# Bhai

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bhai
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a word for 'brother' or 'friend' used in South Asia. You use it to address a man in a friendly or respectful way, even if you are not related.

For teachers: a term of address for a brother, male peer, or friend, originating from Hindi and Urdu. Often used as a marker of solidarity or respect within South Asian communities.

## Examples

- Don't worry about it, bhai, everything will be fine.
- He greeted the shopkeeper as 'bhai' before asking for the price of the mangoes.
- The term bhai has evolved from a simple kinship label to a versatile social honorific that bridges the gap between familial intimacy and casual street-level camaraderie.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a vocative to address someone directly; can also be used as a suffix after a name.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.