Brother in different languages

How to say “Brother” in 67 different languages, each written out, romanized and pronounced, and checked for natural everyday use. Tap the speaker to hear it, then practise saying it yourself in the SPAIKING app.

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“Brother” in 67 languages at a glance

Language“Brother”PronunciationWhen to use
🇪🇸 Spanish hermano air-mah-no Use 'hermano' when referring to a brother in a straightforward manner
🇫🇷 French frère frehr You can use 'frère' when talking about your brother or a close male friend
🇯🇵 Japanese ah-nee Use '兄' when referring to your older brother in a casual context
🇮🇹 Italian fratello frah-tel-loh You can use 'fratello' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇩🇪 German Bruder broo-dair You use 'Bruder' when referring to your male sibling
🇰🇷 Korean hyung Use '형' when you are a younger male speaking to an older brother
🇨🇳 Chinese 哥哥 guh-guh Use '哥哥' when referring to an older brother or addressing an older male friend in a casual context
🇷🇺 Russian брат braht You can use 'брат' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇧🇷 Portuguese irmão ear-mow Use 'irmão' when referring to a brother in a familial context
🇸🇦 Arabic أخ akh You can use 'أخ' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇮🇳 Hindi भाई bhaa-ee You can use 'भाई' when addressing your brother or a close male friend
🇬🇧 English brother bruh-thur Use 'brother' when referring to a male sibling
🇳🇱 Dutch broer broor You use 'broer' when referring to your male sibling
🇸🇪 Swedish bror broor You can use 'bror' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇩🇰 Danish bror broor You can use 'bror' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇵🇱 Polish brat braht You can use 'brat' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇹🇷 Turkish kardeş kar-desh You can use 'kardeş' to refer to a sibling or as a term of endearment among friends
🇮🇩 Indonesian Saudara sow-dah-rah You can use 'saudara' in formal contexts or when addressing someone respectfully
🇻🇳 Vietnamese Anh ahng Use 'Anh' when addressing an older brother or a male friend who is older than you
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Брат braht Use 'брат' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇹🇭 Thai พี่ชาย pee-chai Use 'พี่ชาย' when referring to an older brother
🇬🇷 Greek Αδελφός ah-thel-FOS You can use 'Αδελφός' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇵🇭 Tagalog Kapatid kah-pah-tid Use 'kapatid' when referring to a sibling in a general sense
🇮🇱 Hebrew אח akh You can use 'אח' when referring to a male sibling
🇳🇴 Norwegian bror broor Use 'bror' when talking about your brother or someone else's brother
🇷🇴 Romanian frate frah-teh You can use 'frate' when referring to your brother or when talking about brothers in general
🇨🇿 Czech bratr brah-tr Use 'bratr' when referring to a brother in a formal or neutral context
🇭🇺 Hungarian fivér fee-vair You can use 'fivér' when referring to your brother in a casual conversation
🇫🇮 Finnish veli veh-lee You can use 'veli' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇵🇰 Urdu بھائی bhai You can use 'بھائی' to refer to your brother or a close male friend
🇷🇸 Serbian brat braht You can use 'brat' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇭🇷 Croatian brat braht Use 'brat' when referring to a male sibling
🇧🇬 Bulgarian брат brat You can use 'брат' when talking about your brother or a close male friend
🇸🇰 Slovak brat braht You can use 'brat' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇮🇳 Tamil அண்ணன் ah-n-nan Use 'அண்ணன்' when referring to an elder brother or a close male friend
🇮🇳 Telugu అన్న ah-n-nah Use 'అన్న' when addressing or referring to an older brother
🇧🇩 Bengali ভাই bhai You can use 'ভাই' when addressing a brother or a close male friend
🇲🇾 Malay Abang ah-bahng You can use 'Abang' when addressing or referring to an older brother
🇮🇷 Persian برادر bah-rah-dar You can use 'برادر' when referring to your brother or addressing someone as a brother
🇳🇵 Nepali भाइ bhai You can use 'भाइ' when referring to a younger brother or a close male friend
🇦🇱 Albanian vëlla veh-lah You can use 'vëlla' when addressing your brother or talking about him
🇮🇳 Malayalam സഹോദരൻ sah-oh-dah-ruhn You can use 'സഹോദരൻ' when referring to your brother or addressing someone as a brother
🇮🇳 Kannada ಅಣ್ಣ uh-nna Use 'ಅಣ್ಣ' when referring to an elder brother or a close male friend
🇮🇳 Marathi भाऊ bha-oo You can use 'भाऊ' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇮🇳 Gujarati ભાઈ bhai Use 'ભાઈ' when addressing or referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇰🇪 Swahili ndugu n-doo-goo You can use 'ndugu' to refer to a brother in a general sense
🇿🇦 Afrikaans broer broo-er You can use 'broer' when referring to your male sibling or when addressing a close male friend
🇮🇪 Irish deartháir dair-har You can use 'deartháir' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🏴 Welsh brawd brood You can use 'brawd' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🏛️ Latin frater frah-ter Use 'frater' when referring to a male sibling in a general sense
🌺 Hawaiian ka braddah kah brah-dah Use 'ka braddah' when referring to a male sibling or a close male friend
🇳🇿 Maori Tāne tah-neh Use 'Tāne' when referring to a brother in a general sense
🇿🇦 Zulu ubhuti oo-boo-tee Use 'ubhuti' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇳🇬 Yoruba Ẹgbẹ́ eh-gbeh You can use 'Ẹgbẹ́' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇳🇬 Hausa dani dah-nee You can use 'dani' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇸🇴 Somali walaal wah-lahl You can use 'walaal' to address a male friend or sibling
🇮🇸 Icelandic bróðir broh-theer You can use 'bróðir' when referring to your brother or someone you consider like a brother
🇪🇸 Catalan germà jehr-mah You use 'germà' when referring to your brother or a male sibling
🇲🇲 Burmese ညီ nyee Use 'ညီ' when referring to a brother in a casual context
🇰🇭 Khmer បង bong You can use 'បង' when addressing an older brother or a close male friend
🇱🇰 Sinhala අයියා ah-yee-yah Use 'අයියා' when addressing or referring to an older brother
🇱🇦 Lao ບັນດາ bahn-dah You can use 'ບັນດາ' when referring to a brother in a general sense
🇪🇹 Amharic ወንድም wen-dim You can use 'ወንድም' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇬🇪 Georgian ძმა dz-ma Use 'ძმა' when referring to your brother or a close male friend
🇦🇲 Armenian եղբայր yegh-bayr You can use 'եղբայր' when talking to or about your brother
🇦🇫 Pashto ورور wo-roor You can use 'ورور' when addressing or referring to your brother
🇵🇰 Sindhi ڀاءُ bhao You can use 'ڀاءُ' when referring to your brother or a close male friend

Brother in Thai

พี่ชาย (pee-chai)

Use 'พี่ชาย' when referring to an older brother. It is a term of respect and affection. In casual settings, you can simply say 'พี่' to refer to an older sibling. For younger brothers, use 'น้องชาย'.

Examples

  • พี่ชายของฉันทำอาหารเก่งมาก
    My older brother is very good at cooking.

Other ways to say it

  • น้องชาย: used for younger brother
  • พี่: can be used informally for older siblings

Brother in Bengali

ভাই (bhai)

You can use 'ভাই' when addressing a brother or a close male friend. It is a casual term and can also be used to refer to someone you consider like a brother. In more formal situations, you might use 'দাদা' for an elder brother or someone older.

Examples

  • তুমি কি ভাইয়ের সাথে কথা বলেছ?
    Have you talked to your brother?
  • ভাই, তুমি কোথায় যাচ্ছ?
    Brother, where are you going?

Other ways to say it

  • ভাইয়া: used in a more affectionate or informal context
  • দাদা: used for elder brother or in a respectful manner

Brother in Indonesian

Saudara (sow-dah-rah)

You can use 'saudara' in formal contexts or when addressing someone respectfully. It is appropriate in both spoken and written Indonesian. For casual conversations, you might prefer 'kakak' or 'adik' depending on the age relationship.

Examples

  • Saudara saya tinggal di Jakarta.
    My brother lives in Jakarta.

Other ways to say it

  • Kakak: used for older brother or sister
  • Adik: used for younger brother or sister

Brother in Arabic

أخ (akh)

You can use 'أخ' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is a common term in everyday conversation. In more formal situations, you might use 'الأخ'.

Examples

  • أخي يعيش في مدينة أخرى.
    My brother lives in another city.
  • أخوي يحب كرة القدم.
    My brother loves football.

Other ways to say it

  • أخوي: used in casual contexts, especially among younger people
  • الأخ: more formal, often used in religious or respectful contexts

Brother in Pashto

ورور (wo-roor)

You can use 'ورور' when addressing or referring to your brother. It is also used informally among close friends to express camaraderie. In more formal situations, you might opt for 'برادر'.

Examples

  • زما ورور ډیر ښه دی.
    My brother is very good.
  • ورور، ته څنګه یی؟
    Brother, how are you?

Other ways to say it

  • برادر: more formal, often used in written contexts

Brother in Spanish

hermano (air-mah-no)

Use 'hermano' when referring to a brother in a straightforward manner. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. You can also use it to refer to close friends in a brotherly way.

Examples

  • Mi hermano vive en otra ciudad.
    My brother lives in another city.
  • Tengo un hermanito que es muy travieso.
    I have a little brother who is very mischievous.

Other ways to say it

  • hermanito: used affectionately for younger brothers or in a casual context
  • hermanazo: a more informal and affectionate term, often used among friends

Brother in Telugu

అన్న (ah-n-nah)

Use 'అన్న' when addressing or referring to an older brother. It is a term of affection and respect. You can use it in casual conversations among family or friends. In formal situations, you might prefer 'అన్నయ్య'.

Examples

  • అన్న, నువ్వు ఎక్కడ ఉన్నావు?
    Brother, where are you?
  • అన్నయ్య, మీకు ఎలా ఉంది?
    Brother, how are you?

Other ways to say it

  • అన్నయ్య: used in a more respectful or formal context
  • తమ్ముడు: used to refer to a younger brother

Brother in Chinese

哥哥 (guh-guh)

Use '哥哥' when referring to an older brother or addressing an older male friend in a casual context. It conveys familiarity and affection. In family settings, it is commonly used among siblings.

Examples

  • 哥哥,我想和你一起去玩。
    Brother, I want to go play with you.

Other ways to say it

  • 弟弟: used for younger brother
  • : more formal or literary term for brother

Brother in Tamil

அண்ணன் (ah-n-nan)

Use 'அண்ணன்' when referring to an elder brother or a close male friend. It conveys respect and affection. In casual settings, you might use 'அண்ணா' instead. It's common in family and friendly conversations.

Examples

  • என் அண்ணன் இன்று வீட்டில் இல்லை.
    My brother is not at home today.
  • அண்ணன், நீ எங்கு போகிறாய்?
    Brother, where are you going?

Other ways to say it

  • சேலன்: used in some regions, more casual
  • அண்ணா: more informal and affectionate

Brother in Japanese

(ah-nee)

Use '兄' when referring to your older brother in a casual context. 'お兄さん' is polite and can be used for someone else's older brother. '弟' is used for younger brothers.

Examples

  • 私の兄はサッカーが得意です。
    My brother is good at soccer.
  • お兄さん、遊びに来てください。
    Older brother, please come to play.
  • 弟はまだ学生です。
    My younger brother is still a student.

Other ways to say it

  • お兄さん: used when addressing an older brother or someone else's older brother
  • : refers specifically to a younger brother

Brother in Korean

(hyung)

Use '형' when you are a younger male speaking to an older brother. It is a term of endearment and respect. '형' is commonly used among friends and family. If you are a female, you would use '오빠' instead.

Examples

  • 형, 오늘 뭐 할 거야?
    Brother, what are you doing today?

Other ways to say it

  • 오빠: used by females to refer to an older brother or male friend
  • 형님: a more respectful way to address an older brother

Brother in Italian

fratello (frah-tel-loh)

You can use 'fratello' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is a term of endearment and can also be used in a familial context. In casual conversations, it can express camaraderie among friends.

Examples

  • Mio fratello è molto simpatico.
    My brother is very nice.
  • Ho chiamato mio fratello ieri.
    I called my brother yesterday.
  • Fratello, hai visto il mio libro?
    Brother, have you seen my book?

Other ways to say it

  • fratellino: used affectionately for a younger brother
  • fratello maggiore: means older brother
  • fratello minore: means younger brother

Brother in Afrikaans

broer (broo-er)

You can use 'broer' when referring to your male sibling or when addressing a close male friend. It is a common term in everyday conversation. In informal settings, you might use 'boet' instead.

Examples

  • My broer is baie lief vir sport.
    My brother loves sports very much.
  • Ek gaan saam met my boet na die fliek.
    I am going to the movies with my brother.

Other ways to say it

  • boet: a casual and affectionate term often used among friends
  • broerlief: a more endearing term, often used in a loving context

Brother in Yoruba

Ẹgbẹ́ (eh-gbeh)

You can use 'Ẹgbẹ́' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is a term of endearment and can also express camaraderie. In informal settings, you might prefer 'Bros' among friends.

Examples

  • Ẹgbẹ́ mi, bawo ni?
    My brother, how are you?
  • Mo fẹ́ ra ẹ̀bùn fún ẹgbẹ́ mi.
    I want to buy a gift for my brother.

Other ways to say it

  • Ọmọ ẹbí: used to refer to a male cousin or relative
  • Bros: a casual term often used among friends

Brother in German

Bruder (broo-dair)

You use 'Bruder' when referring to your male sibling. It can also be used in a broader sense to refer to close male friends or comrades. In informal settings, you might use affectionate terms like 'Brüderchen' or 'Bruderherz'.

Examples

  • Mein Bruder und ich gehen ins Kino.
    My brother and I are going to the cinema.
  • Ich habe einen älteren Bruder.
    I have an older brother.

Other ways to say it

  • Brüderchen: a casual or affectionate term for a younger brother
  • Bruderherz: a term of endearment, often used in a loving context

Brother in Nepali

भाइ (bhai)

You can use 'भाइ' when referring to a younger brother or a close male friend. It is a casual term and is commonly used in everyday conversation. 'दाजु' is more formal and respectful when addressing an elder brother.

Examples

  • मेरो भाइ खेल्न गयो।
    My brother went to play.
  • तिमीलाई मेरो दाजु चिन्छ?
    Do you know my elder brother?

Other ways to say it

  • दाजु: used for elder brother
  • भाइँ: used in some regions or dialects

Brother in Hindi

भाई (bhaa-ee)

You can use 'भाई' when addressing your brother or a close male friend. It is also used to refer to male peers in a friendly manner. In more formal situations, you might use 'भाईसाहब' or 'भाईजान'.

Examples

  • तुम मेरे भाई हो।
    You are my brother.
  • भाई, क्या तुम आ रहे हो?
    Brother, are you coming?

Other ways to say it

  • भाईजान: more respectful or affectionate, often used in casual contexts
  • भाईसाहब: more formal, used in respectful address

Brother in Russian

брат (braht)

You can use 'брат' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is common in both formal and informal contexts. The variants can express different levels of affection or familiarity.

Examples

  • Мой брат живёт в Москве.
    My brother lives in Moscow.
  • Братишка, давай поиграем вместе.
    Brother, let's play together.

Other ways to say it

  • братишка: a casual and affectionate term for brother
  • братец: a diminutive form, often used affectionately

Brother in Tagalog

Kapatid (kah-pah-tid)

Use 'kapatid' when referring to a sibling in a general sense. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. 'Kuya' is used when addressing an older brother or a male friend who is older than you. 'Brod' is best used among peers or close friends.

Examples

  • Siya ang aking kapatid.
    He is my brother.
  • Kapatid ko si Juan.
    My brother is Juan.

Other ways to say it

  • Brod: A casual, informal term often used among friends.
  • Kuya: Used to refer to an older brother or an older male in a respectful way.

Brother in Hausa

dani (dah-nee)

You can use 'dani' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is a term of endearment and shows familiarity. In more formal contexts, you might use 'yan'uwa' to refer to siblings in general.

Examples

  • Dani na yana da kyau.
    My brother is handsome.
  • Na je gidan dani na jiya.
    I went to my brother's house yesterday.

Other ways to say it

  • yan'uwa: used for siblings in general, can refer to both brothers and sisters
  • bawa: more casual, often used among friends

Brother in Turkish

kardeş (kar-desh)

You can use 'kardeş' to refer to a sibling or as a term of endearment among friends. It's common in both formal and informal contexts. 'Abi' is often used among younger people to address older males casually.

Examples

  • Kardeşim, bana yardım eder misin?
    Brother, can you help me?
  • Abi, bu filmi izledin mi?
    Brother, have you watched this movie?

Other ways to say it

  • abi: used informally for older brothers or close male friends
  • ağabey: more formal or respectful way to say older brother

Brother in Sindhi

ڀاءُ (bhao)

You can use 'ڀاءُ' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is a casual term and can be used in everyday conversation. In more formal situations, you might choose 'ڀائي' instead.

Examples

  • منهنجو ڀاءُ اسڪول وڃي رهيو آهي.
    My brother is going to school.
  • توهان جو ڀاءُ ڪهڙو آهي؟
    Which one is your brother?

Other ways to say it

  • ڀائي: used in more formal contexts or when addressing someone respectfully
  • سائين: used in a respectful manner, often for older brothers or elders

Brother in Vietnamese

Anh (ahng)

Use 'Anh' when addressing an older brother or a male friend who is older than you. It conveys respect and familiarity. In casual settings, it can also be used among friends.

Examples

  • Anh có khỏe không?
    How are you, brother?
  • Em sẽ gọi anh sau nhé.
    I will call you later, brother.

Other ways to say it

  • Em: used to refer to a younger brother or a younger male friend
  • Bác: used to refer to an older male relative or elder

Brother in Persian

برادر (bah-rah-dar)

You can use 'برادر' when referring to your brother or addressing someone as a brother. It is a standard term in both formal and informal contexts. 'داداش' is more casual and friendly, suitable for close relationships.

Examples

  • برادر من در دانشگاه تحصیل می‌کند.
    My brother studies at the university.
  • داداش، می‌خواهی با هم برویم؟
    Brother, do you want to go together?

Other ways to say it

  • داداش: a casual and affectionate term, often used among friends or younger siblings
  • برادر بزرگ: means 'older brother', used to specify age

Brother in Greek

Αδελφός (ah-thel-FOS)

You can use 'Αδελφός' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is a term of endearment and can also be used in a familial context. In casual conversations, it can express camaraderie among friends.

Examples

  • Ο αδελφός μου είναι πολύ καλός.
    My brother is very nice.
  • Πήγαμε μαζί με τον αδελφό μου στο σινεμά.
    I went to the cinema with my brother.

Other ways to say it

  • Αδελφή: used for sister
  • Φίλος: can mean friend, used informally among close males

Brother in Serbian

brat (braht)

You can use 'brat' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is a common term in both formal and informal contexts. In casual conversations, you might use 'brate' to express camaraderie.

Examples

  • Moj brat je najbolji prijatelj.
    My brother is my best friend.

Other ways to say it

  • brate: used informally among friends

Brother in Polish

brat (braht)

You can use 'brat' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It's a casual term and can be used in everyday conversations. In more affectionate contexts, you might use 'braciszek'.

Examples

  • Mój brat jest bardzo zabawny.
    My brother is very funny.
  • Czy znasz mojego brata?
    Do you know my brother?

Other ways to say it

  • braciszek: a diminutive form, often used affectionately

Brother in Urdu

بھائی (bhai)

You can use 'بھائی' to refer to your brother or a close male friend. It is a common term of endearment among males. In more formal situations, you might use 'بھائی جان' or 'بھائی صاحب'.

Examples

  • میرا بھائی بہت اچھا ہے۔
    My brother is very nice.
  • بھائی، کیا تم آج آؤ گے؟
    Brother, will you come today?

Other ways to say it

  • بھائی جان: a more affectionate or respectful way to address a brother
  • بھائی صاحب: a formal way to address an elder brother or in respectful contexts

Brother in Malay

Abang (ah-bahng)

You can use 'Abang' when addressing or referring to an older brother. It is also used as a term of respect for older males in some contexts. In casual conversations, it can express familiarity and warmth.

Examples

  • Abang saya suka bermain bola.
    My brother likes to play football.

Other ways to say it

  • Kakak: used for older sisters, but can be used in a similar context
  • Adik: used for younger siblings, can indicate affection

Brother in Marathi

भाऊ (bha-oo)

You can use 'भाऊ' when referring to your brother or a close male friend. It is a casual term that conveys familiarity. In more formal situations, you might use 'भाऊजी' or 'भाऊसाहेब'.

Examples

  • माझा भाऊ मला खूप आवडतो.
    I really like my brother.
  • भाऊ, तू कसा आहेस?
    Brother, how are you?

Other ways to say it

  • भाऊजी: used as a term of endearment or respect
  • भाऊसाहेब: more formal, often used in respectful contexts
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Frequently asked

How do you say “Brother” in different languages?

Spanish: hermano · French: frère · Japanese: 兄 · Italian: fratello · German: Bruder · Korean: 형.

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