মামা
mama/ma.ma/
The English word 'uncle' is translated into Bengali using several terms depending on the specific relationship to the speaker. If unsure, use মামা (mama). Wiktionary also lists চাচা (caca) and ফুফা (phupha).
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bengali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| মামা | mama | /ma.ma/ |
| চাচা | caca | /t͡ʃat͡ʃa/ /tɕatɕa/ |
| ফুফা | phupha | |
| খালু | khalu | /kʰalu/ |
In Bengali, the specific word for uncle is determined by whether the man is related to you through your mother or your father or if he is married to your aunt.
Which one should you use?
Bengali uses distinct words to differentiate between various uncles and their specific roles: মামা (mama) refers specifically to a maternal uncle, the brother of one's mother. চাচা (caca) refers specifically to a paternal uncle, the brother of one's father. ফুফা (phupha) refers to the husband of one's paternal aunt. খালু (khalu) refers to the husband of one's maternal aunt.
How do you pronounce it?
The word মামা is pronounced as /ma.ma/.
Did you know?
- In many Bengali-speaking cultures, calling an older man a specific title like মামা or চাচা can be a way to show respect even if you are not biologically related.
- The word চাচা is thought to have originated from 'baby talk', similar to how English speakers use simplified sounds for young children.
- The term মামা is so culturally pervasive that it often appears in Bengali literature and folk songs to symbolize a specific kind of affectionate, indulgent male protector.
Examples in context
- আমার চাচা ধনী।My uncle is rich.This sentence is useful for describing a quality of your paternal uncle using চাচা.Tatoeba #11999256 by robingaspi, translation #1388690 by Spamster
- আমার মামা খুব ভাল গায়।My uncle is a very good singer.This sentence is useful for describing a talent of your maternal uncle using মামা.
- মজলিসের ইন্তেখাবে আমার খালুকে মুহতামিমের জিম্মাদারী দেওয়া হয়।My maternal uncle was given the custody of principal at the convention elections.This sentence is useful for describing a responsibility given to your maternal aunt's husband using খালু.
Example conversation
Akash and Ishani are talking about their family members.
- ইশানি Ishaniতোমার মামা কোথায় থাকেন?Tomar mama kothay thaken?Where does your uncle live?
- আকাশ Akashআমার মামা ঢাকা শহরে থাকেন।Amar mama Dhaka shohore thaken.My uncle lives in Dhaka city.
- ইশানি Ishaniতিনি কি শিক্ষক?Tini ki shikkhok?Is he a teacher?
- আকাশ Akashহ্যাঁ, তিনি একজন ইংরেজি শিক্ষক।Hyan, tini ekjon ingreji shikkhok.Yes, he is an English teacher.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries মামা, চাচা, ফুফা, খালু, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries খালু, চাচা, মামা, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
