Family
Uncle / Aunt (father's brother and his wife)
Chacha / Chachi
CHAH-chah / CHAH-chee
About this phrase
Literally
Paternal uncle / his wife
When to use it
Bangladeshi kinship terms are specific about which side of the family a relative is on: chacha is your father's brother (chachi his wife), distinct from the mother's side terms mama/mami. Families tell several apart by age: boro chacha (the eldest), mejo chacha (the middle one), chhoto chacha (the youngest). Some families call the father's elder brother jetha instead.
How it feels
Warm, familial; also used to politely address an older man/woman on the father's generation even if not literally related.
Formality
Familiar but respectful
Grammar
Word by word
Examples
In a conversation
Rumi
Chacha, eita apnar basha?
Uncle, is this your house?
Chacha
Hyan, bhetore asho
Yes, come inside
Common replies
Chacha, bhalo achhen?
Uncle, are you well?
Assalamu alaikum, chacha
Peace be upon you, uncle