भाई
bhaieveryday, neutral
The Hindi word for brother is भाई (bhai). Older brothers are called भैया (bhaiya), and some young speakers also say the English word ब्रदर (brother) in casual talk.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| भाई | bhai | everyday, neutral |
| भैया | bhaiya | respectful, older brother |
| ब्रदर | brother | English loanword, casual |
भाई (bhai) works for a brother of any age and is also used for friends. भैया (bhaiya) is a respectful, affectionate way to address an older brother.
Which one should you use?
English words are often mixed into everyday Hindi, so you may hear ब्रदर (brother) in the middle of a Hindi sentence. The Hindi word is still the natural choice with family.
Is it said differently in some regions?
भैया (bhaiya) is also used to politely call a man who is not family, such as a shopkeeper or a rickshaw driver.
Did you know?
- The festival Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, and a sister ties a thread called a राखी (rakhi) on her brother's wrist.
Examples in context
- यह मेरा भाई है।yah mera bhai hai.This is my brother.
- भैया, पानी देना।bhaiya, paani dena.Brother, please give me some water.
- मेरा छोटा भाई स्कूल जाता है।mera chhota bhai school jaata hai.My younger brother goes to school.
Example conversation
Rohan introduces his younger brother Aman to his friend Priya.
- Rohanप्रिया, यह मेरा छोटा भाई अमन है।Priya, yah mera chhota bhai Aman hai.Priya, this is my younger brother Aman.
- प्रिया Priyaनमस्ते अमन।namaste Aman.Hello Aman.
- Amanनमस्ते दीदी।namaste didi.Hello didi.
