छोटा भाई
chhota bhai/t͡ʃʰoː.ʈɑː bʱɑː.iː/word by word
The Hindi phrase for "little brother" is छोटा भाई (chhota bhai).
छोटा भाई is the literal translation for a younger male sibling. However, in many Indian families, people often refer to a younger brother simply by his name or a nickname rather than using the formal title 'little brother' in conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
छोटा (chhota) means "small" or "little", and भाई (bhai) means "brother".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is chhota bhai. It is composed of three syllables: /tʃʰoː.ʈɑː bʱɑː.iː/.
Did you know?
- The term भाई (bhai) can also be used as a slang term for a gang leader or a 'don' in Indian cinematic and urban contexts.
- Hindi lacks a single, dedicated word for 'sibling' that is gender-neutral. Speakers must specify if they are talking about a भाई (brother) or a बहन (sister).
- In many Hindi-speaking households, an older sibling is expected to be addressed with a respectful suffix or title, while the छोटा भाई (little brother) is addressed simply by name.
Examples in context
- मेरे छोटे भाई को दिन भर जिज्ञासा रहती है। (Mere chhote bhai ko din bhar jigyasa rahati hai.)My little brother is always curious throughout the day.
- मेरा छोटा भाई स्कूल गया है।merā choṭā bhāī skūl gayā hai.My little brother has gone to school.
- वह मेरा छोटा भाई है।vah merā choṭā bhāī hai.He is my little brother.
- मेरा छोटा भाई बहुत शरारती है।merā choṭā bhāī bahut śarārātī hai.My little brother is very naughty.
Example conversation
Pooja and Vikas are talking about their families at a cafe.
- पूजा Poojaविकास, क्या तुम्हारा कोई छोटा भाई है?vikās, kyā tumhārā koī choṭā bhāī hai?Vikas, do you have a little brother?
- विकास Vikasहाँ, मेरा एक छोटा भाई है।hā̃, merā ek choṭā bhāī hai.Yes, I have one little brother.
- पूजा Poojaवह क्या करता है?vah kyā kartā hai?What does he do?
- विकास Vikasवह अभी पढ़ाई कर रहा है।vah abhī padhāī kar rahā hai.He is studying right now.
