When learning Hindi, one of the most essential aspects to grasp is the vocabulary related to family members. Hindi, like many languages, has specific terms for different family relations which can often be quite detailed. Understanding these terms not only helps in everyday conversation but also enriches one’s understanding of the cultural significance of family in India. Here, we will explore a variety of Hindi words for family members, complete with their definitions and examples.
Maa (माँ) refers to mother. This term is universally used across various regions in India and is filled with a deep sense of respect and affection.
मेरी माँ मुझे बहुत प्यार करती है।
Pita (पिता) means father. The word pita is a formal term, and in casual conversation, ‘Papa’ or ‘Dad’ can also be used.
मेरे पिता एक डॉक्टर हैं।
Beta (बेटा) or son. The word is often used in a familial context to refer to one’s own son or can be used generally to address younger boys.
उनका बेटा अभी स्कूल में है।
Beti (बेटी) stands for daughter. Similar to ‘beta,’ ‘beti’ is used within families and can also be used to affectionately refer to young girls.
उनकी बेटी बहुत होशियार है।
Bhai (भाई) means brother. This term is used to refer to a male sibling.
मेरा भाई अमेरिका में रहता है।
Behen (बहन) or sister. It is the term for a female sibling.
मेरी बहन एक वकील है।
Dada (दादा) refers to paternal grandfather. This term reflects respect and the elder status in the family.
मेरे दादा रोज़ सुबह टहलने जाते हैं।
Dadi (दादी) means paternal grandmother. Like ‘dada’, ‘dadi’ also conveys a sense of respect towards the elder female member of the family on the father’s side.
मेरी दादी को कहानियाँ सुनाना पसंद है।
Nana (नाना) is the term for maternal grandfather. It signifies the mother’s father.
मेरे नाना पुराने गाने सुनने के शौकीन हैं।
Nani (नानी) stands for maternal grandmother. This term is used for the mother’s mother and is also filled with affection and respect.
मेरी नानी मुझे बहुत प्यार करती हैं।
Chacha (चाचा) means father’s younger brother. This term is specifically used to denote the relationship of the paternal uncle who is younger than one’s father.
मेरे चाचा वकील हैं।
Chachi (चाची) refers to the wife of the father’s younger brother. It denotes the aunt by marriage on the father’s side.
मेरी चाची एक अच्छी शिक्षिका हैं।
Mama (मामा) means mother’s brother or maternal uncle. This term is affectionately used to address or refer to one’s uncle from the mother’s side.
मेरे मामा एक इंजीनियर हैं।
Mami (मामी) is used for the wife of the mother’s brother, or maternal aunt by marriage. It’s a common term used in North India.
मेरी मामी बहुत अच्छा खाना बनाती हैं।
Jija (जीजा) refers to the husband of one’s sister, or brother-in-law. It is a colloquial term widely accepted in conversational Hindi.
मेरे जीजा एक डॉक्टर हैं।
Sali (साली) stands for the sister of one’s wife, or sister-in-law. This term is often used in a light-hearted manner in conversations.
मेरी साली कॉलेज में पढ़ती है।
By understanding these Hindi terms for family members, learners can engage more deeply with Hindi-speaking communities and gain insights into Indian familial structures and the values that uphold them.
