Bengali · Family & People
ভাই
bhai
Brother
Beginnernoun
Definition
A male sibling; also a friendly address for any man.
Example
আমার ভাই ঢাকায় থাকে।
My brother lives in Dhaka.
Etymology
The term 'ভাই' (bhai) is derived from the Sanskrit 'भ्रातृ' (bhrātṛ) which means brother. It has been adapted in Bengali to signify not just biological brothers but also close male friends.
How & Where It’s Used
'ভাই' is used informally in conversation among friends and family, while being acceptable in various social contexts. It is frequently employed in celebration of brotherhood and camaraderie across genders and ages.
Literary Heritage
'ভাই' appears in numerous Bengali stories, poems, and songs, symbolizing the bonds of brotherhood, notably in works by writers like Kazi Nazrul Islam.