Family

Family

BeginnerNeutralStandard

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