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ममेरी बहन

A2 noun #9,000 most common 10 min read

ममेरी बहन

mameri bahan Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ममेरी बहन in 30 Seconds

Explanation ममेरी बहन in your Level:

At the A1 level, a learner should recognize 'ममेरी बहन' as a family member. You don't need to master the complex grammar yet, but you should know that 'Mama' means uncle and 'Bahan' means sister. At this stage, focus on the phrase as a single unit meaning 'cousin.' You should be able to say 'Yeh meri mameri bahan hai' (This is my maternal cousin sister) when pointing at a photograph. You are learning that Hindi has specific words for different types of cousins, which is a major difference from English. Focus on the sound 'Ma-me-ri' and link it to your mother's brother. Simple sentences like 'Meri mameri bahan achhi hai' (My maternal cousin sister is good) are perfect for this level.

At A2, you begin to use 'ममेरी बहन' in basic descriptions and daily routines. You should be able to describe her age, her profession, or where she lives. For example, 'Meri mameri bahan Mumbai mein rehti hai' (My maternal cousin sister lives in Mumbai). You start to understand that 'mameri' is an adjective that changes based on the person you are talking about. You should be able to ask simple questions to others about their maternal cousins, such as 'Kya aapki koi mameri bahan hai?' (Do you have any maternal cousin sister?). This level is about building the habit of being specific rather than just using the generic word 'cousin.'

At the B1 level, you can use 'ममेरी बहन' in more complex narratives and express opinions about family relationships. You should be able to compare your relationship with your mameri bahan to other relatives. For instance, 'Halaanki vah meri mameri bahan hai, par hum sage bhai-bahan jaise hain' (Although she is my maternal cousin sister, we are like biological siblings). You are now comfortable with the possessive 'apni' and can use the word in different grammatical cases (oblique). You can describe family events and the roles your maternal cousins play in them, using a wider range of verbs and conjunctions.

At B2, you understand the cultural nuances behind the term 'ममेरी बहन.' You can discuss the sociological importance of the maternal uncle's family in Indian culture. You can use the term in formal writing, such as a letter or an essay about family traditions. You are aware of regional variations and how the term might be used figuratively in literature. You can handle complex sentences like 'Meri mameri bahan, jo ki ek doctor hai, agle hafte shaadi kar rahi hai' (My maternal cousin sister, who is a doctor, is getting married next week). Your pronunciation is fluid, and you use the term naturally without pausing to think of the translation.

At the C1 level, you use 'ममेरी बहन' with complete native-like precision. You can participate in deep discussions about kinship systems, inheritance, and social structures where this term is relevant. You understand the historical evolution of the term from Sanskrit roots. You can appreciate the use of this term in classical Hindi poetry or modern literature to evoke specific emotions or cultural settings. You are also aware of how this term might be used in different Hindi dialects and can switch between formal and informal registers effortlessly. You can explain the 'Mama-Bhanja' relationship's importance to a non-native speaker in great detail.

At the C2 level, your mastery is absolute. You can analyze the use of 'ममेरी बहन' in legal texts, historical documents, and complex literary works. You understand the subtle differences in how the term is perceived in various sub-cultures across India. You can use the term to create puns, wordplay, or in high-level academic discourse about South Asian anthropology. You can write extensively about the role of maternal kin in the formation of social capital in India, using 'mameri bahan' as a key example of the 'extended family' concept. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ममेरी बहन in 30 Seconds

ममेरी बहन refers specifically to the daughter of your maternal uncle (Mama).
It is a feminine noun that requires adjective agreement (mameri, not mamera).
In Indian culture, she is treated with the same respect as a biological sister.
The term is vital for clarifying family relationships in social and legal settings.

In the rich tapestry of the Hindi language, kinship terms are far more specific than the broad English word 'cousin.' The term ममेरी बहन (Mamerī Bahan) specifically refers to the daughter of your mother's brother (your maternal uncle, known as 'Mama'). Unlike Western cultures where a cousin is a cousin regardless of the side of the family, Hindi speakers use these precise terms to immediately establish the exact genealogical link between two people. This precision is not just a linguistic quirk but a reflection of the deep-seated importance of family structures in Indian society. When you introduce someone as your 'mameri bahan,' you are signaling to the listener that she belongs to your maternal uncle's household, which carries specific social and ritual connotations in South Asian culture.

Linguistic Root: The word is a compound of 'Mama' (maternal uncle) + 'eri' (a suffix indicating relationship) + 'bahan' (sister). It literally means 'uncle-related sister.'

You will use this term in almost any context where you are describing your family tree. For instance, during weddings, where the 'Mama' plays a pivotal ritual role, his children—your 'mameri bahan' and 'mamera bhai'—are often given special status in the festivities. In daily conversation, it helps clarify which branch of the family you are talking about without needing a long explanation like 'my mother's brother's daughter.' It is also important to note that even though she is technically a cousin, in the Indian worldview, she is a sister. The word 'bahan' (sister) is fundamental, and 'mameri' acts as a specific adjective to define the type of sisterhood.

मेरी ममेरी बहन अगले महीने दिल्ली आ रही है। (My maternal cousin sister is coming to Delhi next month.)

Culturally, the relationship with a mameri bahan is often very close. In many Indian families, the maternal uncle's house (Nanighar) is a place of vacation and joy for children. Therefore, the mameri bahan is often a childhood playmate and a confidante. In some North Indian communities, the relationship is strictly brother-sister, while in some South Indian communities, historically, cross-cousin marriages were practiced, though the term 'bahan' is still used respectfully in general contexts. Understanding this term is a gateway to understanding the entire Hindi kinship system, which includes 'chacheri bahan' (father's brother's daughter), 'mauseri bahan' (mother's sister's daughter), and 'phupheri bahan' (father's sister's daughter).

Social Context: In rural settings, the distinction is vital for land inheritance and marriage alliances, making these specific terms legally and socially significant.

क्या तुम्हारी कोई ममेरी बहन है? (Do you have any maternal cousin sister?)

Furthermore, in the context of the festival of Raksha Bandhan, a man might tie a Rakhi to his mameri bahan if he doesn't have a biological sister, or she might tie one to him, reinforcing the sibling bond. This term is also frequently encountered in Hindi literature and cinema, where family dynamics often revolve around the relationships between maternal and paternal relatives. If you are watching a Bollywood family drama, listen for the 'Mama' and 'Mami' characters; their children will invariably be the protagonist's 'mameri bahan' or 'mamera bhai.' Mastery of this word demonstrates that you respect the nuances of Indian family values and the hierarchical yet inclusive nature of the 'Joint Family' system.

Grammar Note: 'Mameri' is an adjective that must agree with the gender of the noun 'bahan'. If the cousin were male, it would be 'mamera bhai'.

Using 'ममेरी बहन' correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's gender-based adjective agreement and possessive markers. Since 'bahan' is feminine, the preceding adjective must end in the '-i' sound (mamerī). Even if the speaker is male, the word remains 'mamerī bahan' because the gender of the cousin is what determines the form. This section will guide you through various sentence structures, from simple introductions to complex narrative descriptions.

Basic Introduction: The most common use is introducing a relative. 'Yeh meri mameri bahan hai' (This is my maternal cousin sister).

In more formal or descriptive sentences, you might use it to explain a situation. For example, 'Meri mameri bahan ki shaadi mein poora parivaar ikattha hua' (The whole family gathered for my maternal cousin sister's wedding). Here, the 'ki' (of) also agrees with 'shaadi' (feminine), but the 'mameri' remains tied to 'bahan.' It is essential to practice the flow of these possessive strings because they can become long in Hindi family descriptions.

मेरी ममेरी बहन डॉक्टर बनना चाहती है। (My maternal cousin sister wants to become a doctor.)

When talking about multiple maternal cousins, the plural form of 'bahan' is 'bahanein' or 'bahano' (oblique). So, 'Meri mameri bahanein bahut hoshiyaar hain' (My maternal cousin sisters are very smart). Notice that 'mameri' does not change to 'mameriyan'; the adjective remains 'mameri' even in the plural, which simplifies things for the learner. This is a common pattern for adjectives ending in '-i' in Hindi.

Comparative Usage: Use it to distinguish between cousins: 'Rita meri mameri bahan hai, par Seema meri chacheri bahan hai.'

मैं अपनी ममेरी बहन के साथ बाज़ार गया था। (I went to the market with my maternal cousin sister.)

Another advanced usage involves the possessive 'apni'. When the subject and the possessor are the same, use 'apni' instead of 'meri'. 'Main apni mameri bahan se pyaar karta hoon' (I love my maternal cousin sister). This is a crucial rule for B1-level learners to master. Furthermore, in storytelling, you might use 'mameri bahan' to establish the setting of a visit to the 'Nanighar' (maternal grandmother's house), which is a common trope in Hindi literature representing nostalgia and childhood freedom.

Direct Address: You rarely call her 'mameri bahan' to her face. You would call her 'Didi' (elder sister) or by her name.

'ममेरी बहन' is a staple of everyday conversation in Hindi-speaking households. You will hear it most frequently in family gatherings, social introductions, and during the planning of family events. Because Indian families are often large and interconnected, clarifying the exact nature of a relationship is a constant part of social interaction. If you are invited to an Indian home, the host might introduce a guest by saying, 'Miliye, yeh meri mameri bahan hai' (Meet her, she is my maternal cousin sister).

Bollywood & Media: In films like 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' or 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,' kinship terms are used to define the emotional proximity of characters.

Beyond the home, you will encounter this term in legal and administrative contexts. In India, documents like ration cards, inheritance papers, or marriage registrations require precise kinship terms. A lawyer might ask, 'Uska aapse kya rishta hai?' (What is her relation to you?), and the specific answer 'Vah meri mameri bahan hai' is required for clarity. It is also common in news reports or crime stories where family trees are relevant to the narrative.

गाँव के लोग अपनी ममेरी बहन को भी सगी बहन जैसा मानते हैं। (Village people consider their maternal cousin sister as a biological sister.)

In rural India, where kinship determines social hierarchies and community roles, 'mameri bahan' is used with even greater frequency. Villages often have complex 'Mama-Bhanja' (Uncle-Nephew) dynamics, and the children of these uncles are central to the village social fabric. During festivals like Teej or Holi, you might hear women discussing their 'mameri bahanein' who have come to visit from other villages. This word acts as a bridge between different households and lineages.

Literature: Classic Hindi literature by Premchand or Mahadevi Varma often explores the nuances of these maternal bonds.

उपन्यास में नायक अपनी ममेरी बहन की सहायता करता है। (In the novel, the protagonist helps his maternal cousin sister.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake is over-simplifying and just saying 'cousin' or 'bahan'. While 'bahan' is not incorrect, it is imprecise. To reach an A2 or B1 level in Hindi, you must use the specific descriptor. Another frequent error is confusing the maternal and paternal sides. Many learners mistakenly use 'chacheri' (paternal uncle's daughter) for 'mameri' (maternal uncle's daughter). Remember: **Ma**ma = **Ma**meri; **Cha**cha = **Cha**cheri.

Gender Agreement Error: Saying 'Mamera bahan' instead of 'Mameri bahan'. The adjective must match the feminine noun 'bahan'.

A subtle mistake involves the use of 'mameri' with the wrong relative. For example, some learners confuse 'Mama' (mother's brother) with 'Mausa' (mother's sister). The daughter of your 'Mausa' is your 'mauseri bahan,' not 'mameri bahan.' Keeping the male relative's title in mind is the key to choosing the right adjective. Another mistake is using 'mameri bahan' to refer to the wife of your 'mamera bhai.' The wife of your maternal cousin brother is your 'Bhabhi,' not your sister.

गलत: वह मेरा ममेरी बहन है। (Wrong: He is my maternal cousin sister—mixing genders.)

In writing, learners sometimes forget the 'i' matra at the end of 'mameri.' Because the root is 'Mama,' they might write 'Mama-bahan' which is incorrect. The relationship must be transformed into an adjective using the '-eri' suffix. Also, avoid the English habit of saying 'Cousin-sister.' While common in Indian English, in pure Hindi, it is either 'mameri bahan' or simply 'bahan' (if the context is clear). Redundancy like 'Meri cousin mameri bahan' should also be avoided.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Don't stress the 'eri' too much. It should flow naturally: ma-ME-ree ba-HAN.

सही: मेरी ममेरी बहन बहुत दयालु है। (Correct: My maternal cousin sister is very kind.)

To truly master Hindi family terms, you must see 'ममेरी बहन' within its peer group. Hindi has four main types of 'cousin sisters,' each defined by the parent's sibling. Understanding these will help you navigate any family conversation with ease. The primary alternatives are 'chacheri bahan,' 'phupheri bahan,' and 'mauseri bahan.' While they all translate to 'cousin' in English, they are never interchangeable in Hindi.

चचेरी बहन (Chacherī Bahan): Daughter of your father's brother (Chacha). This is often the closest relationship in a joint family living in the same house.
फुफेरी बहन (Phupherī Bahan): Daughter of your father's sister (Bua). 'Phuphera' comes from 'Phupha' (Bua's husband).
मौसेरी बहन (Mauserī Bahan): Daughter of your mother's sister (Mausi). This relationship is often characterized by extreme closeness, as 'Mausi' means 'like a mother.'

In some informal contexts, you might hear the term 'Cousin' used by urban speakers, but it lacks the warmth and specificity of the Hindi terms. Another alternative is simply 'bahan' (sister). In India, the distinction between a 'real' (sagi) sister and a cousin sister is often blurred in daily life. You might hear someone say, 'Vah meri bahan hi hai' (She is just like my sister), even if she is a mameri bahan, to emphasize their bond. However, for identification, 'mameri bahan' is the gold standard.

मेरी ममेरी बहन और चचेरी बहन दोनों एक ही स्कूल में पढ़ती हैं। (My maternal cousin sister and paternal cousin sister both study in the same school.)

When comparing 'mameri bahan' to 'sagi bahan' (biological sister), the former implies a slightly different social circle (the maternal side). In traditional inheritance laws (Mitakshara and Dayabhaga), these distinctions were crucial. Even today, in matrimonial advertisements in newspapers, you will see these terms used to define the family background of the bride or groom. Learning these 'sister' terms as a set is the most efficient way to memorize them.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Mama' (maternal uncle) is considered the most affectionate male figure in Indian families, traditionally tasked with spoiling his sister's children. Thus, the 'mameri bahan' is often a favorite relative.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mə.meː.riː bə.ɦən/

US /mə.meɪ.ri bə.hən/

Primary stress is on the second syllable 'me' of 'mameri' and the second syllable 'han' of 'bahan'.

Rhymes With

कचेरी (Kacheri) अंधेरी (Andheri) सहेली (Saheli - near rhyme) हवेली (Haveli - near rhyme) तेरी (Teri) मेरी (Meri) देरी (Deri) फेरी (Pheri)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mameri' as 'mam-ri' (skipping the middle 'e').
Pronouncing 'bahan' as 'ba-han' with a hard English 'h'. It should be almost silent or very soft.
Stressing the first syllable 'ma' too much.
Confusing 'mameri' with 'mam-era' (male version).
Not lengthening the final 'i' in 'mameri'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read if you know the Matras.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of 'eri' and 'bahan'.

Speaking 3/5

Need to ensure gender agreement correctly.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick up in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

मामा बहन माँ भाई मेरा/मेरी

Learn Next

चचेरी बहन फुफेरी बहन मौसेरी बहन भतीजी भांजी

Advanced

ननिहाल वंश रिश्तेदारी उत्तराधिकारी

Grammar to Know

Feminine Adjective Agreement

Mameri (not Mamera) for Bahan.

Possessive Case with 'Ka/Ke/Ki'

Mameri bahan ki kitab (The sister's book).

Oblique Case

Mameri bahano ko (To the maternal cousin sisters).

Reflexive Pronoun 'Apna'

Main apni mameri bahan se mila.

Pluralization of Feminine Nouns

Bahan -> Bahanein.

Examples by Level

यह मेरी ममेरी बहन है।

This is my maternal cousin sister.

Simple 'Subject + Pronoun + Noun' structure.

मेरी ममेरी बहन का नाम पूजा है।

My maternal cousin sister's name is Pooja.

Use of 'ka' for possession.

वह मेरी ममेरी बहन है।

She is my maternal cousin sister.

Third person singular.

ममेरी बहन छोटी है।

The maternal cousin sister is young.

Adjective 'chhoti' matches 'bahan'.

क्या यह तुम्हारी ममेरी बहन है?

Is this your maternal cousin sister?

Interrogative sentence.

मेरी ममेरी बहन यहाँ है।

My maternal cousin sister is here.

Adverb of place 'yahan'.

ममेरी बहन खेल रही है।

The maternal cousin sister is playing.

Present continuous tense.

मुझे मेरी ममेरी बहन पसंद है।

I like my maternal cousin sister.

Use of 'pasand' (like).

मेरी ममेरी बहन दिल्ली में रहती है।

My maternal cousin sister lives in Delhi.

Present simple tense.

मैं अपनी ममेरी बहन के साथ पढ़ता हूँ।

I study with my maternal cousin sister.

Use of 'ke saath' (with).

उसकी ममेरी बहन बहुत लंबी है।

His maternal cousin sister is very tall.

Adjective 'lambi' for height.

कल मेरी ममेरी बहन का जन्मदिन है।

Tomorrow is my maternal cousin sister's birthday.

Possessive 'ka' with 'janmadin'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन को आम पसंद हैं।

My maternal cousin sister likes mangoes.

Dative subject construction with 'ko'.

हम अपनी ममेरी बहन के घर जा रहे हैं।

We are going to our maternal cousin sister's house.

Plural subject with 'ja rahe hain'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन स्कूल जाती है।

My maternal cousin sister goes to school.

Regular habit.

क्या तुम्हारी ममेरी बहन डॉक्टर है?

Is your maternal cousin sister a doctor?

Asking about profession.

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने मुझे यह किताब दी थी।

My maternal cousin sister gave me this book.

Transitive verb in past tense with 'ne'.

जब मैं छोटा था, मैं अपनी ममेरी बहन के साथ खेलता था।

When I was young, I used to play with my maternal cousin sister.

Past habitual tense.

मेरी ममेरी बहन मुझसे दो साल बड़ी है।

My maternal cousin sister is two years older than me.

Comparative 'se badi'.

अगर मेरी ममेरी बहन आएगी, तो हम फिल्म देखेंगे।

If my maternal cousin sister comes, we will watch a movie.

Conditional sentence.

मेरी ममेरी बहन बहुत अच्छा गाना गाती है।

My maternal cousin sister sings very well.

Adverbial 'bahut achha'.

मैंने अपनी ममेरी बहन को एक पत्र लिखा।

I wrote a letter to my maternal cousin sister.

Perfective tense.

मेरी ममेरी बहन की आवाज़ बहुत मीठी है।

My maternal cousin sister's voice is very sweet.

Possessive 'ki' with 'awaaz'.

वह मेरी ममेरी बहन है, इसलिए मैं उसकी मदद करूँगा।

She is my maternal cousin sister, therefore I will help her.

Use of 'isliye' (therefore).

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने विदेश में पढ़ाई करने का फैसला किया है।

My maternal cousin sister has decided to study abroad.

Present perfect tense with 'ne'.

मुझे अपनी ममेरी बहन की सफलता पर गर्व है।

I am proud of my maternal cousin sister's success.

Noun 'safalta' (success).

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने शादी के लिए लाल जोड़ा चुना।

My maternal cousin sister chose a red outfit for the wedding.

Specific cultural vocabulary.

वह मेरी ममेरी बहन तो है ही, साथ ही मेरी सबसे अच्छी दोस्त भी है।

She is my maternal cousin sister, and also my best friend.

Use of 'saath hi' (as well as).

मेरी ममेरी बहन बचपन से ही बहुत होनहार रही है।

My maternal cousin sister has been very promising since childhood.

Present perfect continuous sense.

मैंने कल अपनी ममेरी बहन को बाजार में घूमते हुए देखा।

I saw my maternal cousin sister wandering in the market yesterday.

Participle 'ghoomte hue'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन की वजह से मुझे गिटार बजाना आया।

Because of my maternal cousin sister, I learned to play the guitar.

Use of 'ki wajah se' (because of).

मेरी ममेरी बहन अपनी मेहनत से आज इस मुकाम पर है।

My maternal cousin sister is at this position today because of her hard work.

Idiomatic 'is mukaam par'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने पारिवारिक विवाद को सुलझाने में मुख्य भूमिका निभाई।

My maternal cousin sister played a key role in resolving the family dispute.

Formal vocabulary 'vivaad' and 'bhumika'.

हालाँकि वह मेरी ममेरी बहन है, फिर भी हमारे विचार काफी अलग हैं।

Although she is my maternal cousin sister, our thoughts are quite different.

Concessive clause 'halanki... phir bhi'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन की बुद्धिमत्ता की प्रशंसा पूरे खानदान में होती है।

My maternal cousin sister's intelligence is praised throughout the clan.

Abstract noun 'buddhimatta'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने समाज सेवा के क्षेत्र में एक नई मिसाल कायम की है।

My maternal cousin sister has set a new example in the field of social service.

Idiomatic 'misaal kayam karna'.

बचपन की यादें ताजा हो जाती हैं जब मैं अपनी ममेरी बहन से मिलता हूँ।

Childhood memories get refreshed when I meet my maternal cousin sister.

Passive-like 'taza ho jati hain'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन का व्यक्तित्व अत्यंत प्रभावशाली और प्रेरणादायक है।

My maternal cousin sister's personality is extremely influential and inspiring.

Sanskritized adjectives.

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने अपनी कला के माध्यम से भारतीय संस्कृति को बढ़ावा दिया।

My maternal cousin sister promoted Indian culture through her art.

Use of 'ke maadhyam se'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन की शादी में मामाजी ने बहुत बढ़-चढ़कर हिस्सा लिया।

My maternal uncle participated enthusiastically in my maternal cousin sister's wedding.

Compound verb 'hissa liya'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन का जीवन संघर्ष और दृढ़ संकल्प की एक अनूठी गाथा है।

My maternal cousin sister's life is a unique saga of struggle and firm determination.

High-level literary style.

यदि मेरी ममेरी बहन ने समय पर हस्तक्षेप न किया होता, तो स्थिति बिगड़ सकती थी।

If my maternal cousin sister had not intervened on time, the situation could have worsened.

Past conditional 'yadi... hota'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन की लेखनी में समाज के कड़वे सच को उजागर करने की शक्ति है।

My maternal cousin sister's writing has the power to expose the bitter truths of society.

Metaphorical 'lekhani' (pen/writing).

सांस्कृतिक विरासत को सहेजने में मेरी ममेरी बहन का योगदान अतुलनीय है।

My maternal cousin sister's contribution to preserving cultural heritage is incomparable.

Advanced vocabulary 'viraasat' and 'atulniya'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने जिस शालीनता से आलोचना का सामना किया, वह प्रशंसनीय है।

The grace with which my maternal cousin sister faced criticism is commendable.

Complex noun phrase 'jis shaalinta se'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन के विवाह के अवसर पर ननिहाल का उत्साह देखने लायक था।

On the occasion of my maternal cousin sister's marriage, the enthusiasm of the maternal home was worth seeing.

Specific term 'nanihal'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन की दार्शनिक सोच ने मुझे जीवन को एक नए नजरिए से देखना सिखाया।

My maternal cousin sister's philosophical thinking taught me to see life from a new perspective.

Abstract concept 'darshanik soch'.

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने पारिवारिक परंपराओं और आधुनिकता के बीच एक सुंदर संतुलन बनाया है।

My maternal cousin sister has created a beautiful balance between family traditions and modernity.

Balance 'santulan'.

Common Collocations

बड़ी ममेरी बहन

छोटी ममेरी बहन

ममेरी बहन की शादी

ममेरी बहन का घर

ममेरी बहन का बेटा

इकलौती ममेरी बहन

ममेरी बहन से मिलना

ममेरी बहन का स्वभाव

ममेरी बहन की मदद

ममेरी बहन जैसी

Common Phrases

ममेरी बहन के यहाँ जाना

— To visit the maternal cousin sister's house.

हम छुट्टी में ममेरी बहन के यहाँ जाएँगे।

ममेरी बहन का रिश्ता

— The relationship of being a maternal cousin.

हमारा ममेरी बहन का रिश्ता बहुत पुराना है।

ममेरी बहन का फोन

— A call from the maternal cousin sister.

अभी मेरी ममेरी बहन का फोन आया था।

ममेरी बहन की विदाई

— The ceremony when a maternal cousin sister leaves after her wedding.

ममेरी बहन की विदाई पर सब रोने लगे।

ममेरी बहन की सहेली

— The friend of the maternal cousin sister.

यह मेरी ममेरी बहन की सहेली है।

ममेरी बहन का तोहफा

— A gift from the maternal cousin sister.

यह ममेरी बहन का तोहफा है।

ममेरी बहन की सलाह

— Advice from the maternal cousin sister.

मैंने ममेरी बहन की सलाह मानी।

ममेरी बहन का ससुराल

— The maternal cousin sister's in-laws' house.

उसकी ममेरी बहन का ससुराल जयपुर में है।

ममेरी बहन की पढ़ाई

— The education of the maternal cousin sister.

ममेरी बहन की पढ़ाई पूरी हो गई है।

ममेरी बहन की याद

— Memories of the maternal cousin sister.

मुझे अपनी ममेरी बहन की बहुत याद आती है।

Often Confused With

ममेरी बहन vs चचेरी बहन

This is father's brother's daughter. Don't mix 'Mama' with 'Chacha'.

ममेरी बहन vs मौसेरी बहन

This is mother's sister's daughter. Don't mix 'Mama' with 'Mausa'.

ममेरी बहन vs भांजी

This is your sister's daughter (niece), not your cousin.

Idioms & Expressions

"बहन-बहन का प्यार"

— Deep sisterly love, often applied to cousins too.

उनका ममेरी बहन-बहन का प्यार मिसाल है।

Emotional

"ममेरी बहन के सिर से"

— To do something through the influence of the cousin.

उसने ममेरी बहन के सिर से नौकरी पाई।

Colloquial

"मामा का घर"

— A place of comfort, where the mameri bahan lives.

मेरे लिए ममेरी बहन का घर मामा का घर ही है।

Cultural

"खून का रिश्ता"

— Blood relation, emphasizing the depth of the bond.

ममेरी बहन भी तो खून का रिश्ता है।

Formal

"घर की लक्ष्मी"

— The goddess of the house, often used for sisters/cousins.

मेरी ममेरी बहन हमारे घर की लक्ष्मी है।

Respectful

"आँखों का तारा"

— Very dear/beloved.

वह अपनी ममेरी बहन की आँखों का तारा है।

Affectionate

"एक ही थाली के चट्टे-बट्टे"

— Birds of a feather (often said of cousins who are similar).

दोनों ममेरी बहनें एक ही थाली के चट्टे-बट्टे हैं।

Informal

"सात समंदर पार"

— Far away (if the cousin lives abroad).

मेरी ममेरी बहन सात समंदर पार रहती है।

Poetic

"दुख-सुख का साथी"

— Partner in joy and sorrow.

मेरी ममेरी बहन मेरी दुख-सुख की साथी है।

Emotional

"नाम रोशन करना"

— To bring glory to the name (family).

मेरी ममेरी बहन ने डॉक्टर बनकर खानदान का नाम रोशन किया।

Formal

Easily Confused

ममेरी बहन vs ममी

Sounds like 'Mummy' or 'Mami'.

'Mami' is the uncle's wife, 'Mameri' is the adjective for the uncle's relation.

Mami ki beti mameri bahan hai.

ममेरी बहन vs ममेरा

Gender variation.

'Mamera' is for a male cousin, 'Mameri' is for a female cousin.

Mamera bhai, mameri bahan.

ममेरी बहन vs बहन

Too general.

'Bahan' can be biological, while 'Mameri' specifies the cousin type.

Sagi bahan vs Mameri bahan.

ममेरी बहन vs भाभी

Relation by marriage.

'Bhabhi' is brother's wife, 'Mameri bahan' is uncle's daughter.

Meri mameri bahan ki bhabhi.

ममेरी बहन vs बुआ

Side of family.

'Bua' is father's sister, 'Mama' is mother's brother.

Bua ki beti phupheri bahan hoti hai.

Sentence Patterns

Yeh [Person] hai.

Yeh meri mameri bahan hai.

[Person] [Place] mein rehti hai.

Meri mameri bahan London mein rehti hai.

Jab main [Action], tab [Person] [Action].

Jab main ghar gaya, tab meri mameri bahan wahan thi.

[Person] jo ki [Profession] है...

Meri mameri bahan jo ki ek nurse hai...

Halaanki [Clause], phir bhi [Clause].

Halaanki vah meri mameri bahan hai, phir bhi hum kam baat karte hain.

[Person] ka yogdaan [Field] mein...

Meri mameri bahan ka yogdaan shiksha mein atulniya hai.

Kya aapki koi [Person] hai?

Kya aapki koi mameri bahan hai?

[Person] mujhse [Age] badi hai.

Meri mameri bahan mujhse panch saal badi hai.

Word Family

Nouns

मामा (Maternal Uncle)

ममी (Maternal Aunt)

ममेरा भाई (Maternal Cousin Brother)

ममेर (The maternal lineage)

Adjectives

ममेरा (Maternal - Masculine)

ममेरी (Maternal - Feminine)

बहन (Sister)

भाई (Brother)

रिश्तेदार (Relative)

परिवार (Family)

ननिहाल (Maternal home)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in family discussions.

Common Mistakes

Mamera bahan → Mameri bahan
The adjective must be feminine to match the noun 'bahan'.
Using 'mameri' for father's brother's daughter. → Chacheri bahan
Mameri is only for mother's brother's side.
Mameri Mausi → Mameri bahan
Mausi is the mother's sister, not the daughter of the uncle.
My cousin sister → Meri mameri bahan
In Hindi, avoid the direct translation of the Indian English 'cousin sister'.
Mama-bahan → Mameri bahan
You need the adjectival suffix '-eri' to show the relationship.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always keep the 'i' at the end of 'mameri' because 'bahan' is feminine. Even if you are a man, it's 'meri mameri bahan'.

The Mama Factor

Remember that 'Mama' is a very loved figure. Mentioning your 'mameri bahan' often brings a smile because it implies a happy maternal connection.

Root Word

Learn 'Mama' first. Once you know 'Mama' is mother's brother, 'mameri' becomes easy to remember.

Direct Address

Don't call her 'mameri bahan' to her face. Use her name or 'Didi'. 'Mameri bahan' is for talking *about* her.

Plural Spelling

The plural is 'bahanein'. Don't forget the dot on the 'n' sound at the end.

The 'eri' Suffix

Whenever you hear 'eri' or 'era' in a kinship word, think 'cousin'. It's a huge clue!

Introductions

When introducing her, 'Yeh meri mameri bahan hai' sounds much more polite and detailed than just 'Yeh meri cousin hai'.

Family Tree

Draw a small family tree and label the maternal uncle's daughter as 'mameri bahan' to lock it in your visual memory.

Soft 'H'

Keep the 'h' in 'bahan' very soft. If you over-pronounce it, it sounds unnatural.

Specificity

In Hindi, specificity is respect. Using the exact term shows you care about the family hierarchy.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think: **MA**ma's daughter = **MA**meri. Since she is a girl, it ends in 'i' like 'Ladk**i**'.

Visual Association

Imagine your mother's brother (Uncle) holding a photo of his daughter. Label the daughter 'Mameri Bahan'.

Word Web

Mama Mami Bahan Mamera Bhai Nanighar Rishta Family Cousin

Challenge

Try to name all your maternal uncles and then list their daughters using the phrase 'Meri mameri bahan [Name] hai.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Mātula' (मातुल) meaning maternal uncle. Over centuries, 'Matula' evolved into 'Mama' in Prakrit and then Hindi. The suffix '-era/-eri' is a common Indo-Aryan adjectival marker indicating 'originating from' or 'belonging to.'

Original meaning: Belonging to the maternal uncle.

Indo-Aryan / Indo-European.

Cultural Context

In some cultures, cross-cousin marriage is acceptable, while in others it is strictly forbidden. Be aware of these regional differences when discussing family trees.

English speakers often struggle with the lack of a generic 'cousin' word. In English, 'cousin' is gender-neutral and side-neutral. In Hindi, it's the opposite.

Bollywood movies often feature a 'mameri bahan' who helps the hero win his love. Traditional folk tales about the 'Mama's house'. Festivals like Raksha Bandhan where these cousins tie threads of protection.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Introduction

यह मेरी ममेरी बहन है।
क्या आप मेरी ममेरी बहन से मिले हैं?
मेरी ममेरी बहन का नाम... है।
वह मेरी ममेरी बहन लगती है।

Weddings

ममेरी बहन की शादी है।
शगुन देना
बारात में जाना
डांस करना

Childhood Memories

हम साथ खेलते थे।
मामा का घर
छुट्टियाँ बिताना
शरारत करना

Professional Talk

मेरी ममेरी बहन वकील है।
वह यहाँ काम करती है।
उसने डिग्री ली है।
सफल करियर

Asking for help

मेरी ममेरी बहन से पूछो।
वह मदद करेगी।
उसका नंबर चाहिए?
क्या वह फ्री है?

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपकी कोई ममेरी बहन है जो विदेश में रहती है?"

"आपकी ममेरी बहन क्या काम करती है?"

"क्या आप अपनी ममेरी बहन के करीब हैं?"

"पिछली बार आप अपनी ममेरी बहन से कब मिले थे?"

"आपकी ममेरी बहन का स्वभाव कैसा है?"

Journal Prompts

अपनी ममेरी बहन के साथ बिताई गई किसी एक यादगार छुट्टी के बारे में लिखें।

आपकी ममेरी बहन और आपकी सगी बहन में क्या समानताएं हैं?

अगर आपकी ममेरी बहन आपको अचानक फोन करे, तो आप क्या बातें करेंगे?

भारतीय समाज में मामा के बच्चों का क्या महत्व है? अपने विचार लिखें।

अपनी ममेरी बहन के व्यक्तित्व का वर्णन करें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can use the English word 'cousin' in urban areas, but it's not pure Hindi. To be correct, you should use 'mameri bahan' or similar terms.

Yes, in Indian culture, maternal cousins are very close and are often treated like biological siblings.

The masculine form is 'mamera bhai' (ममेरा भाई), which means maternal cousin brother.

You would usually call her by her name or use 'Didi' if she is older than you.

No, 'mameri' always agrees with 'bahan' (feminine), regardless of your own gender.

In casual talk, people just say 'bahan' once the relation is established.

Then she is your 'mauseri bahan' (मौसेरी बहन).

No, that would be 'saali' (sister-in-law) or a more complex term like 'saali ki bahan'.

It is specifically used for things related to the maternal uncle (e.g., mameri jaydad - uncle's property).

In North India, it is generally forbidden and seen as incestuous. In some parts of South India, it was historically practiced.