தம்பி
tampi/t̪ɐmbiː/
The English phrase "little brother" is translated into Tamil as தம்பி (tampi).
தம்பி is used to refer to a male sibling who is younger than the speaker. It can also serve as a casual term of endearment when speaking to a younger brother in informal settings.
Which one should you use?
While தம்பி is used for a younger brother, the term அண்ணன் is used specifically for an elder brother.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /t̪ɐmbiː/ (tampi).
Did you know?
- Despite being a term for a sibling, you might hear an older stranger call a young man தம்பி as a friendly or casual way to get his attention.
- The word தம்பி is etymologically constructed from the concept of 'one's own' combined with the idea of 'following' or 'succeeding'.
- In many Tamil-speaking households, calling a younger brother by his actual name is often avoided in favor of using தம்பி or other affectionate nicknames.
Examples in context
- என் தம்பி இங்கே இருக்கிறான்.en thambi ingē irukkirān.My little brother is here.
- உனக்குத் தம்பி இருக்கிறானா?unakkut thambi irukkirānā?Do you have a little brother?
- அவன் என் தம்பி.avan en thambi.He is my little brother.
Example conversation
Kavitha asks Arun about his family.
- அருண் Arunஎனக்கு ஒரு தம்பி இருக்கிறான்.Enakku oru thambi irukkirān.I have a little brother.
- கவிதா Kavithaஅவன் பெயர் என்ன?Avan peyar enna?What is his name?
- அருண் Arunஎன் தம்பி பெயர் ராம்.En thambi peyar Rām.My little brother's name is Ram.
- கவிதா Kavithaமிகவும் மகிழ்ச்சி.Migavum magizhchi.Very glad to hear that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry தம்பி, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries தம்பி, CC BY-SA 4.0.
