అన్నయ్య
annayya
The English phrase "big brother" is translated into Telugu as అన్నయ్య (annayya).
అన్నయ్య is used to refer to a male sibling who is older than the speaker. Beyond biological brothers, it is also used as a respectful way to address any male who is slightly older than you.
Which one should you use?
While అన్నయ్య is the standard form, the term Anna is also a popular way to refer to an older brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
To show high respect, you can append the honorific suffix garu to the end of the word to form అన్నయ్య గారు.
How do you pronounce it?
annayya
Did you know?
- Despite the meaning of 'big brother', a person may call someone అన్నయ్య even if that person is actually younger, provided they hold a higher social or professional rank.
- The term అన్నయ్య is often used as a term of endearment by parents when speaking to their own sons, regardless of whether the son has an older brother.
- In many South Indian cities, it is common to see అన్నయ్య used as a friendly title for auto-rickshaw drivers or street vendors to show respect and friendliness.
Examples in context
- మా అన్నయ్య చాలా మంచివాడు.mā annayya cālā mañcivāḍu.My big brother is a very good person.
- అన్నయ్య, నాకు సహాయం చేయగలవా?annayya, nāku sahāyaṃ cēyagalavā?Big brother, can you help me?
- అతను నా అన్నయ్య.atanu nā annayya.He is my big brother.
Example conversation
Pallavi is asking Kiran for help with her homework.
- పల్లవి Pallaviఅన్నయ్య, ఈ లెక్క ఎలా చేయాలి?annayya, ī lekka elā cēyāli?Big brother, how do I do this math problem?
- కిరణ్ Kiranపల్లవి, ఇది చాలా సులభం.pallavi, idi cālā sulabhaṃ.Pallavi, this is very easy.
- పల్లవి Pallaviనాకు కొంచెం కష్టంగా ఉంది.nāku koñcem kaṣṭaṅgā undi.It is a little difficult for me.
- కిరణ్ Kiranపర్వాలేదు, నేను నీకు నేర్పిస్తాను.parvalēdu, nēnu nīku nērpistānu.It's okay, I will teach you.
