چَچا
cacāmasculine
The English word 'uncle' is translated into Urdu. The default form is چَچا (cacā). Wiktionary also lists کاکا (kākā) and ماما (māmā).
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Urdu | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| چَچا | cacā | masculine | |
| کاکا | kākā | ||
| ماما | māmā | /mɑː.mɑː/ (Standard, Urdu) | |
| تایا | tāyā | /t̪ɑː.jɑː/ (Standard, Urdu) | masculine |
Unlike English, Urdu uses different words for 'uncle' depending on whether the relation is through the father or mother and whether the uncle is older or younger than the parent.
Which one should you use?
The word چَچا specifically refers to a father's younger brother. The word تایا specifically refers to a father's older brother. The word ماما specifically refers to a mother's brother. The word کاکا is a regional or dialectal variation used for a father's younger brother, common in certain parts of North India and Pakistan.
How do you pronounce it?
cacā
Did you know?
- In many Urdu-speaking cultures, چَچا or ماما are often used as respectful titles for older men who are not blood relatives.
- The word تایا comes from the Sanskrit word tātyá, showing the deep historical layers of the language before it was heavily influenced by Persian.
- In many South Asian cultures, the distinction between these terms is so vital that using the wrong one can be seen as a lack of respect or social awareness regarding family hierarchy.
Examples in context
- میرے تایا نے مجھے یہ گھڑی دی تھی۔My uncle gave me this watch.This sentence shows how to use تایا to describe someone giving a gift.Tatoeba #2326415 by nabeel_tahir, translation #2079993 by CK
- میرے تایا ۱۹۸۳ میں میکسیکو گئے تھے اور کبھی واپس نہیں آئے۔My uncle went to Mexico in 1983, never to come back.This sentence shows how to use تایا when discussing a past event.Tatoeba #1885136 by nabeel_tahir, translation #251166 by CM
- ماموں، آپ کیسے ہو؟Uncle, how are you?
- ماموں، اس کتاب کا عنوان کیا ہے؟Uncle, what is the title of this book?
- میرے چَچا بہت اچھے آدمی ہیں۔meray chacha bohat achay aadmi hain.My uncle is a very good man.
Example conversation
Ali and Sara are discussing family members at home.
- علی Aliسارہ، کیا تم نے میرے چَچا کو دیکھا؟Sara, kya tum ne meray chacha ko dekha?Sara, did you see my uncle?
- سارہ Saraنہیں، علی، وہ کہاں گئے؟Nahi, Ali, woh kahan gaye?No, Ali, where did he go?
- علی Aliوہ اپنے گھر پر ہیں۔Woh apnay ghar par hain.He is at his house.
- سارہ Saraٹھیک ہے، میں کل جاؤں گی۔Theek hai, mein kal jaon gi.Okay, I will go tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries ماما, تایا, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries تایا, ماما, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
