In short: Key family words: അമ്മ (amma) mother, അച്ഛൻ (achchan) father, ചേട്ടൻ (chettan) elder brother, ചേച്ചി (chechi) elder sister, അനിയൻ (aniyan) younger brother, അനിയത്തി (aniyathi) younger sister, അപ്പൂപ്പൻ (appooppan) grandfather, അമ്മൂമ്മ (ammoomma) grandmother.
Variations & related phrases
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| അമ്മ · അച്ഛൻ | Amma · Achchan | Mother · Father |
| ചേട്ടൻ · ചേച്ചി | Chettan · Chechi | Elder brother · Elder sister |
| അനിയൻ · അനിയത്തി | Aniyan · Aniyathi | Younger brother · Younger sister |
| അപ്പൂപ്പൻ · അമ്മൂമ്മ | Appooppan · Ammoomma | Grandfather · Grandmother |
When & how to use it
Malayalis call older people chettan/chechi ("elder brother/sister") even when not related - it's a sign of respect and warmth.
Example sentences
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| ഇത് എന്റെ ചേട്ടനാ. | Ithu ente chettanaa. | This is my elder brother. |
| അമ്മ അടുക്കളയിലാ. | Amma adukkalayilaa. | Mom is in the kitchen. |
Want to hear this used in a real conversation? Listen to Episode 16 - Family & Home Talk in the free Listen & Learn library — every line has a Malayalam, romanised and English transcript.
Practise speaking it for real
These pages train your ear. A live 1-to-1 lesson with Reshmi trains your mouth — real-time correction only a teacher can give.
Book a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What are family words in Malayalam?
Amma (mother), achchan (father), chettan (elder brother), chechi (elder sister), aniyan/aniyathi (younger brother/sister).
How do you say mother in Malayalam?
Mother is അമ്മ (amma).
How do you say elder brother in Malayalam?
Elder brother is ചേട്ടൻ (chettan).
Why are strangers called chettan or chechi?
It's a warm, respectful way to address someone older, even outside the family.