தம்பி
tampi/t̪ɐmbiː/
The Tamil word for 'younger brother' is தம்பி (tampi).
தம்பி is used to refer to a younger brother. Beyond biological siblings, it is also a common, friendly way to address any boy or man who is significantly younger than you, regardless of whether you are actually related.
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
Which one should you use?
While தம்பி refers to a younger brother, the specific term for an elder brother is அண்ணன்.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /t̪ɐmbiː/ (tampi).
Did you know?
- The term தம்பி is built from two parts that suggest 'one's own' and 'succeeding', essentially meaning 'one's own successor'.
- In some Tamil cinema tropes, the relationship between a தம்பி and an அண்ணன் is often portrayed as more emotionally intense than the bond between biological parents and children.
- While தம்பி is friendly, using it with a total stranger in a professional setting can sometimes be seen as overly casual or condescending.
Examples in context
- தம்பி பள்ளிக்குச் சென்றான்.thambi pallikku chendraan.Younger brother went to school.
Example conversation
Vijay and Anita are talking about their families at a cafe.
- விஜய் Vijayஉனக்கு தம்பி இருக்கிறானா, அனிதா?unakku thambi irukkiraanaa, anitha?Do you have a younger brother, Anita?
- அனிதா Anitaஆம், எனக்கு ஒரு தம்பி இருக்கிறான்.aam, enakku oru thambi irukkiraan.Yes, I have a younger brother.
- விஜய் Vijayஅவன் இப்போது என்ன செய்கிறான்?avan ippodhu enna seigiraan?What is he doing now?
- அனிதா Anitaஅவன் இப்போது கல்லூரியில் படிக்கிறான்.avan ippodhu kallooriyil padikkiraan.He is studying in college now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “younger brother” translations and entries தம்பி, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries தம்பி, CC BY-SA 4.0.
