بِرا
bira
The English word "brother" is translated into Kurdish as بِرا (bira). Wiktionary also lists bira.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Kurdish | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| بِرا | bira | |
| bira | masculine |
The term refers to a male sibling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bira changes to the form birayê when used in a possessive construction with a following noun or pronoun. For example, to say "my brother" you use birayê min and to say "your brother" you use birayê te.
How do you pronounce it?
bira
Did you know?
- The Kurdish word bira shares a common prehistoric ancestor with the English word 'brother'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European word *bʰréh₂tēr.
- While bira means 'brother', the Kurdish language has distinct words for 'older brother' and 'younger brother' to specify birth order in familial contexts.
- In many Kurdish social contexts, calling a stranger bira is a common way to show respect and friendliness, much like saying 'brother' or 'my friend' in English.
Examples in context
- Ew birayê min e.He is my brother.This sentence is useful for saying "He is my brother" using the form bira.Tatoeba #5810022 by Kurdistanica, translation #250680 by CK
- Ev birayê min e.This is my brother.Tatoeba #5810028 by Kurdistanica, translation #463308 by lukaszpp
- Ev birayê te ye.This is your brother.This sentence is useful for saying "This is your brother" using the form bira.Tatoeba #5810050 by Kurdistanica, translation #8352990 by Adelpa
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Heval and Sarya are looking at a family photo.
- HevalEv kî ye?Who is this?
- SaryaEv بِراyê min e.This is my brother.
- HevalBira yê te pir dewlemand e.Your brother is very handsome.
- SaryaSpas, Heval.Thanks, Heval.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries bira, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bira, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
