भान्जी
bhanji
The Nepali word for niece is भान्जी (bhanji).
The term भान्जी is used to refer to a niece. Specifically, it denotes the daughter of one's sister.
Meaning: fraternal or sororal niece (noun)
Which one should you use?
While भान्जी specifically refers to the daughter of one's sister, other terms may be used to refer to a brother's daughter depending on the specific kinship system or dialect being used.
How do you pronounce it?
bhanji
Did you know?
- In Nepali culture, a भान्जी (bhanji) often shares a particularly close emotional bond with her maternal uncle, known as the मामा (mama), who plays a central role in her upbringing and wedding rituals.
- In Nepali, kinship terms are so precise that if you used भान्जी to refer to your brother's daughter, a native speaker would likely correct you. For a brother's daughter, the specific term is भतिजी (bhatiji).
- While भान्जी describes a niece, the related term भान्जा (bhanja) is used for a sister's son. The difference is a single vowel change that switches the gender of the child.
Examples in context
- मेरी भान्जी धेरै प्रतिभाशाली छ।My niece is very talented.
- मेरी सुन्दर भान्जीलाई जन्मदिनको शुभकामना!Happy birthday to my lovely niece!
- मेरो भान्जी धेरै सानी छिन् ।mero bhanji dherai sani chhin.My niece is very small.
- के तिम्रो भान्जी विद्यालय जान्छिन्?ke timro bhanji vidyalaya janchhin?Does your niece go to school?
- भान्जी आज मामाको घर आउँछिन् ।bhanji aaja mamako ghar aunchhin.The niece is coming to her uncle's house today.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family members at a cafe.
- दिपेश Dipeshतिम्रो भान्जी कस्तो छिन्?timro bhanji kasto chhin?How is your niece?
- अनीता Anitaउनी धेरै राम्री छिन् ।uni dherai ramri chhin.She is very beautiful.
- दिपेश Dipeshके तिम्रो भान्जी पढ्दै छिन्?ke timro bhanji padhdai chhin?Is your niece studying?
- अनीता Anitaहो, उनी धेरै पढ्छिन् ।ho, uni dherai padhchhin.Yes, she studies a lot.
