बहीण
bahīṇfeminine
The English word "sister" is translated into Marathi as बहीण (bahīṇ).
बहीण is a feminine noun used to refer to a woman or girl who has the same parents as the speaker.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Which one should you use?
While बहीण is the general term for any sister, if you need to specify that she is an elder sister, use मोठी बहीण.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Maharashtra, Tai is used to refer to an elder sister casually or lovingly. Additionally, in some parts of Maharashtra, Vahini is used to refer to one's sister-in-law.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its grammatical role in a sentence. When expressing an action directed toward a sister, such as "give to my sister", use the dative form बहिणीला. To indicate possession by a sister, such as "sister's book", use the genitive form बहिणीचा.
How do you pronounce it?
bahīṇ
Did you know?
- Marathi speakers may use the word बहीण in a political or social context to describe a female comrade or a woman fighting for the same cause.
- The word बहीण shares a common ancestor with the Sanskrit word भगिनी, which refers to a female sibling or a member of a religious community.
- While बहीण is the biological term, the word Tai is frequently used by strangers to address any woman who is slightly older than the speaker, regardless of blood relation.
Examples in context
- मला एक बहीण आहे.I have one sister.This sentence shows how to state the possession of a sister.Tatoeba #4484403 by sabretou, translation #370738 by saeb
- मी तुझी बहीण आहे.I'm your sister.This sentence is used to identify oneself as a sister.Tatoeba #2435273 by sabretou, translation #1979740 by CM
- ही माझी बहीण आहे.This is my sister.This sentence is used to identify a sister through pointing.Tatoeba #4484418 by sabretou, translation #556985 by Ezatullah
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nilesh and Priya are talking about their families.
- प्रिया Priyaतुला बहीण आहे का?tulā bahīṇ āhe kā?Do you have a sister?
- निलेश Nileshहो, मला एक बहीण आहे.hō, malā ek bahīṇ āhe.Yes, I have one sister.
- प्रिया Priyaतुमची बहीण काय करते?tumcī bahīṇ kāy karate?What does your sister do?
- निलेश Nileshती कॉलेजमध्ये शिकते.tī kōlējmadhyē śikate.She studies in college.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sister” translations and entries बहीण, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries बहीण, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
