bredren
In Jamaican, the English phrase "brother" is translated as bredren.
While the term can refer to a biological brother, bredren is frequently used in a social context to denote brotherhood or to refer to a close friend or comrade.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term bredren is most commonly used to describe a social bond of deep friendship, whereas the English word "brother" often refers to a biological sibling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bredren functions as a collective or plural form used to refer to a group of brothers or male friends.
Did you know?
- The term bredren is deeply tied to the Rastafari movement, where it signifies a spiritual bond between members of the faith rather than just a friendship.
- While bredren is the male term, the word sistren is used in the same way to describe a close female friend or a spiritual sister.
- While bredren is the plural form, a single male friend is often referred to as a bredda instead.
Examples in context
- Mi bredren a go work later.My brother is going to work later.
- Him a mi bredren, yuh know?He is my brother, you know?
- Mi bredren deh a di shop.My brother is at the shop.
Example conversation
Tanesha is introducing her brother to Ricardo.
- TaneshaRicardo, meet mi bredren, Andre.Ricardo, meet my brother, Andre.
- RicardoRespect, Andre. Nice fi meet yuh.Respect, Andre. Nice to meet you.
- TaneshaHim just come back from school.He just came back from school.
- RicardoBig up yuhself, my bredren.Big up yourself, my brother.
