Family Words in Tamil
Tamil vocabulary for relatives, including the distinct words for older and younger siblings and for each side of the family.
Tamil family vocabulary is detailed, with different words for older and younger siblings.
Close family
| Tamil | Romanised | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| அம்மா | amma | mother |
| அப்பா | appa | father |
| அண்ணன் | annan | older brother |
| அக்கா | akka | older sister |
| தம்பி | thambi | younger brother |
| தங்கை | thangai | younger sister |
| மகன் | magan | son |
| மகள் | magal | daughter |
Grandparents and wider family
| Tamil | Meaning |
|---|---|
| தாத்தா | grandfather |
| பாட்டி | grandmother |
| மாமா | maternal uncle |
| அத்தை | paternal aunt |
| சித்தப்பா | father's younger brother |
| சித்தி | mother's younger sister |
| பெரியப்பா | father's older brother |
| பெரியம்மா | mother's older sister |
Tamil family terms are often more specific than English, so you can tell exactly who someone is.
Marriage
- கணவன் (kanavan), husband
- மனைவி (manaivi), wife
- திருமணம் (thirumanam), wedding
Talking about family
- என் குடும்பம் பெரியது. My family is big.
- எனக்கு ஒரு அக்கா இருக்கிறாள். I have an older sister.
- என் அம்மா ஆசிரியர். My mother is a teacher.
Using kin terms with others
Tamil speakers often use family words for people who are not relatives, as a mark of respect and warmth:
- அண்ணா (annaa) for an older man
- அக்கா for an older woman
- மாமா for a friendly older man
- அம்மா for an older woman
Tips
- Learn the older/younger distinction.
- Learn parents and siblings first.
- Use the dictionary to check relationship terms.
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