மச்சி
macci
The English phrase 'bro' can be translated into Tamil using மச்சி (macci). Wiktionary also lists மச்சான் (maccāṉ) and பங்கு (paṅku).
Meaning: male comrade or friend, one who shares one’s ideals (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| மச்சி | macci | |
| மச்சான் | maccāṉ | /mɐtʃtʃɑːn/ |
| பங்கு | paṅku | /pɐŋɡɯ/ |
These terms are used to refer to a male comrade, a friend or someone who shares one's ideals. In colloquial speech, especially among close male friends, மச்சி is a popular way to say 'bro' or 'buddy'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term மச்சான் literally means 'brother-in-law'.
Which one should you use?
While மச்சான் is the literal term for 'brother-in-law', the shortened form மச்சி is used colloquially to mean 'bro' or 'buddy'. The form பங்கு is also a related term for this concept.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term மச்சான் is considered informal. Similarly, மச்சி is a popular and informal way for friends to address one another.
How do you pronounce it?
macci
When do people say it?
In informal settings among friends or peers, people often use the term Anna to address each other as 'bro'.
Did you know?
- The word பங்கு is a shortened version of பங்காளி, which historically referred to someone who shares a common ancestral property.
- Using மச்சி often implies a level of intimacy where the speakers treat each other as equals, bypassing traditional Tamil social hierarchies.
- Because மச்சான் means 'brother-in-law', using it with a stranger can be seen as a way to instantly bridge the gap from being a stranger to being part of the family.
Examples in context
- மச்சி, எப்படி இருக்க?machchi, eppadi irukka?Bro, how are you?
- மச்சி, கொஞ்சம் உதவி செய்.machchi, konjam udhavi sei.Bro, please help me a little.
- மச்சி, இந்தா பிடி.machchi, indha pidi.Bro, here, take this.
Example conversation
Anita is talking to her friend Santhosh at a cafe.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshமச்சி, எனக்கு ஒரு காபி கிடைக்குமா?Macchi, enakku oru coffee kidaikkuma?Bro, can I get a coffee?
- அனிதா Anitaநிச்சயமாக, நான் வாங்கித் தருகிறேன்.Nichayamaga, naan vaangi tharugiren.Sure, I will buy it for you.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshநீ ரொம்ப சமத்து மச்சி!Nee romba samathu macchi!You are very kind, bro!
- அனிதா Anitaநன்றி சந்தோஷ்.Nandri Santhosh.Thank you, Santhosh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bro” translations and entries மச்சான், பங்கு, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries பங்கு, மச்சான், CC BY-SA 4.0.
