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बहन

A1 noun #28 most common 10 min read

बहन

behen Top 28

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips बहन in 30 Seconds

Explanation बहन in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Bahan' is introduced as one of the essential family vocabulary words. Learners are expected to identify the word and use it in simple sentences to describe their family. At this stage, the focus is on basic possession ('Meri bahan') and simple attributes ('Bahan achhi hai'). You should be able to answer the question 'Do you have a sister?' (Kya tumhari koi bahan hai?) and state her name. The emphasis is on the biological meaning. You will also learn the basic plural 'Bahanen'. The goal is to build a foundation where you can recognize the word in slow, clear speech and use it to provide personal information. You should also be aware that 'Didi' is a common way to call an older sister, even if you don't use it yourself yet. Simple sentence patterns like 'Subject + Possessive + Bahan + Verb' are the priority here.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Bahan' in more varied contexts, such as describing routines or past events involving a sister. You should be comfortable with the oblique case 'Bahanon' when using postpositions like 'ke saath' (with) or 'ko' (to). For example, 'Main apni bahan ke saath bazaar gaya' (I went to the market with my sister). You will also start to learn specific terms for cousins, like 'Chacheri bahan' (paternal cousin sister). At this stage, you should understand that 'Bahan' can be used to address strangers respectfully (Bahan-ji). You are expected to handle short social exchanges and talk about family events like a sister's birthday or wedding using basic past and future tenses. Your vocabulary expands to include adjectives that describe a sister's personality or appearance in more detail.

At the B1 level, you can use 'Bahan' to discuss more abstract concepts like the importance of siblings or the cultural significance of festivals like Raksha Bandhan. You should be able to describe the relationship between siblings in a more nuanced way, using words like 'rishta' (relationship) and 'zimmedari' (responsibility). You can handle longer conversations where you compare your sister's habits with your own. Your grammatical accuracy with gender agreement should be consistent. You will also encounter 'Bahan' in media, such as news reports or simple stories, and should be able to follow the main points. At this level, you start to understand the emotional weight the word carries in Indian society and can express your own feelings about your sister using more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences ('Agar meri bahan yahan hoti...').

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the use of 'Bahan' in idiomatic expressions and more formal registers. You can follow complex plots in movies or literature where the 'sister' figure plays a symbolic role. You should be able to discuss social issues related to women (often addressed as 'bahanon' in speeches) and express your opinions fluently. You understand the subtle difference between 'Bahan', 'Didi', 'Jiji', and 'Bhagini' and can choose the appropriate word based on the social context. Your use of the oblique plural 'Bahanon' in complex grammatical constructions (like passive voice or relative clauses) should be natural. You can also explain the cultural nuances of the word to others, such as the concept of 'Muh-boli bahan'. You are comfortable using the word in professional settings where kinship terms might be used to build rapport.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the linguistic and cultural nuances of 'Bahan'. You can recognize and use the word in various dialects and registers, including highly formal Sanskritized Hindi and colloquial street slang. You can analyze the role of the 'sister' in Hindi literature and cinema, discussing themes of sacrifice, protection, and social change. You are proficient in using the word in sophisticated rhetorical devices, such as metaphors and analogies. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Sanskrit roots and its relationship with other Indo-Aryan languages. Your speech is fluid, and you can use 'Bahan' in a way that perfectly matches the social hierarchy and emotional tone of any situation. You can also navigate the sensitive use of the word in political or social activism.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Bahan' is equivalent to that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word with absolute precision in any context, from legal documents to classical poetry. You are aware of the most obscure synonyms and archaic forms of the word. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the concept of 'sisterhood' in Indian philosophy and how it differs from Western concepts. You can effortlessly switch between different regional variations of the word and understand the socio-linguistic implications of each. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural, allowing you to use it to evoke specific emotions or cultural memories in your audience. You can critique the use of the word in modern media and discuss its evolving meaning in a globalized India.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

बहन in 30 Seconds

Bahan means sister in Hindi and is a feminine noun requiring feminine grammar agreement.
It is used for biological sisters, cousins, and as a respectful address for unrelated women.
The plural form is 'bahanen', and the oblique form used with postpositions is 'bahanon'.
Cultural significance is high, especially during festivals like Raksha Bandhan which celebrate the sister-brother bond.

The Hindi word बहन (Bahan) is a fundamental noun in the Hindi language, primarily translated as 'sister' in English. At its most basic level, it refers to a female sibling who shares one or both parents with another person. However, in the rich tapestry of South Asian culture and linguistics, the term carries significantly more weight and versatility than its English counterpart. Understanding 'Bahan' requires looking beyond biological ties into the realm of social etiquette, respect, and communal bonding. In Hindi-speaking societies, kinship terms are often extended to non-relatives to establish a respectful and safe social distance or to express platonic affection. For instance, a man might address a female colleague or a woman of his age group as 'Bahan' or 'Bahan-ji' to signify that his intentions are honorable and that he views her with the same respect he would accord his own sister. This cultural nuance is vital for learners to grasp, as it helps navigate social interactions without causing offense or misunderstanding. The word is deeply embedded in the collective consciousness through festivals like Raksha Bandhan, where the bond between a brother and a sister is celebrated with rituals and promises of protection. Furthermore, 'Bahan' serves as the root for various other terms and titles, reflecting its central role in the family-centric structure of Indian life.

Biological Sibling: A female born to the same parents. Example: 'मेरी एक बड़ी बहन है' (I have one elder sister).

Social Address: Used to address women of similar age respectfully, often adding the suffix '-ji'. Example: 'बहनजी, क्या आप रास्ता बता सकती हैं?' (Sister, can you tell me the way?).

Cousins: In Hindi, cousins are often referred to as 'brother' or 'sister' with a prefix indicating the specific relationship (e.g., 'chacheri bahan' for father's brother's daughter).

मेरी बहन डॉक्टर है। (My sister is a doctor.)

वह मुझे अपनी बहन मानता है। (He considers me his sister.)

छोटी बहन बहुत शरारती है। (The younger sister is very naughty.)

बड़ी बहन की शादी अगले महीने है। (The elder sister's wedding is next month.)

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

In literary contexts, you might encounter 'Bhagini' (Sanskrit-derived) or 'Ham-sheera' (Persian-derived in Urdu-influenced Hindi), but 'Bahan' remains the most versatile and widely understood term across all dialects and registers of Hindi. Whether you are filling out a formal document or chatting with a friend about family, 'Bahan' is your go-to word. It is also important to note that Hindi distinguishes between elder and younger sisters using adjectives like 'Badi' (big/elder) and 'Chhoti' (small/younger), rather than having separate single words for them as some other languages do. This simplicity makes it one of the first kinship terms a learner should master.

Using बहन (Bahan) correctly in sentences involves understanding Hindi's gender-based grammar system. Since 'Bahan' is a feminine noun, all associated adjectives, possessive pronouns, and verbs must reflect this feminine gender. For example, instead of saying 'Mera bahan' (which is masculine), you must say 'Meri bahan' (feminine). This is a common hurdle for English speakers, as English possessives like 'my' do not change based on the gender of the object. Furthermore, the plural form of 'Bahan' is 'Bahanen' (बहनें), and when it is followed by a postposition (like 'ko', 'se', 'ka'), it changes to the oblique plural form 'Bahanon' (बहनों). Mastering these transformations is key to sounding natural in Hindi.

Possessive Agreement: Use 'Meri', 'Tumhari', 'Apki', or 'Uski'. Example: 'Meri bahan school gayi hai' (My sister has gone to school).

Pluralization: Change 'Bahan' to 'Bahanen'. Example: 'Meri do bahanen hain' (I have two sisters).

Oblique Case: Use 'Bahanon' before postpositions. Example: 'Main apni bahanon se pyaar karta hoon' (I love my sisters).

मेरी बहन बहुत अच्छा खाना बनाती है। (My sister cooks very good food.)

तुम्हारी बहन का नाम क्या है? (What is your sister's name?)

वह अपनी बहन के साथ बाज़ार गई। (She went to the market with her sister.)

Beyond simple descriptions, 'Bahan' is used in complex sentence structures involving obligations and relationships. For example, 'Mujhe apni bahan ki madad karni chahiye' (I should help my sister). Here, 'ki' is used because 'madad' (help) is feminine, but it also links 'bahan' to the action. In more formal or literary Hindi, you might see 'Bahan' used metaphorically to describe things that are closely related or similar, such as 'Kavita aur Sangeet dono bahanen hain' (Poetry and Music are both sisters). This highlights the deep connection between the two subjects. When addressing a crowd of women, the phrase 'Bhaiyon aur Bahanon' (Brothers and Sisters) is the standard opening for speeches, famously used by leaders like Narendra Modi and Swami Vivekananda. This usage underscores the word's role in creating a sense of national or communal family.

You will hear बहन (Bahan) in almost every facet of Indian life. From the intimate setting of a home to the public sphere of politics and entertainment, the word is omnipresent. In a typical Indian household, siblings rarely call each other by their names if there is an age gap; instead, they use 'Bahan' or more commonly 'Didi' (for elder) or 'Chhoti' (for younger). In the bustling markets of Delhi or Mumbai, you might hear a shopkeeper address a female customer as 'Bahan-ji' to establish a respectful rapport. This is a crucial social lubricant in India, where directness can sometimes be perceived as rudeness. By using 'Bahan', the speaker places the listener in a familial framework, which usually ensures a more polite interaction.

'भाइयों और बहनों, मेरी बात ध्यान से सुनें।' (Brothers and sisters, listen to me carefully.) - Common in political speeches.

'अरे बहन, तुम यहाँ क्या कर रही हो?' (Hey sister, what are you doing here?) - Common in daily chat.

Bollywood movies are another major source where 'Bahan' is frequently used. Countless films revolve around the 'Bhai-Bahan' (brother-sister) dynamic, often portraying the brother as the protector of the sister's honor. Songs like 'Phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai, ek hazaron mein meri behna hai' (The flowers and stars all say, my sister is one in a thousand) are iconic and played at every Raksha Bandhan festival. In television serials (soaps), the word is used to define complex family hierarchies and alliances. Even in modern corporate settings, while English is prevalent, colleagues might refer to each other's siblings using 'Bahan' when speaking in Hindi. Furthermore, in rural areas, the village community often functions as an extended family, where every woman of a certain age is a 'Bahan' to the men of the village. This social structure is deeply ingrained and is reflected in the frequent use of the word in folk songs and local stories.

Lastly, in religious and spiritual discourses, 'Bahan' is used to address the female members of the congregation, emphasizing the spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood of all devotees. For example, in the Brahma Kumaris movement, women are primarily addressed as 'Bahan' or 'Didi'. This wide range of usage—from the kitchen to the pulpit—makes 'Bahan' one of the most culturally significant words in the Hindi language. As a learner, hearing the word will give you immediate clues about the relationship between the people speaking and the social context of the conversation.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistakes when using बहन (Bahan) stem from gender agreement and pluralization. Since English doesn't have grammatical gender for nouns like 'sister' (beyond the biological sense), learners often forget to change the surrounding words in Hindi. Another common error is the confusion between 'Bahan' and 'Didi'. While both mean sister, they are not always interchangeable. 'Didi' specifically refers to an elder sister or a woman older than you, whereas 'Bahan' is the general term. Using 'Bahan' for your own elder sister to her face might sound a bit formal or detached; 'Didi' is much more natural and affectionate.

Wrong Gender: Saying 'Mera bahan' instead of 'Meri bahan'. The possessive must match the feminine gender of 'Bahan'.

Incorrect Plural: Saying 'Bahanen' when a postposition is present. It should be 'Bahanon ko', not 'Bahanen ko'.

Overusing 'Bahanji': Using 'Bahanji' for a very young girl or a very modern woman in an urban setting might be seen as slightly awkward or implying she is 'un-cool'.

Incorrect: मेरा बहन आ रहा है। (Mera bahan aa raha hai.)
Correct: मेरी बहन आ रही है। (Meri bahan aa rahi hai.)

Another subtle mistake is not distinguishing between biological sisters and cousins. While in English you always say 'cousin', in Hindi, if you just say 'Bahan', people will assume she is your biological sister. To be specific about a cousin, you should use terms like 'Chacheri bahan' (father's brother's daughter) or 'Mameri bahan' (mother's brother's daughter). However, in casual conversation, Indians often drop these prefixes and just say 'Bahan', which can lead to confusion for foreigners who take the word literally. Finally, be careful with the word 'Saali' (sister-in-law/wife's sister). While it is a kinship term, it is also used as a mild profanity in Hindi. Never use 'Bahan' and 'Saali' interchangeably, as they carry very different social connotations.

While बहन (Bahan) is the standard term, Hindi offers several synonyms and related words that vary based on age, respect, and regional influence. Knowing these alternatives will make your Hindi sound more nuanced and sophisticated. The most common alternative is 'Didi', which is used for elder sisters. In some regions, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, you might hear 'Jiji' or 'Baji' (influenced by Urdu). In formal or poetic Hindi, 'Bhagini' is used, which comes directly from Sanskrit. Understanding the 'register' or the level of formality for each of these is crucial.

Bahan vs. Didi: 'Bahan' is the general category; 'Didi' is the specific address for an elder sister. You would say 'Meri ek bahan hai' (I have a sister) but call her 'Didi, idhar aao' (Didi, come here).

Bahan vs. Bhagini: 'Bahan' is everyday speech; 'Bhagini' is highly formal, literary, or used in legal/religious texts. You won't hear 'Bhagini' in a coffee shop!

Bahan vs. Sahodara: 'Sahodara' literally means 'from the same womb'. It is a very technical term used to emphasize a full biological relationship.

मेरी बड़ी दीदी बहुत दयालु हैं। (My elder sister is very kind.)

In Urdu-heavy Hindi (Hindustani), you might encounter 'Apa' or 'Baji' for elder sisters. These are very common in Muslim households and in Bollywood films set in Lucknow or Hyderabad. Another interesting term is 'Muh-boli bahan' (sworn sister), which refers to a woman who is not related by blood but is treated exactly like a sister through a mutual agreement or a ritual. This highlights the flexibility of the 'Bahan' concept in Indian culture. When talking about a younger sister specifically, you might use 'Chhoti bahan' or simply 'Chhoti' as a nickname. In some dialects, 'Bahini' or 'Baini' are used. For a learner, sticking to 'Bahan' for general reference and 'Didi' for addressing elders is the safest and most effective strategy.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"मेरी भगिनी का स्वास्थ्य अब ठीक है।"

Neutral

"मेरी बहन कल आएगी।"

Informal

"मेरी बहना बहुत प्यारी है।"

Child friendly

"देखो, तुम्हारी दीदी आ गई!"

Slang

"ओए बहन, क्या हाल है?"

Fun Fact

In many Indian languages derived from Sanskrit, the word for sister sounds similar: 'Bohin' in Assamese, 'Bon' in Bengali, and 'Bhen' in Punjabi. This shows the strong shared roots across the subcontinent.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bə.ɦən/

US /bə.hən/

The stress is slightly more on the first syllable 'Ba-', but both syllables are relatively short.

Rhymes With

सहन (Sahan - tolerance) दहन (Dahan - burning) गहन (Gahan - deep) चहन (Chahan - desire/rare) रहन (Rahan - living) वहन (Vahan - carrying) नहन (Nahan - bathing/dialect) जहन (Jahan - world/Urdu)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Baan' (dropping the 'h').
Pronouncing the first 'a' like the 'a' in 'apple'. It should be a neutral schwa sound.
Confusing it with 'Behan' (a common regional variation, but 'Bahan' is standard).
Not aspirating the 'h' enough.
Nasalizing the final 'n' too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and uses basic characters. Very easy to read for beginners.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding the 'ha' and 'na' characters. Simple structure.

Speaking 2/5

The 'h' sound must be clear. Learners often drop it.

Listening 1/5

Very common word, easily recognizable in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

माँ (Maa) पिता (Pita) भाई (Bhai) मैं (Main) है (Hai)

Learn Next

परिवार (Family) रिश्तेदार (Relatives) बड़ा/छोटा (Big/Small) शादी (Wedding) घर (Home)

Advanced

सहोदरा (Sahodara) वंश (Lineage) विरासत (Inheritance) संरक्षक (Protector) स्नेह (Affection)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

मेरी (Meri) + बहन (Bahan) + अच्छी (Achhi) + है (Hai).

Pluralization of Consonant-Ending Feminine Nouns

बहन (Bahan) becomes बहनें (Bahanen).

Oblique Case Transformation

बहनें (Bahanen) + को (ko) becomes बहनों को (Bahanon ko).

Reflexive Possessive 'Apni'

मैं अपनी (apni) बहन के साथ हूँ।

Verb Conjugation for Feminine Subjects

बहन आती (aati) है।

Examples by Level

मेरी एक बहन है।

I have one sister.

Uses 'meri' (feminine) to match 'bahan'.

तुम्हारी बहन कहाँ है?

Where is your sister?

Interrogative sentence with 'tumhari' (feminine).

मेरी बहन का नाम पूजा है।

My sister's name is Pooja.

Uses 'ka' because 'naam' (name) is masculine, even though it refers to a sister.

वह मेरी छोटी बहन है।

She is my younger sister.

'Chhoti' is the feminine adjective for 'younger'.

मेरी बहन स्कूल जाती है।

My sister goes to school.

Verb 'jati' ends in '-i' to match the feminine subject.

क्या यह तुम्हारी बहन है?

Is this your sister?

Simple yes/no question structure.

मेरी बहन बहुत अच्छी है।

My sister is very good.

'Achhi' is the feminine form of 'achha'.

बहन, यहाँ आओ।

Sister, come here.

Vocative use of the word 'bahan'.

मैं अपनी बहन के साथ खेलता हूँ।

I play with my sister.

Uses 'apni' (reflexive possessive) and 'ke saath' (with).

मेरी दो बहनें हैं।

I have two sisters.

Plural form 'bahanen'.

मैंने अपनी बहन को एक उपहार दिया।

I gave a gift to my sister.

Uses 'ko' (to) after 'bahan'.

मेरी बहन मुझसे बड़ी है।

My sister is older than me.

Comparison using 'se badi'.

कल मेरी बहन का जन्मदिन था।

Yesterday was my sister's birthday.

Past tense 'tha'.

मेरी बहन डॉक्टर बनना चाहती है।

My sister wants to become a doctor.

Infinitive 'banna' with 'chahti hai'.

क्या आप मेरी बहन से मिले हैं?

Have you met my sister?

Present perfect tense with 'se mile'.

मेरी बहन बहुत सुंदर गाती है।

My sister sings very beautifully.

Adverbial use of 'sundar' with feminine verb.

रक्षा बंधन पर बहन भाई को राखी बाँधती है।

On Raksha Bandhan, the sister ties a rakhi to the brother.

Cultural context sentence.

मेरी बहन और मेरे बीच बहुत प्यार है।

There is a lot of love between my sister and me.

Use of 'ke beech' (between).

मेरी बहन अपनी पढ़ाई में बहुत मेहनत करती है।

My sister works very hard in her studies.

Compound verb 'mehanat karti hai'.

जब मैं बीमार था, मेरी बहन ने मेरा ख्याल रखा।

When I was sick, my sister took care of me.

Past tense with 'ne' ergative marker.

मेरी बहन को नई भाषाएँ सीखने का शौक है।

My sister is fond of learning new languages.

Structure 'ko... ka shauk hai'.

मेरी बहन ने मुझे कार चलाना सिखाया।

My sister taught me how to drive a car.

Causative sense 'sikhaya'.

मेरी बहन हमेशा मेरा साथ देती है।

My sister always supports me.

Idiomatic 'saath dena'.

वह अपनी बहन की शादी के लिए पैसे बचा रहा है।

He is saving money for his sister's wedding.

Purpose clause 'ke liye'.

समाज में महिलाओं को बहन और बेटी के रूप में सम्मान दिया जाता है।

In society, women are respected in the form of sisters and daughters.

Passive voice 'diya jata hai'.

मेरी बहन ने अपनी मेहनत से यह मुकाम हासिल किया है।

My sister has achieved this position through her hard work.

Abstract noun 'mukam' (position/milestone).

भले ही हम लड़ते हैं, लेकिन मेरी बहन मेरी सबसे अच्छी दोस्त है।

Even though we fight, my sister is my best friend.

Conjunction 'bhale hi... lekin'.

मेरी बहन की सलाह मेरे लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है।

My sister's advice is very important to me.

Noun 'salah' (advice) is feminine.

वह अपनी बहन के सपनों को पूरा करने में मदद कर रहा है।

He is helping to fulfill his sister's dreams.

Compound verb 'poora karna'.

मेरी बहन ने विदेश में उच्च शिक्षा प्राप्त की है।

My sister has obtained higher education abroad.

Formal vocabulary 'uchh shiksha'.

मेरी बहन का स्वभाव बहुत ही शांत और सरल है।

My sister's nature is very calm and simple.

Noun 'swabhav' (nature) is masculine.

मेरी बहन ने बचपन से ही मुझे सही रास्ता दिखाया है।

My sister has shown me the right path since childhood.

Metaphorical 'sahi raasta'.

साहित्य में 'बहन' का पात्र अक्सर त्याग और ममता का प्रतीक होता है।

In literature, the character of a 'sister' is often a symbol of sacrifice and maternal love.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

मेरी बहन की सफलता ने पूरे परिवार का सिर गर्व से ऊँचा कर दिया।

My sister's success made the whole family's head hold high with pride.

Idiomatic 'sir garv se ooncha karna'.

वह अपनी बहन के प्रति अपनी जिम्मेदारियों को बखूबी निभाता है।

He fulfills his responsibilities towards his sister perfectly.

Adverb 'bakhoobi' (perfectly/well).

मेरी बहन और मेरे विचारों में काफी भिन्नता है, फिर भी हम करीब हैं।

There is a lot of difference in my sister's and my thoughts, yet we are close.

Noun 'bhinnata' (difference).

उसने अपनी बहन के अधिकारों के लिए लंबी कानूनी लड़ाई लड़ी।

He fought a long legal battle for his sister's rights.

Formal 'adhikar' (rights).

मेरी बहन एक प्रखर वक्ता और सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता है।

My sister is a brilliant orator and social worker.

Advanced adjectives 'prakhar' and 'samajik'.

बहन का स्नेह किसी भी भौतिक सुख से बढ़कर है।

A sister's affection is greater than any material pleasure.

Philosophical comparison.

मेरी बहन ने विपरीत परिस्थितियों में भी हार नहीं मानी।

My sister did not give up even in adverse circumstances.

Phrase 'vipreet paristhitiyan' (adverse circumstances).

भारतीय संस्कृति में 'बहन' शब्द केवल एक रिश्ता नहीं, बल्कि एक नैतिक बंधन है।

In Indian culture, the word 'sister' is not just a relationship, but a moral bond.

Deep cultural analysis.

मेरी बहन के व्यक्तित्व में दृढ़ता और कोमलता का अद्भुत संगम है।

In my sister's personality, there is a wonderful confluence of firmness and tenderness.

Metaphorical 'sangam' (confluence).

उसने अपनी बहन की स्मृतियों को संजोने के लिए एक पुस्तकालय बनवाया।

He built a library to cherish the memories of his sister.

Formal verb 'sanjona' (to cherish/preserve).

मेरी बहन की लेखनी में समाज की कड़वी सच्चाइयों का प्रतिबिंब झलकता है।

The reflection of society's bitter truths is visible in my sister's writing.

Literary 'lekhni' (pen/writing style).

बहन के प्रति उसका अनुराग अटूट और निस्वार्थ है।

His affection for his sister is unbreakable and selfless.

High-register 'anurag' (affection) and 'atoot' (unbreakable).

मेरी बहन ने अपनी कला के माध्यम से वैश्विक स्तर पर पहचान बनाई है।

My sister has created an identity at the global level through her art.

Phrase 'vaishvik star' (global level).

वह अपनी बहन के आदर्शों पर चलते हुए समाज सेवा में लीन है।

Following his sister's ideals, he is immersed in social service.

Idiomatic 'adarshon par chalna'.

मेरी बहन का मार्गदर्शन मेरे जीवन की दिशा बदलने में सहायक सिद्ध हुआ।

My sister's guidance proved helpful in changing the direction of my life.

Formal 'margdarshan' (guidance) and 'sahayak siddh hona'.

Synonyms

भगिनी दीदी जीजी सहोदरा आपा

Antonyms

भाई

Common Collocations

बड़ी बहन

छोटी बहन

सगी बहन

चचेरी बहन

ममेरी बहन

फुफेरी बहन

मौसेरी बहन

मुँह-बोली बहन

बहन का प्यार

भाई-बहन

Common Phrases

बहनजी, सुनिए

— A polite way to get a woman's attention. Equivalent to 'Excuse me, ma'am/sister'.

बहनजी, सुनिए, क्या यह आपका पर्स है?

मेरी प्यारी बहन

— An affectionate way to refer to or address one's sister. 'My dear sister'.

मेरी प्यारी बहन, जन्मदिन मुबारक हो!

बहन की तरह

— Treating someone like a sister. 'Like a sister'.

मैं उसे अपनी बहन की तरह मानता हूँ।

बहनों और भाइयों

— A standard formal address to an audience. 'Sisters and brothers'.

मेरे प्यारे बहनों और भाइयों, नमस्ते।

एक ही बहन

— Only one sister. Used to specify sibling count.

मेरी सिर्फ एक ही बहन है।

बड़ी बहन का फर्ज

— The duty of an elder sister. Often implies taking care of younger siblings.

यह मेरी बड़ी बहन का फर्ज है।

बहन का घर

— Sister's house. Often used in the context of visiting relatives.

मैं अपनी बहन के घर जा रहा हूँ।

दो बहनें

— Two sisters. Note the plural 'bahanen'.

वे दोनों बहनें बहुत सुंदर हैं।

बहन का रिश्ता

— The relationship of a sister. Can be biological or social.

हमारा बहन का रिश्ता बहुत पुराना है।

बहन की शादी

— Sister's wedding. A major social event in Indian families.

अगले महीने मेरी बहन की शादी है।

Often Confused With

बहन vs भाई (Bhai)

The most common confusion for absolute beginners. Bhai is brother (masculine), Bahan is sister (feminine).

बहन vs बहू (Bahu)

Sounds similar but means 'daughter-in-law' or 'bride'. Be careful with the vowel sound.

बहन vs बहाना (Bahana)

Sounds similar but means 'an excuse' or 'to flow'. 'Bahan' is the noun for sister.

Idioms & Expressions

"भाई-बहन का प्यार"

— Refers to the selfless and protective love between siblings. Often used to describe any deep, platonic bond.

उनका रिश्ता भाई-बहन के प्यार जैसा है।

Neutral

"बहन-बेटी समझना"

— To view women with respect and honor, as one would their own family. A common moral exhortation.

हमें हर महिला को अपनी बहन-बेटी समझना चाहिए।

Formal/Moral

"एक ही थाली के चट्टे-बट्टे (for sisters)"

— Though usually general, when applied to sisters, it means they are exactly alike in their habits (often used playfully/negatively).

दोनों बहनें एक ही थाली के चट्टे-बट्टे हैं।

Informal

"राखी का बंधन"

— The bond of protection. Refers to the sacred promise between brother and sister.

राखी का बंधन कभी मत भूलना।

Cultural/Emotional

"बहन का सिर ऊँचा करना"

— To make one's sister proud through one's actions.

उसने अपनी बहन का सिर ऊँचा कर दिया।

Neutral

"सौतेली बहन जैसा व्यवहार"

— To treat someone coldly or unfairly (based on the 'wicked stepsister' trope).

वह मेरे साथ सौतेली बहन जैसा व्यवहार करती है।

Informal

"बहन-भाई की नोक-झोंक"

— The playful bickering and fighting common between siblings.

घर में बहन-भाई की नोक-झोंक चलती रहती है।

Informal

"सात बहनें (Seven Sisters)"

— Refers to the seven northeastern states of India. A geographical idiom.

भारत के उत्तर-पूर्व में सात बहनें हैं।

Formal/Geographical

"बहन की गाली"

— A reference to common Indian profanities that involve a person's sister. Used to warn against bad language.

कभी किसी को बहन की गाली मत देना।

Informal/Cautionary

"बड़ी बहन, माँ समान"

— A cultural belief that an elder sister is like a mother.

मेरे लिए मेरी बड़ी बहन, माँ समान है।

Emotional/Traditional

Easily Confused

बहन vs बहू (Bahu)

Phonetic similarity.

Bahan (sister) ends in a consonant; Bahu (daughter-in-law) ends in a long 'u' sound. They represent different family roles.

मेरी बहन (sister) और मेरी बहू (daughter-in-law) दोनों घर पर हैं।

बहन vs बहाना (Bahana)

Phonetic similarity.

Bahan is a noun (sister). Bahana can be a noun (excuse) or a verb (to make flow). The extra 'a' at the end changes the meaning entirely.

मेरी बहन (sister) कोई बहाना (excuse) नहीं बनाती।

बहन vs बाँधना (Bandhna)

Often used together in the context of Rakhi.

Bahan is the person (sister); Bandhna is the action (to tie).

बहन (sister) राखी बाँधती (ties) है।

बहन vs बाहर (Bahar)

Phonetic similarity.

Bahan is sister; Bahar means 'outside'. The 'n' vs 'r' at the end is the key.

मेरी बहन (sister) बाहर (outside) खेल रही है।

बहन vs बहनोई (Bahnoi)

Root word similarity.

Bahan is sister; Bahnoi is sister's husband (brother-in-law).

मेरी बहन और मेरे बहनोई आए हैं।

Sentence Patterns

मेरी बहन [Adjective] है।

मेरी बहन सुंदर है।

यह मेरी [Badi/Chhoti] बहन है।

यह मेरी बड़ी बहन है।

मैं अपनी बहन के साथ [Verb] हूँ।

मैं अपनी बहन के साथ पढ़ता हूँ।

मेरी [Number] बहनें हैं।

मेरी तीन बहनें हैं।

मेरी बहन को [Noun] पसंद है।

मेरी बहन को संगीत पसंद है।

जब मेरी बहन [Verb-Past], तब...

जब मेरी बहन आई, तब मैं सो रहा था।

मेरी बहन [Verb] में बहुत अच्छी है।

मेरी बहन खाना बनाने में बहुत अच्छी है।

बहन होने के नाते, मेरा यह फर्ज है कि...

बहन होने के नाते, मेरा यह फर्ज है कि मैं उसकी मदद करूँ।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily life, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

Mera bahan → Meri bahan
Using the masculine possessive 'mera' with the feminine noun 'bahan'.
Bahan aa raha hai → Bahan aa rahi hai
Using a masculine verb ending for a feminine subject.
Bahanen ko bulao → Bahanon ko bulao
Failing to use the oblique plural form 'bahanon' before a postposition.
Baan → Bahan
Dropping the 'h' sound in pronunciation.
Using 'Bahan' for elder sister directly → Using 'Didi'
While grammatically correct, it lacks the cultural warmth of 'Didi'.

Tips

Gender Match

Always remember that 'Bahan' is feminine. Use 'Meri', 'Uski', and feminine verb endings like 'karti hai'.

Use Didi for Elders

To sound like a native, use 'Didi' when calling your elder sister. It shows affection and respect.

Specific Cousins

Learn the prefixes like 'Chacheri' or 'Mameri' to be more precise about family relationships.

Clear 'H'

Practice saying 'Ba-han' with a clear 'h' sound. Don't let it slide into 'Baan'.

Bahan-ji for Strangers

If you need to talk to a woman you don't know, 'Bahan-ji' is a safe and polite way to address her.

Plural Dot

When writing 'Bahanen', always put the dot on the 'e' (ें). It's essential for the correct plural sound.

Sanskrit Root

Remembering 'Bhagini' can help you understand related words in other Indian languages like Marathi or Bengali.

Listen for Context

In movies, notice if 'Bahan' is used for a real sister or just a respectful way to talk to a woman.

Avoid 'Saali'

Never confuse 'Bahan' with 'Saali' (wife's sister), as 'Saali' can be used as a mild insult in some contexts.

Rakhi Association

Link the word 'Bahan' to the festival of Raksha Bandhan to remember its cultural importance.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Bahan' as someone who is 'Bahan' (bearing) the same family name as you. Or imagine a 'Bun' (Bahan) that you share with your sister.

Visual Association

Visualize a 'Rakhi' thread. This thread is the ultimate symbol of a 'Bahan' in India. When you see a Rakhi, think 'Bahan'.

Word Web

Family Sister Rakhi Didi Bhai Love Protection Home

Challenge

Try to identify three women in your life (real or fictional) and describe them using 'Bahan' or 'Didi' in a Hindi sentence today.

Word Origin

The word 'Bahan' originates from the Sanskrit word 'Bhagini' (भगिनी). Over centuries, through the process of linguistic evolution in Prakrit and Apabhramsha, 'Bhagini' transformed into 'Bahini' and eventually the modern Hindi 'Bahan'.

Original meaning: In Sanskrit, 'Bhagini' literally means 'the fortunate one' or 'one who has a share (bhaga)'. It implies a female who shares in the family's fortune or inheritance.

Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family.

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'Bahan-ji' in very modern urban circles; some might find it a bit dated or 'uncool'. Use 'Didi' or the person's name if you are unsure.

Unlike English where 'sister' is mostly biological, in Hindi, you will hear it used for cousins and even strangers. Don't be surprised if someone calls your cousin your 'bahan'.

The song 'Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka' from the movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna. The political title 'Behenji' used for Mayawati. The festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

मेरी बहन कहाँ है?
बहन खाना खा रही है।
दीदी, मेरी मदद करो।
छोटी बहन सो रही है।

Introductions

यह मेरी बहन है।
मेरी दो बहनें हैं।
उसकी बहन का नाम क्या है?
क्या आपकी कोई बहन है?

Festivals

आज रक्षा बंधन है।
बहन ने राखी बाँधी।
भाई ने बहन को उपहार दिया।
बहनें घर आई हैं।

Public Places

बहनजी, रास्ता कहाँ है?
बहनजी, आप यहाँ बैठिए।
नमस्ते बहनजी।
धन्यवाद बहनजी।

Emotional Talk

मुझे अपनी बहन की याद आती है।
मेरी बहन मेरी सबसे अच्छी दोस्त है।
बहन का प्यार सबसे प्यारा है।
वह मेरी सगी बहन जैसी है।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपकी कोई बहन है या आप अकेले हैं?"

"आपकी बहन आपसे बड़ी है या छोटी?"

"आपकी बहन क्या काम करती है?"

"क्या आप और आपकी बहन अक्सर लड़ते हैं?"

"आपकी बहन का सबसे पसंदीदा खाना क्या है?"

Journal Prompts

अपनी बहन के बारे में पाँच वाक्य लिखिए। अगर बहन नहीं है, तो किसी करीबी सहेली के बारे में लिखिए।

रक्षा बंधन के त्योहार के बारे में आप क्या सोचते हैं? विस्तार से बताइए।

एक अच्छी बहन के क्या गुण होने चाहिए? अपने विचार साझा करें।

बचपन की कोई ऐसी याद लिखें जिसमें आपकी बहन शामिल हो।

अगर आपकी बहन दूसरे शहर में रहती है, तो उसे एक छोटा पत्र लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can, but it sounds a bit formal. In India, most people use 'Didi' to address their elder sister directly. You would use 'Bahan' when talking about her to someone else, e.g., 'She is my sister'.

Adding '-ji' makes the word more respectful. 'Bahan-ji' is often used to address women who are not related to you, like a neighbor or a shopkeeper. Using 'Bahan' alone for a stranger might sound too familiar.

Hindi uses specific terms based on which side of the family they are from. For example, 'Chacheri bahan' (father's brother's daughter) or 'Mameri bahan' (mother's brother's daughter). However, many people just say 'Bahan' in casual talk.

Yes, very close female friends might call each other 'Bahan' or 'Didi' to show a deep, sister-like bond. This is common in Indian culture.

The plural is 'Bahanen' (बहनें). If you are using a postposition like 'to' (ko), it becomes 'Bahanon' (बहनों), as in 'Bahanon ko' (to the sisters).

It is a neutral word. It can be used in both formal documents and informal family conversations. The context and suffixes (like -ji) determine the exact formality.

Yes, you can use it for a sister of any age. To be specific, you can say 'Chhoti bahan' for a younger one.

It means a 'sworn sister'. This is someone who is not biologically related but you have decided to treat as a sister, often through a small ritual or mutual understanding.

No, the 'h' should be pronounced clearly. It is 'Ba-han'. Dropping the 'h' is a common mistake for learners.

It is a way to address the entire nation as a family. It translates to 'Brothers and Sisters' and is a standard, inclusive way to start a speech.