அத்தை
attai/ɐt̪ːɐɪ̯/
The English term 'bua' (father's sister) is translated into Tamil as அத்தை (attai).
In Tamil, அத்தை is the term used to refer to a father's sister.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is attai. The IPA is /ɐt̪ːɐɪ̯/.
Did you know?
- While it denotes a specific aunt, using அத்தை to address an older woman who is not a relative is a common way to show respect in Tamil culture.
- The word அத்தை shares a common ancient root with the Telugu word అత్త, as both descend from the Proto-Dravidian word *atta.
- The term அத்தை is often used in Tamil literature and folk songs to represent a specific character archetype: the wise or sometimes meddling elder female relative who influences the protagonist's life.
Examples in context
- என் அத்தை இன்று வீட்டிற்கு வருகிறார்.en atthai inru veettirku varugiraar.My aunt is coming home today.
- அத்தை எனக்கு ஒரு பரிசு கொடுத்தார்.atthai enakku oru parisu kodutthaar.Aunt gave me a gift.
- அத்தை எங்கே இருக்கிறார்?atthai enge irukkiraar?Where is aunt?
Example conversation
Divya is telling Santhosh about her family visit.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshயார் உங்களை பார்க்க வந்திருக்கிறார்கள்?yaar ungalai paarkka vandhirukkiraargal?Who has come to see you?
- திவ்யா Divyaஎன் அத்தை வந்திருக்கிறார்கள், சந்தோஷ்.en aththai vandhirukkiraargal, santhosh.My father's sister has come, Santhosh.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஅப்படியா, அவரிடம் வணக்கம் சொல்லுங்கள்.appadiya, avaridam vanakkam sollungal.Is that so, please give her my regards.
- திவ்யா Divyaநிச்சயமாக சொல்கிறேன்.nichayamaga solgiren.I will definitely tell her.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry அத்தை, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries அத்தை, CC BY-SA 4.0.
