ചേച്ചി
cēcci/t͡ʃeːt͡ʃt͡ʃi/
The English phrase "akka" corresponds to the Malayalam term ചേച്ചി (cēcci).
ചേച്ചി is used to address or refer to an older sister.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tʃeːtʃtʃi/.
Did you know?
- Using ചേച്ചി (cēcci) to address a woman who is significantly older, such as a grandmother's age, would be considered a social mistake or an accidental insult.
- The word ചേച്ചി (cēcci) has its roots in the Sanskrit word jyeṣṭha, which means 'eldest' or 'greatest'.
- Calling a stranger ചേച്ചി (cēcci) can instantly lower social barriers, turning a formal interaction into a more comfortable, familial one.
Examples in context
- ചേച്ചി എവിടെ പോകുന്നു?chechi evide pokunnu?Where is sister going?
- എന്റെ ചേച്ചിക്ക് ഒരു ഫോൺ വേണം.ente chechikku oru phone venam.My older sister needs a phone.
- ചേച്ചി എനിക്ക് ഒരു സഹായം തരുമോ?chechi enikku oru sahayam tharumo?Sister, can you help me?
Example conversation
Rahul is asking his sister for a snack.
- രാഹുൽ Rahulചേച്ചി, എനിക്ക് വിശക്കുന്നു.Chechi, enikku vishakkunnu.Sister, I am hungry.
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviഎന്താണ് കഴിക്കണത്, രാഹുൽ?Enthanu kazhikkanath, Rahul?What do you want to eat, Rahul?
- രാഹുൽ Rahulചേച്ചിക്ക് എന്താണുള്ളത്?Chechikku enthanullath?What do you have, sister?
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviഇവിടെ കുറച്ച് പഴങ്ങൾ ഉണ്ട്.Ivide kurachu pazhangal undu.There are some fruits here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ചേച്ചി, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ചേച്ചി, CC BY-SA 4.0.
