काका
kākā/ka.ka/masculine
In Marathi, the English word 'uncle' is expressed using different terms depending on family relations. The default form is काका (kākā). Wiktionary also lists मामा (māmā).
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Marathi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| काका | kākā | /ka.ka/ | masculine |
| मामा | māmā | /ma.ma/ | masculine |
The term used for uncle in Marathi is determined by which side of the family they belong to.
Which one should you use?
Use मामा (māmā) specifically for your mother's brother, which is a maternal uncle. Use काका (kākā) specifically for your father's brother, which is a paternal uncle.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of काका is /ka.ka/. The sound of the 'k' is like the [c] in the English word 'scan'.
Did you know?
- While you might call an older man काका to show respect, in many parts of Maharashtra, the term is so common that it is frequently used as a polite way to address any stranger of an older generation.
- The term काका has roots that may trace back to Dravidian languages, suggesting a linguistic history that predates or runs parallel to the Indo-Aryan structure of Marathi.
- In traditional Marathi culture, the मामा often plays a central and celebratory role during a niece or nephew's wedding rituals.
Examples in context
- तो माझा मामा आहे.He's my uncle.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a मामा.Tatoeba #10729253 by sabretou, translation #8477489 by CH
- टॉम माझा मामा आहे.Tom is my uncle.Tatoeba #4010988 by sabretou, translation #3171306 by CK
- मी मामा बनणार आहे.I'm going to be an uncle.This sentence is useful for expressing the intent to become a मामा.Tatoeba #6459710 by sabretou, translation #2545411 by CK
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rahul and Aditi are looking at an old family photo.
- राहुल Rahulअदिति, हे माझे काका आहेत.Aditi, he mazhe kaka aahet.Aditi, this is my uncle.
- अदिति Aditiते कुठे राहतात?Te kuthe rahtat?Where does he live?
- राहुल Rahulकाका मुंबईत राहतात.Kaka Mumbai-t rahtat.Uncle lives in Mumbai.
- अदिति Aditiते खूप छान दिसत आहेत.Te khup chan disat aahet.He looks very nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries काका, मामा, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries काका, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
