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B1 noun 9 min read

बिरादरी

birādarī
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips बिरादरी in 30 Seconds
Explanation बिरादरी in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex social meanings of 'Birādarī'. Just think of it as a word for a 'group of people' or a 'community'. Imagine a group of friends or neighbors who always help each other. In simple Hindi, it is a feminine word (like 'ladki' or 'kitaab'), so we say 'meri biradari'. You might hear it when people talk about their village or their big family. It is a bit like saying 'my people'. Even at this early stage, knowing that Hindi has special words for different types of groups is very helpful.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'Birādarī' to describe social circles. You might use it in sentences like 'My community is small' (मेरी बिरादरी छोटी है). It is a good word to use when talking about traditions or festivals that you celebrate with a specific group of people. You should also notice that it's different from 'Parivār' (family). While 'Parivār' is just your parents and siblings, 'Birādarī' includes your cousins, uncles, and even people in your neighborhood who share your background. It's a useful word for describing your identity and where you come from in a simple way.
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At the B1 level, you should understand that 'Birādarī' is a key cultural concept in India. It refers to a 'brotherhood' or 'kinship group'. It is used to talk about the social support system that people have. For example, if someone is in trouble, their 'Birādarī' might come to help them. You will also see this word used in professional contexts, like 'the community of doctors' (डॉक्टर बिरादरी). At this level, you should be able to use the word in sentences about social rules and community decisions. You should also be careful with the feminine gender of the word, ensuring that your adjectives and verbs match correctly.
At the B2 level, you should explore the sociopolitical nuances of 'Birādarī'. This word is often used in discussions about Indian politics, especially regarding 'vote banks' and community-based voting. You should understand how 'Birādarī' can exert social pressure on individuals, such as through 'Khap Panchayats' or social boycotts. At this level, you can use the word to discuss more complex topics like 'social identity' and 'communal harmony'. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'Samudāy' (a formal community) and 'Jaati' (caste), understanding that 'Birādarī' emphasizes the horizontal networking and mutual aid within a group.
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At the C1 level, you can use 'Birādarī' metaphorically and analytically. You should be able to discuss its role in the historical development of South Asian society and its persistence in the modern era despite urbanization. You can use it to describe professional solidarities or literary circles with a sense of irony or deep respect. You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions involving the word, such as those related to social exclusion. At this level, your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's Persian roots and its evolution into a cornerstone of North Indian social structure. You can analyze how 'Birādarī' functions as a form of social capital.
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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the word 'Birādarī'. You can use it to navigate the most sensitive social and political discussions in Hindi. You understand its deep psychological impact on individual agency and its role in maintaining traditional power structures. You can use the term in academic writing or high-level journalism to critique or defend communal systems. You are also aware of the regional variations in how the word is used across the Hindi heartland and its overlaps with Urdu culture. Your usage captures the emotional resonance of the word—the sense of security it provides and the suffocating pressure it can sometimes exert.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

बिरादरी in 30 Seconds

  • Biradari means community or brotherhood.
  • It is a feminine noun in Hindi.
  • It refers to kinship, clans, or professional groups.
  • It is central to social and political identity in India.

The word बिरादरी (Birādarī) is a deeply nuanced term in Hindi, originating from the Persian word 'Birādar', which means 'brother'. At its most basic level, it translates to 'brotherhood' or 'fraternity', but in the sociological landscape of South Asia, it encompasses a much wider spectrum of meaning. It refers to a community, a clan, or a kinship group that shares a common lineage, profession, or social status. Unlike the broad term 'Samāj' (society), Birādarī implies a specific, often closed network of people who are bound by mutual obligations, shared traditions, and social support systems.

Etymological Root
Derived from the Persian 'Birādar' (brother) + the suffix 'ī', creating an abstract noun representing the state of being brothers or belonging to a specific brotherhood.
Sociological Context
In rural and traditional urban settings, it identifies one's immediate social circle, often tied to caste (Jāti) or ancestral profession, serving as a primary source of identity and political mobilization.
Modern Usage
In contemporary urban Hindi, it is frequently used to describe professional fraternities, such as the 'vakeel birādarī' (lawyers' community) or 'patrakār birādarī' (journalists' fraternity).

गाँव में आज भी बिरादरी के फैसलों को बहुत महत्व दिया जाता है। (In the village, the decisions of the community are still given great importance.)

When people use this word, they are often invoking a sense of belonging and collective responsibility. If someone says 'हमारी बिरादरी' (our community), they are drawing a line between those who are 'insiders' and those who are 'outsiders'. This can be a source of immense strength, providing a safety net during crises, or it can be a source of social pressure, as the Birādarī often enforces strict codes of conduct and traditional norms.

उसने अपनी बिरादरी से बाहर शादी करने का साहस किया। (He had the courage to marry outside of his community.)

Historically, the Birādarī system was the backbone of local governance before modern administrative structures took over. Even today, in political contexts, 'Birādarī-vaad' (favoritism based on community) is a significant factor in election strategies, especially in Northern India and Pakistan. It represents the collective power of a group to negotiate with the state or other social entities.

Metaphorical Extension
Beyond kinship, it can refer to any group with a shared interest, like 'shayar birādarī' (the community of poets).

साहित्यिक बिरादरी में इस नई पुस्तक की काफी चर्चा है। (There is a lot of discussion about this new book in the literary community.)

Understanding Birādarī is essential for anyone looking to grasp the intricacies of Indian social life. It is not just a word; it is a framework of social organization that dictates everything from marriage alliances to economic cooperation. While it is sometimes criticized for being exclusionary or regressive, it remains a vital part of the identity for millions of Hindi speakers.

Using बिरादरी (Birādarī) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical gender and the social contexts it fits into. Grammatically, 'Birādarī' is a feminine noun. This means that any adjectives or verbs associated with it must reflect this gender. For example, you would say 'बड़ी बिरादरी' (large community) rather than 'बड़ा बिरादरी'.

Grammatical Agreement
Always use feminine possessive pronouns: 'मेरी बिरादरी' (my community), 'आपकी बिरादरी' (your community).

पूरी बिरादरी इस उत्सव में शामिल हुई। (The entire community participated in this festival.)

In sentences, 'Birādarī' often appears in contexts involving social rules, traditions, or collective actions. It is frequently used with verbs like 'निकालना' (to expel) or 'बाहर करना' (to cast out), referring to the social boycott of an individual who has broken communal norms.

नियम तोड़ने पर उसे बिरादरी से निकाल दिया गया। (He was expelled from the community for breaking the rules.)

When discussing professional groups, the word acts as a collective noun for people sharing the same vocation. This is a more modern and neutral way to use the term, stripping away some of the traditional caste-based baggage.

Professional Context
Use it to group professionals: 'डॉक्टर बिरादरी' (the medical community), 'शिक्षक बिरादरी' (the teaching community).

व्यापारी बिरादरी ने नए टैक्स का विरोध किया है। (The merchant community has protested against the new tax.)

In formal writing, 'Birādarī' can be replaced by 'समुदाय' (Samudāy) for a more academic tone, but 'Birādarī' is preferred when you want to highlight the internal bonding and kinship aspects of the group. It is also common in literature and cinema to depict the tension between individual desires and community expectations.

वह अपनी बिरादरी का नाम रोशन करना चाहता है। (He wants to bring glory to the name of his community.)

Finally, remember that 'Birādarī' can also be used in a plural sense (बिरादरियाँ - birādarīyān) when referring to multiple different communities. However, in most everyday conversations, the singular form is used collectively to represent the entire group.

You will encounter the word बिरादरी (Birādarī) in a variety of settings, ranging from rural village squares to the high-stakes world of Indian politics. Its usage is a reflection of how identity is constructed and maintained in Hindi-speaking regions.

Rural Settings and Panchayats
In villages, the 'Birādarī' is the primary unit of social organization. You'll hear elders discussing 'birādarī ke riwaaj' (customs of the community) or convening a 'birādarī ki panchayat' to settle disputes.

गाँव के बड़े-बुजुर्ग बिरादरी के मसलों पर चर्चा कर रहे हैं। (The village elders are discussing community issues.)

In the political arena, 'Birādarī' is a buzzword during election season. News anchors and political analysts often talk about 'birādarī equations' or 'vote banks' based on specific kinship groups. Candidates often campaign by appealing to their own Birādarī, promising to protect their interests in exchange for their collective vote.

Another common place to hear this word is during wedding preparations. In many traditional families, the first priority is to find a match within the 'Birādarī'. You might hear aunts and grandmothers saying, 'लड़का अपनी ही बिरादरी का होना चाहिए' (The boy should be from our own community).

शादी के लिए उन्होंने अपनी बिरादरी में ही रिश्ता ढूँढा। (They looked for a match only within their community for the wedding.)

Cinema and Literature
Bollywood movies, especially those set in rural North India (like 'Gangs of Wasseypur' or 'Mirzapur'), use 'Birādarī' to emphasize clan loyalty and the cycles of honor and revenge.

फिल्मों में बिरादरी के सम्मान की कहानियाँ बहुत दिखाई जाती हैं। (Stories of community honor are frequently shown in films.)

In urban professional circles, the word is used more lightly. A journalist might refer to their colleagues as 'patrakār birādarī'. Here, it signifies a sense of professional solidarity and shared challenges rather than ancestral ties. This versatility makes 'Birādarī' a fascinating word that bridges the gap between ancient social structures and modern professional identities.

While बिरादरी (Birādarī) is a common word, learners often trip over its specific connotations and grammatical properties. Avoiding these mistakes will help you sound more like a native speaker and ensure you don't unintentionally cause offense.

Gender Confusion
The most frequent error is treating 'Birādarī' as masculine because it refers to 'brotherhood'. Remember, despite the root 'Birādar' (brother), the word itself is feminine. Incorrect: 'मेरा बिरादरी'. Correct: 'मेरी बिरादरी'.

गलत: वह अपने बिरादरी का नेता है। (Wrong gender agreement for 'apne')
सही: वह अपनी बिरादरी का नेता है। (Correct feminine agreement)

Another common mistake is confusing 'Birādarī' with 'Samāj' (Society). While related, they are not interchangeable. 'Samāj' is the general society, while 'Birādarī' is a specific subset—your clan or immediate community. Using 'Birādarī' when you mean society at large can make your statement sound overly narrow or sectarian.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'Birādarī' with 'Jaati' (Caste). While a Birādarī is often composed of people from the same Jaati, 'Birādarī' emphasizes the social network and mutual support, whereas 'Jaati' refers to the hierarchical position in the caste system. 'Birādarī' is more about 'who you belong with' rather than 'what your rank is'.

सावधान रहें: बिरादरी और जाति में सूक्ष्म अंतर है। (Be careful: there is a subtle difference between Biradari and Caste.)

Finally, avoid using 'Birādarī' to mean just 'family' (Parivār). A family is your household; a Birādarī includes your extended relatives, distant cousins, and even unrelated people who share your social group. If you're talking about your parents and siblings, stick to 'Parivār'.

Summary of Usage
Use 'Parivār' for family, 'Birādarī' for community/clan, and 'Samāj' for society.

Hindi has several words that describe groups of people, and choosing the right one depends on the level of intimacy and the nature of the group. Here is how बिरादरी (Birādarī) compares to its synonyms.

समुदाय (Samudāy) - Community
This is the most neutral and formal term. It is used in academic, legal, and official contexts. While 'Birādarī' feels personal and traditional, 'Samudāy' feels objective. Example: 'धार्मिक समुदाय' (religious community).
भाईचारा (Bhāīchārā) - Brotherhood/Fraternity
This refers to the *feeling* of brotherhood rather than the group itself. You can have 'bhāīchārā' with people outside your 'birādarī'. It's an abstract concept of unity and love.
कुनबा (Kunbā) - Extended Family/Clan
This is closer to 'family' than 'birādarī'. It usually refers to a large household or a group of very close relatives living together. It's more intimate than 'birādarī'.

पूरा कुनबा एक ही छत के नीचे रहता है। (The whole extended family lives under one roof.)

When compared to 'जाति' (Jāti - Caste), 'Birādarī' is often used as a more polite or social way to refer to one's caste group. In many parts of North India, people prefer to say 'हमारी बिरादरी' rather than 'हमारी जाति' because 'Birādarī' emphasizes social bonding rather than ritual hierarchy.

लेखक बिरादरी ने इस सेंसरशिप का विरोध किया है। (The writer community has opposed this censorship.)

In summary, if you want to sound formal, use 'Samudāy'. If you want to talk about feelings of unity, use 'Bhāīchārā'. If you are talking about the social network you were born into, 'Birādarī' is the perfect word. Understanding these shades of meaning will help you navigate Hindi social interactions with greater sensitivity.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'Birādar' is cognate with the English word 'Brother' and the Sanskrit 'Bhrātṛ'. You can see the family resemblance in the 'br' sound!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bɪˈrɑːdəri/
US /bɪˈrɑdəri/
Stress is on the second syllable 'ra'.
Rhymes With
Khāndārī Sarkārī Bimārī Tayyārī Lāchārī Hoshiyārī Sowārī Duniya-dārī
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard English 'd' instead of a soft dental 'd'.
  • Stressing the first syllable 'bi'.
  • Making the 'r' too trilled.
  • Using a short 'i' at the end instead of a long 'ee' sound.
  • Confusing it with 'Biradar' (the male noun).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the root is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct feminine gender agreement.

Speaking 4/5

Need to master the soft dental 'd' sound.

Listening 3/5

Commonly heard in news and social discussions.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

भाई (Bhai) लोग (Log) परिवार (Parivar) गाँव (Gaon) समाज (Samaj)

Learn Next

समुदाय (Samuday) पंचायत (Panchayat) परंपरा (Parampara) संस्कृति (Sanskriti) अस्मिता (Asmita)

Advanced

जातिवाद (Jativad) वंशवाद (Vanshavad) सामूहिकता (Samuhikta) लोकाचार (Lokachar) बहिष्कार (Bahishkar)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

मेरी बिरादरी (My community), अच्छी बिरादरी (Good community).

Genitive Case with Postpositions

बिरादरी के लोग (People of the community).

Oblique Form of Nouns

बिरादरी में (In the community) - remains same as singular feminine nouns ending in 'i' don't change in oblique.

Pluralization

बिरादरियाँ (Communities).

Adjective-Noun Agreement

बड़ी बिरादरी (Large community).

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Examples by Level

1

यह मेरी बिरादरी है।

This is my community.

Feminine gender used with 'meri'.

2

उसकी बिरादरी बड़ी है।

His community is large.

Adjective 'badi' matches the feminine noun.

3

बिरादरी कहाँ है?

Where is the community?

Simple question structure.

4

हम सब एक बिरादरी के हैं।

We all belong to one community.

Use of 'ke' after the noun.

5

बिरादरी अच्छी है।

The community is good.

Feminine adjective 'achhi'.

6

क्या यह आपकी बिरादरी है?

Is this your community?

Interrogative sentence.

7

बिरादरी में बहुत लोग हैं।

There are many people in the community.

Locative case 'mein'.

8

मेरी बिरादरी छोटी है।

My community is small.

Feminine adjective 'chhoti'.

1

गाँव की बिरादरी बहुत पुरानी है।

The village community is very old.

Genitive 'ki' used for village community.

2

वह अपनी बिरादरी के साथ रहता है।

He lives with his community.

Postposition 'ke saath' requires oblique form.

3

बिरादरी के लोग मदद करते हैं।

People of the community help.

Plural subject 'log' with genitive 'ke'.

4

हमारी बिरादरी में एक त्यौहार है।

There is a festival in our community.

Possessive 'hamari' (feminine).

5

बिरादरी का खाना बहुत स्वादिष्ट है।

The community's food is very delicious.

Genitive 'ka' matches 'khana' (masculine).

6

वह अपनी बिरादरी को प्यार करता है।

He loves his community.

Object marker 'ko' with community.

7

बिरादरी के नियम सरल हैं।

The rules of the community are simple.

Plural 'niyam' with genitive 'ke'.

8

क्या आप अपनी बिरादरी को जानते हैं?

Do you know your community?

Direct object with 'ko'.

1

बिरादरी के फैसलों का सबको सम्मान करना चाहिए।

Everyone should respect the decisions of the community.

Genitive 'ke' for plural 'faislon'.

2

उसने बिरादरी के बाहर शादी की।

He married outside the community.

Postposition 'ke baahar'.

3

यह बिरादरी समाज के लिए काम करती है।

This community works for society.

Subject 'biradari' with verb 'karti hai'.

4

बिरादरी में एकता बहुत ज़रूरी है।

Unity is very important in the community.

Abstract noun 'ekta' with community.

5

डॉक्टर बिरादरी ने हड़ताल की है।

The medical community has gone on strike.

Professional use of the term.

6

वह अपनी बिरादरी का नाम रोशन कर रहा है।

He is bringing glory to the name of his community.

Idiomatic expression 'naam roshan karna'.

7

बिरादरी के बुजुर्गों ने सलाह दी।

The elders of the community gave advice.

Plural oblique 'buzurgon'.

8

हमें अपनी बिरादरी की परंपराओं को बचाना चाहिए।

We should save the traditions of our community.

Feminine plural 'paramparaon'.

1

राजनीति में बिरादरी का बहुत प्रभाव होता है।

Community has a lot of influence in politics.

Abstract concept 'prabhav' (influence).

2

बिरादरी से बाहर जाना आसान नहीं है।

It is not easy to go outside the community.

Gerund 'jaana' as subject.

3

उसने अपनी बिरादरी के हितों की रक्षा की।

He protected the interests of his community.

Feminine plural 'hiton' (interests).

4

बिरादरीवाद लोकतंत्र के लिए एक चुनौती है।

Casteism/Biradarism is a challenge for democracy.

Noun 'biradarivaad' (clannishness).

5

शिक्षक बिरादरी ने नए पाठ्यक्रम का स्वागत किया।

The teaching community welcomed the new curriculum.

Professional fraternity context.

6

बिरादरी के दबाव में उसने अपनी राय बदल ली।

He changed his opinion under community pressure.

Noun 'dabaav' (pressure).

7

हर बिरादरी की अपनी अलग पहचान होती है।

Every community has its own distinct identity.

Distributive 'har' with feminine 'apni'.

8

बिरादरी के सहयोग से यह अस्पताल बना है।

This hospital was built with the cooperation of the community.

Instrumental 'ke sahyog se'.

1

बिरादरी की संरचना सदियों पुरानी है।

The structure of the community is centuries old.

Noun 'sanrachna' (structure).

2

उसने बिरादरी के रूढ़िवादी बंधनों को तोड़ दिया।

She broke the conservative bonds of the community.

Adjective 'rudhivadi' (conservative).

3

लेखक बिरादरी ने अभिव्यक्ति की आज़ादी का समर्थन किया।

The writer community supported freedom of expression.

Professional solidarity.

4

बिरादरी के भीतर भी कई उप-समूह होते हैं।

There are many sub-groups even within a community.

Adverbial 'ke bhitar' (within).

5

बिरादरी का सामाजिक बहिष्कार एक गंभीर दंड है।

Social boycott by the community is a severe punishment.

Noun 'bahishkaar' (boycott).

6

चुनावों में बिरादरी के समीकरणों को समझना ज़रूरी है।

It is important to understand community equations in elections.

Noun 'samikaran' (equations).

7

उसने बिरादरी के गौरव के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया।

He dedicated his life to the pride of his community.

Noun 'gaurav' (pride).

8

आधुनिकता ने बिरादरी के पारंपरिक स्वरूप को बदल दिया है।

Modernity has changed the traditional form of the community.

Abstract noun 'swaroop' (form).

1

बिरादरी की अस्मिता और वैयक्तिक स्वतंत्रता के बीच गहरा द्वंद्व है।

There is a deep conflict between community identity and individual freedom.

Abstract nouns 'asmita' and 'dwandwa'.

2

बिरादरी के पदानुक्रम को चुनौती देना साहस का काम है।

Challenging the hierarchy of the community is an act of courage.

Noun 'padanukram' (hierarchy).

3

वैश्वीकरण के दौर में बिरादरी की प्रासंगिकता पर बहस छिड़ी है।

In the era of globalization, a debate has started on the relevance of community.

Noun 'prasangikta' (relevance).

4

बिरादरी केवल एक सामाजिक समूह नहीं, बल्कि एक सुरक्षा कवच भी है।

A community is not just a social group, but also a protective shield.

Metaphorical 'suraksha kavach'.

5

उसने बिरादरी के संकीर्ण हितों से ऊपर उठकर सोचा।

He thought beyond the narrow interests of the community.

Adjective 'sankirn' (narrow).

6

बिरादरी की सामूहिक चेतना अक्सर व्यक्तिगत निर्णयों को प्रभावित करती है।

The collective consciousness of the community often influences individual decisions.

Noun phrase 'samuhik chetna'.

7

बिरादरी के सांस्कृतिक लोकाचार को समझना एक जटिल प्रक्रिया है।

Understanding the cultural ethos of a community is a complex process.

Noun 'lokachar' (ethos).

8

बिरादरी का विखंडन आधुनिक समाज की एक प्रमुख विशेषता है।

The fragmentation of community is a major characteristic of modern society.

Noun 'vikhandan' (fragmentation).

Synonyms

समुदाय भाईचारा कुनबा जाति संघ वर्ग टोली समाज

Antonyms

अकेलापन अलगाव बहिष्कार व्यक्तिगत

Common Collocations

बिरादरी का फैसला
अपनी बिरादरी
बिरादरी से बाहर
पूरी बिरादरी
बिरादरी के लोग
शिक्षक बिरादरी
बिरादरी का नाम
बिरादरी की पंचायत
बिरादरी का समर्थन
बिरादरी के रीति-रिवाज़

Common Phrases

बिरादरी का दबाव

— Pressure from the community to conform to norms.

उसने बिरादरी के दबाव में हार मान ली।

बिरादरी से निकालना

— To expel someone from the social group.

उसे बिरादरी से निकाल दिया गया है।

बिरादरी की नाक

— The honor or reputation of the community.

यह हमारी बिरादरी की नाक का सवाल है।

अपनी बिरादरी का होना

— To belong to the same social or professional group.

वह भी हमारी ही बिरादरी का है।

बिरादरी में शादी करना

— To marry within one's own community.

वे बिरादरी में ही शादी करना चाहते हैं।

बिरादरी के बुजुर्ग

— The respected elders of the community.

बिरादरी के बुजुर्गों ने यह नियम बनाया।

बिरादरी का गौरव

— The pride of the community.

वह बच्चा बिरादरी का गौरव है।

बिरादरी की एकता

— The unity of the community.

बिरादरी की एकता ही हमारी ताकत है।

बिरादरी के हित

— The interests or welfare of the community.

हमें बिरादरी के हितों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए।

बिरादरी का साथ

— The support of the community.

मुसीबत में बिरादरी का साथ बहुत काम आता है।

Often Confused With

बिरादरी vs बिरादर (Biradar)

Biradar is a masculine noun meaning 'brother', while Biradari is the feminine noun meaning 'community'.

बिरादरी vs समाज (Samaj)

Samaj refers to society at large, while Biradari refers to a specific sub-group or clan.

बिरादरी vs जाति (Jaati)

Jaati refers to caste hierarchy, while Biradari refers to the social and kinship network.

Idioms & Expressions

"हुक्का-पानी बंद करना"

— To socially boycott someone from the Biradari.

बिरादरी ने उसका हुक्का-पानी बंद कर दिया।

Traditional
"बिरादरी से बाहर होना"

— To be excluded or to act against community norms.

ऐसा काम करोगे तो बिरादरी से बाहर हो जाओगे।

Neutral
"बिरादरी की लाज रखना"

— To protect the honor of the community.

उसने वीरता दिखाकर बिरादरी की लाज रख ली।

Formal
"अपनी बिरादरी का ढोल पीटना"

— To boast excessively about one's own community.

वह हमेशा अपनी बिरादरी का ढोल पीटता रहता है।

Informal
"बिरादरी के रंग में रंगना"

— To completely adopt the ways of the community.

शहर से आने के बाद भी वह बिरादरी के रंग में रंगा हुआ है।

Literary
"बिरादरी की आँखों का तारा"

— Someone who is very dear to the entire community.

वह लड़का अपनी बिरादरी की आँखों का तारा है।

Informal
"बिरादरी की लकीर पीटना"

— To blindly follow old community traditions.

आज के दौर में बिरादरी की लकीर पीटना सही नहीं है।

Critical
"बिरादरी के नाम पर बट्टा लगाना"

— To bring disgrace to the community's name.

तुम्हारी इस हरकत ने बिरादरी के नाम पर बट्टा लगा दिया।

Strong
"बिरादरी का सर ऊँचा करना"

— To make the community proud.

ओलंपिक जीतकर उसने अपनी बिरादरी का सर ऊँचा कर दिया।

Common
"बिरादरी की भीड़ में खो जाना"

— To lose one's individual identity in the collective group.

वह बिरादरी की भीड़ में खो गया और अपनी अलग पहचान नहीं बना पाया।

Philosophical

Easily Confused

बिरादरी vs बिरादर

Similar root and sound.

Biradar is an individual male (brother); Biradari is the whole group (community).

वह मेरा बिरादर है (He is my brother - rare in Hindi, common in Urdu) vs वह मेरी बिरादरी का है (He is from my community).

बिरादरी vs समुदाय

Both mean community.

Samuday is more formal and general; Biradari is more personal and tied to kinship.

सिख समुदाय (Sikh community) vs हमारी बिरादरी (Our clan).

बिरादरी vs कुनबा

Both refer to groups of relatives.

Kunba is usually limited to extended family; Biradari is much larger and includes the entire social group.

पूरा कुनबा साथ रहता है vs बिरादरी के लोग गाँव में रहते हैं।

बिरादरी vs भाईचारा

Both relate to 'brothers'.

Bhaaichara is the abstract feeling of brotherhood; Biradari is the actual social group.

बिरादरी में भाईचारा होना चाहिए।

बिरादरी vs टोली

Both refer to groups of people.

Toli is a small, often informal band or gang; Biradari is a large, established social structure.

दोस्तों की टोली vs बिरादरी के बुजुर्ग।

Sentence Patterns

A1

यह मेरी [noun] है।

यह मेरी बिरादरी है।

A2

बिरादरी में [number] लोग हैं।

बिरादरी में बहुत लोग हैं।

B1

उसने [noun] के बाहर शादी की।

उसने बिरादरी के बाहर शादी की।

B2

[adjective] बिरादरी ने विरोध किया।

शिक्षक बिरादरी ने विरोध किया।

C1

बिरादरी का [noun] बहुत कड़ा है।

बिरादरी का नियम बहुत कड़ा है।

C1

बिरादरी के [noun] को समझना ज़रूरी है।

बिरादरी के समीकरण को समझना ज़रूरी है।

C2

बिरादरी की [noun] एक चुनौती है।

बिरादरी की रूढ़िवादिता एक चुनौती है।

C2

बिरादरी और [noun] के बीच द्वंद्व है।

बिरादरी और व्यक्ति के बीच द्वंद्व है।

Word Family

Nouns

बिरादर (Birādar - Brother)
बिरादरीवाद (Birādarīvād - Clannishness)

Adjectives

बिरादराना (Birādarānā - Brotherly/Fraternal)

Related

भाई (Bhai)
समुदाय (Samuday)
कुनबा (Kunba)
रिश्तेदार (Rishtedar)
नातेदारी (Natedari)
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How to Use It

frequency

Common in social, political, and traditional contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'मेरा बिरादरी' → मेरी बिरादरी

    The word is feminine, so 'meri' must be used instead of 'mera'.

  • Using it for a small group of friends. → दोस्तों की टोली

    'Biradari' is too large and formal for a small circle of friends.

  • Confusing it with 'Biradar'. → वह मेरा बिरादर है (Brother) vs वह मेरी बिरादरी है (Community).

    'Biradar' is a person, 'Biradari' is a group.

  • Using it as a synonym for 'Society' (Samaj) in all contexts. → Using 'Samaj' for general society.

    'Biradari' is a specific subset of society, not society as a whole.

  • Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard English 'd'. → Soft dental 'd'.

    A hard 'd' sounds like a different Hindi letter (ड) and can change the sound of the word.

Tips

Gender Tip

Always remember 'Biradari' is feminine. Think of it like 'Beti' (daughter) or 'Ladki' (girl) ending in 'i' to remember its gender.

Social Usage

Using 'Biradari' shows you understand the kinship-based structure of Indian society. It's a very 'insider' word to use.

Professional Fraternity

Use 'Biradari' to talk about professional groups like 'vakeel biradari' (lawyers) to sound more natural in a work setting.

Soft 'D'

The 'd' in 'Biradari' is dental. Touch your tongue to your upper teeth, not the roof of your mouth.

Spelling

Make sure to use the 'i' matra (ि) for 'Bi' and the 'ii' matra (ी) for 'ri'. It's 'Biradari', not 'Beeradari'.

Choosing the right word

If you are talking about a formal organization, use 'Sansthan'. If it's a social group you are born into, use 'Biradari'.

Persian Connection

Knowing it comes from 'Biradar' (brother) helps you remember it means a 'brotherhood' or community.

Political Context

When you hear this on the news, it's almost always about how different communities will vote.

Mutual Aid

Biradari implies that people will help each other. It's not just a name; it's a support system.

Exclusion

Be aware that 'Biradari' can also imply exclusion of those who don't belong. Use it sensitively.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Birādar' as 'Brother'. So, 'Birādarī' is a 'Brother-y' group—a community where everyone acts like family.

Visual Association

Imagine a large group of people sitting in a circle around a fire, sharing a meal. This is their 'Birādarī'—their safe circle.

Word Web

Brother Clan Community Identity Support Tradition Kinship Fraternity

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a group you belong to (like your colleagues or fellow students) using the word 'बिरादरी'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Persian word 'Birādar', which means 'brother'. The suffix '-ī' is added to form an abstract noun.

Original meaning: Brotherhood or the state of being brothers.

Indo-European (Persian root, Hindi adoption).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'Birādarī' in the context of caste, as it can be a sensitive topic. It is best used to describe social support or professional groups.

The closest English equivalent is 'fraternity' or 'kinship group', but 'Birādarī' has a much stronger emphasis on ancestral lineage.

Used frequently in the writings of Premchand to describe village life. A central theme in the movie 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. Often mentioned in political analyses of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar elections.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Village Life

  • बिरादरी की बैठक
  • बिरादरी का रिवाज
  • बिरादरी का हुक्म
  • बिरादरी का मेल-जोल

Politics

  • बिरादरी का वोट
  • बिरादरी का नेता
  • बिरादरी का समीकरण
  • बिरादरी का समर्थन

Weddings

  • बिरादरी में रिश्ता
  • बिरादरी की रस्में
  • बिरादरी का खाना
  • बिरादरी के मेहमान

Professional

  • डॉक्टर बिरादरी
  • शिक्षक बिरादरी
  • पत्रकार बिरादरी
  • लेखक बिरादरी

Social Support

  • बिरादरी की मदद
  • बिरादरी का साथ
  • बिरादरी का सहारा
  • बिरादरी का प्यार

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप अपनी बिरादरी के बारे में कुछ बता सकते हैं?"

"आपकी बिरादरी में कौन से त्यौहार मुख्य हैं?"

"क्या आपकी बिरादरी के लोग एक-दूसरे की मदद करते हैं?"

"आजकल बिरादरी के नियमों में क्या बदलाव आए हैं?"

"क्या आप अपनी बिरादरी से बाहर शादी करने के बारे में क्या सोचते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

अपनी बिरादरी या समुदाय के बारे में एक लेख लिखें।

बिरादरी के किसी ऐसे नियम के बारे में लिखें जिसे आप बदलना चाहते हैं।

क्या बिरादरी आज के समय में भी ज़रूरी है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

अपनी बिरादरी के किसी एक ऐसे व्यक्ति के बारे में लिखें जिसने बिरादरी का नाम रोशन किया हो।

बिरादरी और व्यक्तिगत आज़ादी के बीच के संतुलन पर एक निबंध लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The word 'Biradari' is feminine. You should always use feminine adjectives and possessive pronouns with it, like 'मेरी बिरादरी' (my community) or 'बड़ी बिरादरी' (large community).

Not necessarily. While it often overlaps with caste in South Asia, it more broadly refers to a kinship group or a professional fraternity. For example, 'शिक्षक बिरादरी' means the teaching community, which has nothing to do with caste.

No. 'Samaj' is the general word for society. 'Biradari' is a more specific and intimate group, like a clan or a specific social circle within society.

It's a bit formal or heavy for just friends. 'टोली' (toli) or 'मंडली' (mandli) are better for friends. Use 'Biradari' for a more formal or ancestral community.

'Biradari-vaad' refers to favoritism or nepotism based on one's community or clan, often discussed in the context of politics.

Yes, it is very common in Urdu as well, as it has Persian roots. Its meaning remains the same in both languages.

You say 'बिरादरी से बाहर' (Biradari se baahar). This is often used in the context of marriage or social rules.

It is an informal council of elders from a specific community who meet to settle disputes and make decisions for the group.

It is a traditional word, but it is still very relevant today in social, political, and professional discussions in India.

The plural is 'बिरादरियाँ' (Biradariyan), used when referring to multiple different communities.

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Test Yourself 30 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'मेरी बिरादरी'.

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writing

Describe your community using 'बिरादरी'.

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writing

Write about a decision made by a 'बिरादरी'.

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writing

Discuss the pros and cons of 'बिरादरी'.

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writing

Analyze the role of 'बिरादरी' in modern politics.

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speaking

Pronounce the word 'बिरादरी' correctly.

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listening

Listen to the word in a news clip and identify its context.

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writing

Explain 'हुक्का-पानी बंद करना' in your own words.

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/ 30 correct

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