Introduction: Understanding Family Terms in English and Urdu
In both English and Urdu, family relationships are important but often expressed differently. One such term is “Brother-in-law”, which can have multiple meanings in Urdu depending on the context.
In this article, we’ll explain the meaning of brother-in-law in Urdu, describe the different relationships it can represent, and show how to use the term properly in English sentences.
What Does Brother-in-law Mean in Urdu?
The term “Brother-in-law” refers to several different relationships based on marriage. In Urdu, it can mean:
| Relationship | Urdu Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wife’s brother | Salah (سالہ) | Your wife’s brother |
| Sister’s husband | Behnoi (بہنوئی) | Your sister’s husband |
| Husband’s elder brother | Jeth (جیٹھ) | Your husband’s older brother |
| Husband’s younger brother | Dewar (دیور) | Your husband’s younger brother |
So, Brother-in-law = Salah / Behnoi / Jeth / Dewar, depending on the relationship.
Examples of “Brother-in-law” in English Sentences
Let’s look at some real-life examples to better understand how to use this term:
✅ Example 1:
My brother-in-law is visiting us this weekend.
(Here, it could be your wife’s brother or your sister’s husband)
✅ Example 2:
I went to the market with my brother-in-law.
(Again, the exact meaning depends on context)
✅ Example 3:
Her brother-in-law helped her during her house move.
(Could mean her husband’s brother)
Why This Term Can Be Confusing
In English, “brother-in-law” is a general term that covers several different relationships. But in Urdu, each specific relation has its own unique name.
That’s why understanding the context is very important when translating or using the word “brother-in-law” in English or Urdu.
Other Related Terms to Know
| English Term | Urdu Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Sister-in-law | Bhabi / Nand / Saali |
| Father-in-law | Susar (سسر) |
| Mother-in-law | Saas (ساس) |
| Son-in-law | Damad (داماد) |
| Daughter-in-law | Bahu (بہو) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can “brother-in-law” mean more than one relation?
A: Yes. It can refer to your wife’s brother, your sister’s husband, or your husband’s brother.
Q2: What is the plural of “brother-in-law”?
A: The correct plural form is “brothers-in-law”, not “brother-in-laws”.
Q3: Is “brother-in-law” a blood relation?
A: No. It is a relationship formed by marriage, not by blood.
Quick Summary Table
| Scenario | English Term | Urdu Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Your wife’s brother | Brother-in-law | سالہ |
| Your sister’s husband | Brother-in-law | بہنوئی |
| Husband’s elder brother | Brother-in-law | جیٹھ |
| Husband’s younger brother | Brother-in-law | دیور |
Conclusion
The term “Brother-in-law” may sound simple in English, but it has multiple meanings in Urdu. Understanding these differences is helpful for clear communication, translation, and daily conversation. Whether you are a student, traveler, or working professional, knowing the correct usage of family terms will improve your English and Urdu both.
