
- My cousin is very funny.
Practice
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Chat with an Advisor on WhatsAppCommon mistakes for Spanish speakers
- Confusing mum and dad: Remember mum is female, dad is male.
- Using “my family are” instead of “my family is”: In English, family is usually singular when talking about the group. Say: My family is big. (NOT My family are big.)
- Forgetting “a” or “an” with singular nouns: Say: I have a sister. (NOT I have sister.)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mum and mother?
Mum is an informal word for mother. Both mean the same person. You can use mum with your family and friends.
How do I say “my parents” in English?
You say my parents. This word means both your mum and dad together.
Can I use grandma instead of granny?
Yes, both grandma and granny are common informal words for grandmother. Choose the one you like best!





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