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Description
Type: noun (family relation)
Origin: Common Urdu/Hindi term; refers specifically to the sister of one’s father
Expanded Features:
Polarity: neutral
Register: everyday, familial, conversational
Pragmatic Sense: Used to denote a specific familial relationship in extended families
Sociolinguistic Note: Reflects the importance of family hierarchy and relations in South Asian culture
Synonyms (Urdu): باپ کی بہن، پدری پھوپھو
Synonyms (English): father’s sister, paternal aunt
Antonyms (Urdu): خالہ، ماں کی بہن
Antonyms (English): maternal aunt, mother’s sister
Key Nuances:
Distinguishes between paternal and maternal aunts
Commonly used in addressing or referring to relatives in family gatherings
Often carries affectionate or respectful connotations
Usage Contexts:
Family conversations
Introducing relatives
Discussing family lineage or heritage
Example Sentences:
Urdu: میری پھوپھو ہمارے گھر آئیں
English: My paternal aunt came to our house,
Urdu: پھوپھو نے بچوں کو کہانیاں سنائیں
English: The aunt narrated stories to the children,
Urdu: شادی میں پھوپھو بھی مدعو تھیں
English: The paternal aunt was also invited to the wedding.
Cultural Insight: In South Asian families, paternal and maternal aunts are addressed differently, reflecting respect, lineage, and familial structure.
Related Terms:
خالہ (khala): maternal aunt
چچا (chacha): father’s brother
ممانی (mamani): maternal uncle’s wife