Whether you have just become a part of a Maharashtrian family or been in one for a long time, Marathi family relations can get a bit confusing. In Marathi, every family relation has its own name and it’s important that you know most of them! It can be daunting at first, but we’ve got you covered! Here is your crash course on the most important family relations in Marathi.
Let’s start with the maternal side aka aai chee bazoo
Maavshi (pronunciation: Maa-ohuu-shee)
Your maavshi is your mom’s sister. It doesn’t matter whether she is older or younger than your mom, she is your maavshi. Side note: Call your mom’s / mom-in-law’s female friends as maavshi and watch their amazement
Use it as: “name + maavshi”
Kaka (Maavshi’s husband) (pronunciation: Kaakaa)
If your maavshi is married, her husband is your kaka.
Use it as: name + kaka
Maavas bhaoo/ maavas baheen (maavshi’s kids)
(pronunciation: mah-vuhs bhaoo/ mah-vuhs ba-hee-n)
Your maavshi’s children are your maavas bhaoo (cousin brother) and maavas baheen (cousin sister).
Use it as: You won’t use these while talking to them, only when referring to them when you’re talking to someone else.
As in, “tee majhee maavas bhaeen aahey” (she is my mavshi’s daughter)
Call them by their names or daadaa (older brother) or taee (older sister) if they are older than you!
Mama (pronunciation: maamaa) (mom’s brother)
Your mom’s brother is your mama, irrespective of his age.
Use it as: name + mama
Maamee (Mama’s wife) (pronunciation: Mah-mee)
If your mama is married, his wife is your maamee.
Use it as: name + mamee
Mamey bhaoo/maamey baheen (your mama’s children)
(pronunciation: mah-may bhaa-oo/ mah-may baa-hee-n)
Your mama’s kids are your mamey bhaoo (cousin brother) or mamey baheen (cousin sister).
Use it as: You won’t use these while talking to them, only when referring to them when you’re talking to someone else.
As in, “toh mazaa mamey bhaoo aahey” (he is my mama’s son)
These relations can get confusing if one isn’t using them regularly. Luckily, we at Speak Marathi make sure we add these cultural points in our Marathi lessons to make sure you/your children learn the necessary cultural nuances needed to have a well-rounded understanding of Marathi language and culture. Join us for a free demo session now!