ಅಣ್ಣ
aṇṇa
The English phrase 'bro' can be translated into Kannada as ಅಣ್ಣ (aṇṇa).
ಅಣ್ಣ is used to refer to a male comrade, friend or someone who shares your ideals. In informal settings, you may also encounter Dostha, which is used to address friends as 'buddy' or 'bro' in a friendly and informal way.
Meaning: male comrade or friend, one who shares one’s ideals (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ಅಣ್ಣ literally means 'elder brother'.
Which one should you use?
If you are referring to a younger brother or a male friend younger than you, the term ತಮ್ಮ is used instead of ಅಣ್ಣ. Additionally, when calling out to a friend or addressing them directly, the word often takes the form ಅಣ್ಣಾ (adding a long 'ā' sound at the end) as a vocative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While it literally means elder brother, it is commonly used colloquially to address a male friend or comrade, similar to 'bro' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
aṇṇa
Did you know?
- The term ಅಣ್ಣ is part of a vast family of similar words across South India, appearing in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam with almost identical sounds and meanings.
- In political or social activism in Karnataka, ಅಣ್ಣ is often used to describe a mentor or a leader who shares a collective ideological struggle.
- Depending on the region, using ಅಣ್ಣಾ can be a tactical way to soften a request or a negotiation with a male vendor or driver.
Examples in context
- ಅಣ್ಣ, ನನಗೆ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡ್ತೀಯಾ?anna, nanage sahāya māḍtīyā?Bro, can you help me?
- ಅವನು ನನ್ನ ಅಣ್ಣನಿದ್ದಂತೆ.avanu nanna annaniddante.He is like a brother to me.
Example conversation
Anvitha is asking Kiran for a favor.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಅಣ್ಣ, ಒಂದು ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡ್ತೀರಾ?Anna, ondu sahāya māḍtīrā?Bro, will you do me a favor?
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranಖಂಡಿತ, ಹೇಳು ಅನ್ವಿತಾ.Khaṇḍita, hēḷu Anvitā.Sure, tell me Anvitha.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaನನಗೆ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಬೇಕು.Nanage ī pustaka bēku.I need this book.
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranಸರಿ, ನಾನು ತಂದುಕೊಡ್ತೀನಿ.Sari, nānu tandukoḍtīni.Okay, I will bring it for you.
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.
