மைத்துனன்
maithunan
The English phrase brother-in-law is translated into Tamil as மைத்துனன் (maithunan).
The term refers to a brother-in-law, specifically the brother of one's wife.
Which one should you use?
While மைத்துனன் is a specific term for a wife's brother, the colloquial term மச்சான் is often used more generally to refer to a brother-in-law or a wife's brother.
How do you pronounce it?
maithunan
Did you know?
- Tamil has distinct words for different types of brothers-in-law depending on whether the person is the husband's sister's husband or the wife's brother.
- The term மச்சான் is so widely used in popular Tamil cinema songs and dialogue that it has become a cultural shorthand for 'buddy' or 'mate' among many young men.
- In traditional Tamil culture, the relationship between a man and his மைத்துனன் was historically seen as one of the most humorous and light-hearted bonds in the family.
Examples in context
- அவன் என்னுடைய மைத்துனன்.avan ennudaiya maithunan.He is my brother-in-law.
- மைத்துனன் எங்கே இருக்கிறார்?maithunan eṅkē irukkirār?Where is the brother-in-law?
- எனது மைத்துனன் ஒரு மருத்துவர்.enatu maithunan oru maruttuvar.My brother-in-law is a doctor.
Example conversation
Santhosh and Anitha are talking about Anitha's family.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஅனிதா, உன் மைத்துனன் எப்படி இருக்கிறார்?Anithā, un maithunan eppaṭi irukkirār?Anitha, how is your brother-in-law?
- அனிதா Anitaஅவர் நன்றாக இருக்கிறார், சந்தோஷ்.Avar naṉṟāka irukkirār, Santhōṣ.He is doing well, Santhosh.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஅவர் இப்போது வேலையில் பிஸியாக உள்ளாரா?Avar ippōtu vēlaiyil pisiyāka uḷḷārā?Is he busy with work now?
- அனிதா Anitaஆம், அவர் மிகவும் பிஸியாக இருக்கிறார்.Ām, avar mikavum pisiyāka irukkirār.Yes, he is very busy.
