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.
Jump to a language
“Brother” in 67 languages at a glance
| Language | “Brother” | Pronunciation | When 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 | 兄 | 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 | 형 | 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
- 兄: 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
兄 (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
- 弟: refers specifically to a younger brother
Brother in Korean
형 (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
Frequently asked
How do you say “Brother” in different languages?
Spanish: hermano · French: frère · Japanese: 兄 · Italian: fratello · German: Bruder · Korean: 형.
Is the audio real?
Yes, every translation has spoken audio. Tap the speaker beside it. To get feedback on your own pronunciation, practise it in the SPAIKING app.