باجی
bājī/bɑː.d͡ʒiː/
The Urdu word for big sister is باجی (bājī).
باجی is used as a respectful title for one's actual older sister, but it also serves as a polite way to address any older female relative or even a slightly older female stranger. While the English 'big sister' is often used as a descriptive noun, باجی is frequently used as a direct vocative to address someone by their title.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings among siblings and close family, باجی is a common way to address an older sister. In formal settings, Aapa is used to address older sisters respectfully. However, using باجی to address an older woman in a public setting is still considered a polite and respectful way to show deference.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is bājī (/bɑː.dʒiː/). It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word باجی has a surprising journey through three different languages, originating in Ottoman Turkish before entering Persian and finally finding a home in Urdu.
- Addressing a woman as باجی is often preferred over using 'Miss' or 'Madam' in casual markets to create a familial and trusting atmosphere.
- In some contexts, calling someone باجی can be used to gently remind a woman of her role as a protector or guide to younger people.
Examples in context
- میری باجی بہت مہربان ہیں۔Meri baji bohat mehrban hain.My big sister is very kind.
- باجی، کیا آپ میرے ساتھ چلیں گی؟Baji, kya aap mere saath chalein gi?Big sister, will you come with me?
Example conversation
Hamza is asking his sister Sara for some help in the kitchen.
- حمزہ Hamzaباجی، کیا آپ مجھے پانی دے سکتی ہیں؟Baji, kya aap mujhe paani de sakti hain?Big sister, can you give me some water?
- سارہ Saraہاں حمزہ، یہ لو۔Haan Hamza, yeh lo.Yes Hamza, here you go.
- حمزہ Hamzaشکریہ باجی۔Shukriya baji.Thank you, big sister.
- سارہ Saraکوئی بات نہیں۔Koi baat nahi.You're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry باجی, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries باجی, CC BY-SA 4.0.
