ಅಣ್ಣ
aṇṇa
The English phrase 'big brother' is translated into Kannada as ಅಣ್ಣ (aṇṇa).
ಅಣ್ಣ refers to a brother who is older than the speaker. Beyond biological relationships, it is also used as a polite way to address any male who is slightly older than you.
Which one should you use?
While ಅಣ್ಣ is the standard term, ಅಣ್ಣಾ is a specific vocative form used when calling out to or addressing an older brother directly. For even higher levels of respect, you can use ಅಣ್ಣನವರು.
How does it change in a sentence?
Additionally, adding the vowel 'ā' at the end creates the vocative form ಅಣ್ಣಾ, which is used when speaking directly to him.
How do you pronounce it?
aṇṇa
Did you know?
- The word ಅಣ್ಣ is a linguistic relative to the words for 'elder brother' in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Tulu, as they all descend from a single Proto-Dravidian root.
- In Kannada culture, calling an older male ಅಣ್ಣಾ can instantly change the tone of a negotiation or request from a formal transaction to a familial appeal.
- In Kannada, kinship terms are strictly age-dependent, meaning there is no single word for 'brother' that covers both older and younger siblings.
Examples in context
- ನನ್ನ ಅಣ್ಣ ತುಂಬಾ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯವನು.nanna anna tumba olleyavanu.My big brother is very kind.
- ಅವನು ನನ್ನ ಅಣ್ಣ.avanu nanna anna.He is my big brother.
Example conversation
Sowmya asks Abhishek about his brother at home.
- ಸೌಮ್ಯ Soumyaಅಭಿಷೇಕ್, ನಿನ್ನ ಅಣ್ಣ ಎಲ್ಲಿ?Abhishek, ninna anna elli?Abhishek, where is your big brother?
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekಅವನು ಹೊರಗಿದ್ದಾನೆ, ಸೌಮ್ಯ.Avanu horagiddane, Sowmya.He is outside, Sowmya.
- ಸೌಮ್ಯ Soumyaಅವನು ಯಾವಾಗ ಬರುತ್ತಾನೆ?Avanu yavaga baruttane?When will he come?
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekಅವನು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಹೊತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲೇ ಬರುತ್ತಾನೆ.Avanu swalpa hottinalli baruttane.He will be back in a little while.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ಅಣ್ಣ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ಅಣ್ಣ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
