అన్నయ్య
annayya
The English phrase "elder brother" is translated to Telugu as అన్నయ్య (annayya).
అన్నయ్య is used to refer to a brother who is older than oneself.
Which one should you use?
While అన్నయ్య refers to an elder brother, the term తమ్ముడు is used to refer to a younger brother.
How do you pronounce it?
annayya
When do people say it?
In Telugu culture, అన్నయ్య is often used as a respectful way to address any man slightly older than oneself, even if they are not biological siblings.
Did you know?
- In Telugu, adding the suffix య్య to అన్న transforms the word from a formal title into a term of endearment and affection. This subtle change allows a speaker to express a close emotional bond while still maintaining the required respect for seniority.
- In street slang and cinema, అన్నయ్య is used to refer to a 'big brother' figure in a gang or political group, symbolizing protection and loyalty rather than blood relation.
- While అన్నయ్య is respectful, using it for a man in his fifties or sixties in a formal setting can be seen as too casual or even disrespectful.
Examples in context
- అన్న, నాపేరు చిన్నరాజు.Anna, my name is Chinnaraju.
- నా అన్నయ్య చాలా మంచివాడు.nā annayya chālā manchivāḍu.My elder brother is a very good person.
- అన్నయ్య ఎక్కడున్నాడు?annayya ekkaḍunnāḍu?Where is (my) elder brother?
- మా అన్నయ్య డాక్టర్.mā annayya ḍakṭar.My elder brother is a doctor.
Example conversation
Lakshmi asks Kiran about his family.
- లక్ష్మి Lakshmiమీకు అన్నయ్య ఉన్నారా?Mīku annayya unnārā?Do you have an elder brother?
- కిరణ్ Kiranఅవును, నాకు ఒక అన్నయ్య ఉన్నాడు.Avunu, nāku oka annayya unnāḍu.Yes, I have one elder brother.
- లక్ష్మి Lakshmiఅయన ఎక్కడ పని చేస్తారు?Ayana ekkaḍa pani chēstāru?Where does he work?
- కిరణ్ Kiranఅయన బ్యాంకులో పనిచేస్తారు.Ayana bankulō panicēstāru.He works in a bank.
