தங்கை
taṅkai/t̪ɐŋɡɐɪ̯/
The English phrase "younger sister" is translated into Tamil as தங்கை (taṅkai). Wiktionary also lists தங்கைச்சி (taṅkaicci).
Meaning: Translations (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| தங்கை | taṅkai | /t̪ɐŋɡɐɪ̯/ |
| தங்கைச்சி | taṅkaicci | /t̪ɐŋɡɐɪ̯tʃtʃiː/ |
Both terms are used to refer to a younger sister. While தங்கை is the standard term, தங்கைச்சி is often used to convey a more affectionate tone.
Which one should you use?
The term தங்கை specifically refers to a younger sister, whereas அக்கா is the term used for an elder sister.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
தங்கை is the standard form, while தங்கைச்சி is a more colloquial and affectionate version.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /t̪ɐŋɡɐɪ̯/.
Did you know?
- In many Tamil-speaking households, the term for 'younger sister' is often used as a friendly or respectful way to address any woman significantly younger than the speaker, even if they are not related.
- The word தங்கை is built from two ancient parts: தம், meaning 'one's own', and கை, meaning 'younger sister'.
- The term தங்கை is a linguistic cousin to நங்கை, a classical poetic word used to describe a maiden or young woman.
Examples in context
- என் தங்கை இள வயதிலேய கல்யாணம் செய்து கொண்டாள்My younger sister got married in her teens.This sentence is useful for showing how to use தங்கை in a sentence about a sibling's marriage.Tatoeba #4271996 by Singaravelu, translation #338272 by nanbanjin
- அவள் என் தங்கை.avaḷ en thangai.She is my younger sister.
Example conversation
Karthik and Kavitha are talking about their family members.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikஉனக்குத் தங்கை இருக்கிறாளா?unakkut thangai irukkirāḷā?Do you have a younger sister?
- கவிதா Kavithaஆம், எனக்கு ஒரு தங்கை இருக்கிறாள்.ām, enakku oru thangai irukkirāl.Yes, I have a younger sister.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikஅவள் பெயர் என்ன?avaḷ peyar enna?What is her name?
- கவிதா Kavithaஅவள் பெயர் மீனா.avaḷ peyar mīnā.Her name is Meena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “younger sister” translations and entries தங்கை, தங்கைச்சி, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries தங்கை, தங்கைச்சி, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
