भाई
bhaieveryday
"Brother" is भाई (bhai) in Hindi. Hindi families usually say whether a brother is older, बड़ा भाई (bada bhai), or younger, छोटा भाई (chhota bhai).
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| भाई | bhai | everyday |
| बड़ा भाई | bada bhai | elder brother |
| छोटा भाई | chhota bhai | younger brother |
You call an older brother भैया (bhaiya) or भाई (bhai), often with his name or just on its own. A younger brother is usually called by his name.
Which one should you use?
Hindi does not have a single word for "sibling" in everyday speech, so people say भाई बहन (bhai bahan) for brothers and sisters.
When do people say it?
The festival Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between a sister and a brother, who ties a thread on the brother's wrist.
Did you know?
- Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by a sister tying a राखी (raakhi) on her brother's wrist.
Examples in context
- मेरा बड़ा भाई दिल्ली में रहता है।Mera bada bhai Dilli mein rehta hai.My elder brother lives in Delhi.
- मेरा छोटा भाई स्कूल में पढ़ता है।Mera chhota bhai school mein padhta hai.My younger brother studies at school.
Example conversation
Pooja asks her friend Anita about her family at a college canteen.
- Poojaतुम्हारे कितने भाई हैं?Tumhaare kitne bhai hain?How many brothers do you have?
- Anitaदो, एक बड़ा भाई और एक छोटा भाई।Do, ek bada bhai aur ek chhota bhai.Two, one elder brother and one younger brother.
- Poojaअच्छा, मेरा सिर्फ़ एक भाई है।Achchha, mera sirf ek bhai hai.I see, I have only one brother.
