बहन
bahanneutral, Hindi
In Hindi sister is बहन (bahan). An elder sister is called दीदी (dīdī), which is also used to address an older woman respectfully. It is also called बहना (bahnā).
Meaning: a female sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| बहन | bahan | neutral, Hindi |
| दीदी | dīdī | affectionate, elder sister |
| बहना | bahnā | affectionate |
You say मेरी बहन (merī bahan) for "my sister". Calling someone दीदी works like "big sis" and is used with women who are not relatives too.
When do people say it?
The festival रक्षाबंधन (rakshābandhan) celebrates the bond of brother and sister, when she ties a thread on his wrist.
Did you know?
- Hindi has separate words for elder sister दीदी and younger sister छोटी बहन (chhoṭī bahan).
Examples in context
- मेरी बहन दिल्ली में पढ़ती है।Merī bahan Dillī mein paṛhtī hai.My sister studies in Delhi.
- दीदी, ज़रा इधर आइए।Dīdī, zarā idhar āie.Sister, please come here.
Example conversation
Brother Rajat greets his elder sister at home in Delhi.
- Rajatदीदी, आप कब आईं?Dīdī, āp kab āīn?Sister, when did you arrive?
- Sisterअभी थोड़ी देर पहले।Abhī thoṛī der pahle.Just a little while ago.
- Rajatमैं चाय बनाता हूँ।Main chāy banātā hūn.I will make tea.
