அண்ணன்
aṇṇaṉ/ɐɳːɐn/
The Tamil word for "older brother" is அண்ணன் (aṇṇaṉ). Wiktionary also lists அண்ணா (aṇṇā).
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| அண்ணன் | aṇṇaṉ | /ɐɳːɐn/ |
| அண்ணா | aṇṇā | /ɐɳːɑː/ |
While அண்ணன் is the standard noun used to refer to an older brother in a sentence, the form அண்ணா is used when calling out to or addressing an older brother directly.
Which one should you use?
The term அண்ணன் refers to an older brother, whereas தம்பி is the term used for a younger brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
அண்ணன் is the standard noun used when referring to an older brother in a sentence (e.g., 'He is my older brother'). The form அண்ணா is used when calling out to or addressing an older brother directly.
How do you pronounce it?
aṇṇaṉ (/ɐɳːɐn/)
When do people say it?
In Tamil culture, the term அண்ணா is frequently used as a respectful way to address any male who is slightly older than the speaker, even if they are not biologically related.
Did you know?
- The term அண்ணா is sometimes used as a political honorary title in Tamil Nadu to signal a leader who is like an elder brother to the people.
- The word அண்ணா is actually related to the word for 'tongue', stemming from a combination of the root for 'upper part' and a root for 'tongue'.
- While அண்ணா is used for biological brothers, it is also common for cousins to use this word if they are older, treating the extended family as immediate siblings.
Examples in context
- அண்ணனே, எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?Oh brother, how are you?
- அவன் என் அண்ணன்.avan en annan.He is my older brother.
- என் அண்ணன் சென்னையில் வசிக்கிறார்.en annan chennaiyil vasikkirar.My older brother lives in Chennai.
- அண்ணன் வேலைக்குச் சென்றார்.annan velaikku chendrar.Older brother went to work.
Example conversation
Priya is introducing her brother to Vijay.
- விஜய் Vijayஇவர் யார் பிரியா?Ivar yaar Priya?Who is this, Priya?
- பிரியா Priyaஇவர் என் அண்ணன் விஜய்.Ivar en annan Vijay.This is my older brother Vijay.
- விஜய் Vijayஉங்களை சந்தித்ததில் மகிழ்ச்சி.Ungalai sandhithadhil magizhchi.Nice to meet you.
- பிரியா Priyaஅண்ணன், இவரை அறிமுகப்படுத்துகிறேன்.Annan, ivarai arimugappaduthugiren.Brother, I am introducing him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “older brother” translations and entries அண்ணன், அண்ணா, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries அண்ணன், அண்ணா, CC BY-SA 4.0.
