मेरा भाई
mera bhai/meː.ɾɑː bʱɑː.iː/word by word
In Hindi, the phrase for "my brother" is मेरा भाई (mera bhai).
The phrase मेरा भाई is used to refer to a male sibling. While the word भाई (bhai) literally means "brother", it is also frequently used in many Indian contexts as a colloquial term to address a male friend or a man generally, similar to how an English speaker might say "bro" or "man".
Which one should you use?
The term भाई (bhai) is the literal word for "brother", but as noted above, it can also serve as a colloquial address for friends. For more specific address, you might use Bhaiya for an elder brother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the regions of Bihar and Jharkhand, it is customary to address an elder brother as Bhaiyaji.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase undergoes a change when it is followed by a postposition.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /meː.ɾɑː bʱɑː.iː/ (mera bhai).
Did you know?
- In some urban settings, भाई is used as a title of respect or power for local gang leaders or influential figures, often referred to as 'Bhai' in Mumbai.
- In traditional Indian culture, the bond between भाई and sister is celebrated during a specific festival called Raksha Bandhan, where a sister ties a sacred thread on her brother's wrist.
- The Sanskrit root of भाई also produced the word 'brother' in Old Norse, known as bróðir, connecting Hindi to Viking-age languages.
Examples in context
- मेरा भाई टेनिस मैं कभी नहीं हारा है।My brother has never lost at tennis.This sentence shows how to use मेरा भाई to describe a past achievement.Tatoeba #940470 by thevikas, translation #1843429 by LanguageExpert
- मेरा भाई टोक्यो में रहता है।My brother lives in Tokyo.This sentence demonstrates using मेरा भाई to state a location.Tatoeba #505393 by minshirui, translation #250726 by CK
- मेरा भाई मुझ से नफ़रत करता है।My brother hates me.This sentence illustrates using मेरा भाई to express a feeling.Tatoeba #3783351 by sabretou, translation #2040058 by Spamster
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aditya is introducing his family to Anjali.
- आदित्य Adityaयह मेरा भाई है।Yah mera bhai hai.This is my brother.
- अंजलि Anjaliनमस्ते! आपका नाम क्या है?Namaste! Aapka naam kya hai?Hello! What is your name?
- आदित्य Adityaमेरा भाई बहुत शर्मीला है।Mera bhai bahut sharmila hai.My brother is very shy.
- अंजलि Anjaliकोई बात नहीं, वह प्यारा है।Koi baat nahi, vah pyara hai.That's okay, he is cute.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (मेरा, भाई) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries भाई, मेरा, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
