দাদা
dada/d̪ad̪a/
The English phrase "older brother" is translated into Bengali as দাদা (dada) or অগ্রজ.
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bengali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| দাদা | dada | /d̪ad̪a/ |
| অগ্রজ | ogroj | /ɔɡɾɔd͡ʒ/ /ɔɡɹɔdʑ/ |
দাদা is the common way to refer to an older brother. In social contexts, it is also used to address an older male acquaintance as a sign of respect instead of using their name.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term অগ্রজ is composed of ogro (before or front) and jo (born), literally meaning "one who comes before" or "one born before".
Which one should you use?
দাদা is the common, everyday term for an older brother. In contrast, অগ্রজ is a formal, technical term typically found in literature or formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is dada and the IPA is /d̪ad̪a/.
When do people say it?
In Bengali culture, it is common to address an older brother or an older male acquaintance as দাদা rather than using their actual name to show respect.
Did you know?
- The word দাদা originated as an onomatopoeic nursery reduplication, meaning it began as a simple sound used by babies to refer to their elders.
- In many Bengali households, calling your older brother by his actual name is considered extremely rude and is often a social taboo.
- Using the word দাদা to address a stranger is not just a sign of respect, but a way to create an immediate, familial bond of trust with an older man.
Examples in context
- আমার এক দাদা আছে।I have an older brother.This sentence is useful for stating that you have an older brother using দাদা.Tatoeba #5589696 by tanay, translation #237828 by CK
- আমার দাদা অনেক ভালো।amar dada onek bhalo.My older brother is very good.
- তোমার দাদা কোথায় কাজ করেন?tomar dada kothay kaj koren?Where does your older brother work?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families at a café.
- তানিয়া Taniaতোমার দাদা কি আজ আসবে?tomar dada ki aj ashbe?Will your older brother come today?
- রাহুল Rahulহ্যাঁ, আমার দাদা আসবে।hae, amar dada ashbe.Yes, my older brother will come.
- তানিয়া Taniaখুব ভালো কথা।khub bhalo kotha.That is very good news.
- রাহুল Rahulধন্যবাদ, তানিয়া।dhonnyobad, Tania.Thank you, Tania.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “older brother” translations and entries দাদা, অগ্রজ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries অগ্রজ, দাদা, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
