भाइ
bhai
The English word "brother" is translated into Nepali as भाइ (bhai).
The term भाइ specifically refers to a younger brother.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Which one should you use?
Nepali distinguishes between an older brother and a younger brother. While भाइ specifically refers to a younger brother, the term दाइ is used for an elder brother. Note that दाइ is also commonly used as a respectful way to address any young man who is slightly older than the speaker.
How do you pronounce it?
bhai
Did you know?
- Nepali has a distinct word for a cousin brother that is different from the biological sibling terms भाइ and दाइ, depending on whether the cousin is from the paternal or maternal side.
- The word भाइ shares a common linguistic root with the Hindi word 'bhai', reflecting the deep historical and linguistic ties between the two Indo-Aryan languages.
- Addressing a peer incorrectly by using भाइ instead of दाइ can sometimes be perceived as being unintentionally patronizing or overly casual.
Examples in context
- टमको एउटा भाइ छ।Tom has one brother.This sentence is useful for showing how to indicate that someone has a brother using भाइ.Tatoeba #12068053 by taro, translation #3168110 by CK
- तिम्रो भाइ कति अग्लो छ?How tall is your brother?This sentence is useful for asking a question about a brother's height using भाइ.Tatoeba #12049522 by taro, translation #237832 by CK
- मेरो भाइ जुस पिउदै थियो।My brother was drinking juice.This sentence is useful for describing an action a brother was performing using भाइ.Tatoeba #11913071 by taro, translation #9193990 by Ergulis
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya asks Dipesh about his family.
- माया Mayaके तिम्रो कुनै भाइ छ?Ke timro kunai bhai cha?Do you have any younger brothers?
- दिपेश Dipeshहो, मेरो एउटा भाइ छ।Ho, mero euta bhai cha.Yes, I have one younger brother.
- माया Mayaउनी अहिले कति वर्षको भए?Uni ahile kati barshako bhaye?How old is he now?
- दिपेश Dipeshमेरो भाइ अहिले १० वर्षको भयो।Mero bhai ahile das barshako bhayo.My brother is 10 years old now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
