Meaning of Brother in Tamil:
Spoken vs Formal
Formal / Written
சகோதரன்
"Sagodharan"
For textbooks, news, and formal speeches.
REAL LIFE
Spoken / Chatஅண்ணா / தம்பி
"Anna (Elder) / Thambi (Younger)"
Use this with friends, family, and on WhatsApp.
When to use which?
Tamil distinguishes elder (Anna) and younger (Thambi). 'Bro' is also very common now.
Example Usage
English
"He is my brother."
Formal
அவர் என் சகோதரன் (Avar en sahodharan).
Spoken (Better)
அவன் என் தம்பி (Avan en thambi).