दाजु
dāju[d̪ä(d)zu]
The English phrase "older brother" is translated into Nepali as दाजु (dāju).
The term दाजु is used not only for biological older brothers but also as a respectful way to address older male peers or even strangers.
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
Which one should you use?
While दाजु refers to an older brother, भाइ is the term used for a younger brother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form दाइ is a very common, slightly more colloquial or shortened version of दाजु used in daily conversation. दाइ is the most commonly used informal term for older brother among friends, siblings and peers.
How do you pronounce it?
dāju
Did you know?
- Even if a biological brother is younger, a person might be called दाजु if they hold a significantly higher social or professional rank.
- The word दाजु is borrowed from the Newar language, the indigenous tongue of the Kathmandu Valley.
- In many Nepali households, children never call their दाजु by his first name, as doing so is considered a sign of great disrespect.
Examples in context
- मेरो दाजु धेरै राम्रो हुनुहुन्छ।mero daju dherai ramro hunuhunchha.My older brother is very kind.
- दाजु, मलाई सहयोग गर्नुस्।daju, malai sahayog garnus.Older brother, please help me.
- उहाँ मेरो दाजु हुनुहुन्छ।uha mero daju hunuhunchha.He is my older brother.
Example conversation
Srijana is asking Roshan about his family.
- रोशन Roshanरोशन, तिम्रो दाजु के गर्नुहुन्छ?Roshan, timro daju ke garnuhunchha?Roshan, what does your older brother do?
- सृजना Srijanaमेरो दाजु डाक्टर हुनुहुन्छ।Mero daju doctor hunuhunchha.My older brother is a doctor.
- रोशन Roshanए, उहाँ धेरै मेहनती हुनुहुन्छ होला।Eh, uha dherai mehnati hunuhunchha hola.Oh, he must be very hardworking.
- सृजना Srijanaहो, दाजु एकदमै मेहनती हुनुहुन्छ।Ho, daju ekdamai mehnati hunuhunchha.Yes, my older brother is very hardworking.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry दाजु, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries दाजु, CC BY-SA 4.0.
