தங்கை
taṅkai/t̪ɐŋɡɐɪ̯/
The English phrase "little sister" is translated into Tamil as தங்கை (taṅkai).
தங்கை refers to a female sibling who is younger than the speaker.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Tamil Nadu, the term Thangachi is used to address a younger sister. In Sri Lanka, the term Tangai is used to refer to a younger sister.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is taṅkai. The IPA is /t̪ɐŋɡɐɪ̯/.
Did you know?
- In many Tamil-speaking households, even if there is no biological relation, an older person might call a much younger girl தங்கை as a term of endearment.
- The word தங்கை is built from a root meaning 'one's own' and a suffix meaning 'younger sister'.
- In traditional Tamil society, a brother often takes a paternal role toward his தங்கை, historically assuming responsibility for her marriage and wellbeing.
Examples in context
- எனக்கு ஒரு தங்கை இருக்கிறாள்.enakkku oru thangai irukkirāḷ.I have a little sister.
- அவள் என் தங்கை.avaḷ en thangai.She is my little sister.
Example conversation
Kavitha introduces her sibling to Vijay.
- கவிதா Kavithaவிஜய், இவள் என் தங்கை.Vijay, ival en thangai.Vijay, this is my little sister.
- விஜய் Vijayவணக்கம்! உன் தங்கை பெயர் என்ன?Vanakkam! Un thangai peyar enna?Hello! What is your little sister's name?
- கவிதா Kavithaஅவள் பெயர் மீரா.Aval peyar Meera.Her name is Meera.
- விஜய் Vijayமிக்க மகிழ்ச்சி, மீரா.Mikka magizhchi, Meera.Very nice to meet you, Meera.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry தங்கை, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries தங்கை, CC BY-SA 4.0.
