Aimee Tara
Pakistan is a diverse country with various regional languages, but the national language is Urdu. As Urdu is widely spoken and understood throughout Pakistan, this guide will focus on how to say “sister” in Urdu. It’s worth mentioning that different regions in Pakistan may have their own variations, but for the purpose of this guide, we’ll primarily explore the formal and informal ways to refer to your sister in Urdu.
Formal Way to Say Sister in Urdu
When addressing your sister formally in Urdu, you would use the word “behen.” This term is commonly used in a respectful and polite manner. It can be used in various contexts, such as when talking to your sister directly or referring to her while speaking to someone else. Here’s an example of how you could use it in a sentence:
Example: Behen, apka phone baj raha hai. (Sister, your phone is ringing.)
Informal Way to Say Sister in Urdu
In informal settings, Pakistanis often use the term “didi” to refer to their older sister and “behen” for their younger sister. These terms are more affectionate and commonly used within close family circles or between siblings. Here are a couple of examples of how you can use these terms:
Example 1: Didi, tumhara favorite show shuru hogaya hai. (Sis, your favorite show has started.)
Example 2: Behen, chalo hum cricket khelte hain. (Sis, let’s go play cricket.)
Regional Variations
While Urdu is the national language, Pakistan is home to many regional languages, each with its unique word for “sister.” Here are a few common regional variations:
Punjabi:
In Punjab, the most widely spoken regional language is Punjabi. The word for sister in Punjabi is “bhain” (pronounced bh-a-y-n).
Sindhi:
In Sindh, where Sindhi is predominantly spoken, the word for sister is “bahin” (pronounced baa-heen).
Pashto:
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of Balochistan, Pashto is spoken. The word for sister in Pashto is “abla” (pronounced ub-la).
Balochi:
In Balochistan, the Balochi language is spoken. The term for sister in Balochi is “aghey” (pronounced ag-hey).
Regional variations in Pakistan’s languages are vast, and it’s not uncommon to find multiple words for “sister” within the same regional language. However, given the broader audience and focus on Urdu, we’ve primarily covered the formal and informal terms used nationwide.
Summary
In summary, Urdu, as the national language of Pakistan, provides the foundation for addressing your sister. “Behen” is the formal term, allowing a respectful approach, whereas “didi” is used informally for an older sister and “behen” for a younger sister. While various regional languages exist in Pakistan, such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi, we’ve included their alternate terms for “sister” for reference. Understanding these different ways to say “sister” in Pakistani will enable you to communicate effectively and affectionately within the cultural context.
