Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| दीदी | dīdī | /d̪iː.d̪iː/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine |
| अग्रजा | agrajā | /əɡ.ɾə.d͡ʒɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine |
| दी | dī | /d̪iː/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine |
| जीजी | jījī | /d͡ʒiː.d͡ʒiː/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine |
While the words specifically denote a biological or familial relationship, the term दीदी is frequently used as a respectful title for any woman who is slightly older than oneself, regardless of biological relation.
Which one should you use?
The word दीदी functions both as a noun meaning "older sister" and as a standalone title used when addressing her directly.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
दीदी is the most common way to say "older sister" in everyday spoken Hindi and is considered both formal and affectionate. अग्रजा is a highly formal term used primarily in literature or very formal contexts. baṛī bahen is a common and respectful way to express the concept. जीजी is a colloquial or dialectal variation used in certain North Indian communities.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term दीदी is used to refer to an older sister in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is dīdī. It consists of 2 syllables.
When do people say it?
In many parts of India, it is common to use the term दीदी as a respectful way to address any woman who is slightly older than you, even if you are not related to her.
Did you know?
- The term दीदी is thought to have originated from 'baby talk' or onomatopoeic sounds used by children, which is a common way for many family titles to evolve.
- The term दीदी is used so widely as a mark of respect that it can be applied to female teachers, nurses or activists to acknowledge their seniority.
- The shortened form दी is a common way to address an older sister in a more intimate or casual household setting, stripping away the formal second syllable.
Examples in context
- तुम्हारी दीदी अभी क्या कर रही है?What's your older sister doing now?This sentence is useful for asking about the current activities of someone's दीदी.Tatoeba #3620661 by sabretou, translation #70627 by CK
- मेरी बड़ी बहन बहुत प्यारी है।My older sister is very loving.
- दीदी, मुझे आपकी सलाह चाहिए।Sister, I need your advice.
- मेरी दीदी बहुत अच्छी हैं।merī dīdī bahut acchī haiṃ.My older sister is very kind.
- दीदी, क्या आप मेरे साथ चलेंगी?dīdī, kyā āp mere sāth chalēṅgī?Older sister, will you come with me?
Example conversation
Vikas and Priya are talking about Priya's sister at home.
- विकास Vikasप्रिया, तुम्हारी दीदी कहाँ हैं?priyā, tumhārī dīdī kahāṃ haiṃ?Priya, where is your older sister?
- प्रिया Priyaदीदी बाज़ार में हैं।dīdī bāzār meṃ haiṃ.My older sister is at the market.
- विकास Vikasक्या वह जल्दी वापस आएँगी?kyā vah jaladī vāpas āeṅgī?Will she come back soon?
- प्रिया Priyaहाँ, वह जल्द ही आएँगी।hāṃ, vah jald hī āeṅgī.Yes, she will come soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “older sister” translations and entries दीदी, अग्रजा, दी, जीजी, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अग्रजा, जीजी, दी, दीदी, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
