ചേച്ചി
cēcci/t͡ʃeːt͡ʃt͡ʃi/
In Malayalam, the phrase for big sister is ചേച്ചി (cēcci).
ചേച്ചി is used to refer to one's own older sister or an older female relative. It also serves as a respectful way to address any older woman or a female peer in a social setting.
Which one should you use?
While ചേച്ചി refers to an older sister, the term for a younger sister is അനിയത്തി.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is cēcci.
Did you know?
- The word ചേച്ചി is a linguistic relative of the Sanskrit word jyeṣṭha, which means 'eldest' or 'senior'.
- In Kerala, ചേച്ചി is frequently used in professional workplaces to create a familial atmosphere and reduce the rigidity of formal hierarchies.
- Calling a woman ചേച്ചി when she is actually younger than you is often considered a social faux pas or a subtle joke about her appearing older.
Examples in context
- എന്റെ ചേച്ചി അടുത്തിരിപ്പുണ്ട്.ente chechi aduthirippundu.My big sister is sitting nearby.
- ചേച്ചി എന്ത് ചെയ്യുന്നു?chechi enthu cheyyunnu?What is big sister doing?
Example conversation
Arjun asks his sister for help with homework.
- അർജുൻ Arjunചേച്ചി, എന്നെ ഒന്ന് സഹായിക്കാമോ?Chechi, enne onnu sahayikkamo?Big sister, can you help me?
- അഞ്ജലി Anjaliഎന്താണ് വേണ്ടത്, അർജുൻ?Enthanu vendathu, Arjun?What do you need, Arjun?
- അർജുൻ Arjunഈ കണക്ക് എനിക്ക് മനസ്സിലാകുന്നില്ല.Ee kanakk enikku manassilakunnilla.I don't understand this math.
- അഞ്ജലി Anjaliശരി, ഞാൻ പഠിപ്പിച്ചു തരാം.Sheri, njan padhippichu tharam.Okay, I will teach you.
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.
