anh trai
[ʔajŋ̟˧˧ t͡ɕaːj˧˧]
The English phrase "big brother" is translated into Vietnamese as anh trai.
anh trai is used when you are identifying or describing a person's relationship to someone else, such as stating that someone has a big brother.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of anh (older brother or male elder) and trai (male or boy).
Which one should you use?
While anh trai specifically refers to a biological or formal older brother, the shortened form anh is used as a common pronoun to address any male slightly older than the speaker. Additionally, Anh Hai is an informal way to address a big brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
anh trai is a noun phrase and does not change its form based on its grammatical role in a sentence.
Did you know?
- The term Anh Hai literally means 'Brother Two', which is the standard way to address the eldest brother in Southern Vietnam.
- In some Vietnamese traditions, a wife might address her husband as anh to show affection or familiarity.
- Vietnamese speakers use anh to address any male who is slightly older, even if they are complete strangers, to establish a friendly and respectful rapport.
Examples in context
- Anh trai của anh ấy rất cao.His big brother is very tall.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe a person's big brother using anh trai.Tatoeba #13480597 by leucammieuvu, translation #13480463 by epiphany
- Anh trai của tôi đang học đại học.My big brother is studying at university.
- Bạn có anh trai không?Do you have an older brother?
Example conversation
Hung and Mai are talking about their families.
- HùngMai có anh trai không?Does Mai have a big brother?
- MaiVâng, tôi có một người anh trai.Yes, I have an older brother.
- HùngAnh trai bạn bao nhiêu tuổi?How old is your big brother?
- MaiAnh ấy hai mươi tuổi.He is twenty years old.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anh trai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
