Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| भाई | bhāī | /bʱɑː.iː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| भ्राता | bhrātā | /bʱɾɑː.t̪ɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| सहोदर | sahodar | /sə.ɦoː.d̪əɾ/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| दादा | dādā | /d̪ɑː.d̪ɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| भाऊ | bhāū | masculine | |
| बंधु | bandhu | /bən.d̪ʱuː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| भैया | bhaiyā | /bʱə̯i.jɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| भ्रातृ | bhrātŕ | /bʱɾɑːt̪ɾ/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
All forms listed describe a male sibling. While भाई is the most common everyday term, it is also frequently used as a colloquial term for a male peer or a close friend, similar to saying 'bro' or 'dude' in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The term सहोदर literally means 'born from the same womb', and it is used to specify a biological sibling.
Which one should you use?
भाई is the standard everyday term for brother. In contrast, सहोदर is a strictly technical or formal term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
भाई is an informal term. For a more polite and affectionate way to address or refer to a brother, use भैया. The term भ्राता is highly formal and typically found in literature or religious texts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Western and Central India, such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, भाई is used for brother in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
bhāī (/bʱɑː.iː/)
When do people say it?
भैया is a popular and widely used term within families and between close friends, while bhaiyaji is an affectionate way to address an older brother in specific regions.
Did you know?
- The Hindi word भाई shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'brother' and the Latin 'frāter'.
Examples in context
- मेरा भाई टेनिस मैं कभी नहीं हारा है।My brother has never lost at tennis.This sentence shows the use of भाई to discuss a brother's ability in tennis.Tatoeba #940470 by thevikas, translation #1843429 by LanguageExpert
- मेरा छोटा भाई बहुत मासूम है।My younger brother is very naïve.This sentence uses भाई to describe a younger brother's character.
- मैं आपका भाई नहीं हूँ।I'm not your brother.This sentence uses भाई to clarify a relationship.Tatoeba #3617779 by sabretou, translation #2547695 by CK
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about Rahul's family.
- नेहा Nehaक्या तुम्हारा कोई भाई है?Kya tumhara koi bhai hai?Do you have a brother?
- राहुल Rahulहाँ, मेरा एक भाई है।Haan, mera ek bhai hai.Yes, I have one brother.
- नेहा Nehaवह कहाँ रहता है?Vah kahan rehta hai?Where does he live?
- राहुल Rahulमेरा भाई दिल्ली में रहता है।Mera bhai Delhi mein rehta hai.My brother lives in Delhi.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries भाई, भ्राता, सहोदर, दादा, बंधु, भैया, भ्रातृ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries दादा, भाई, भ्राता, सहोदर, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
