More Than Just a Relative: How to Say Brother-in-Law in Different Languages

When it comes to family relationships, the bond between a brother-in-law and his sibling’s spouse can be just as strong as any other familial tie. Whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary, improve your cultural knowledge, or simply want to address your brother-in-law with the respect and affection he deserves, learning how to say “brother-in-law” in different languages can be a valuable skill.

Understanding The Concept Of Brother-in-Law

Before we dive into the various translations of “brother-in-law,” it’s essential to understand the concept itself. A brother-in-law is the brother of one’s spouse or the husband of one’s sibling. This relationship can be further divided into two categories:

  • Brother-in-law (husband’s brother): The brother of one’s husband.
  • Brother-in-law (sister’s husband): The husband of one’s sister.

Brother-in-Law In Different Cultures

The concept of brother-in-law varies across cultures, and its significance can differ greatly from one society to another. In some cultures, the brother-in-law is considered a close family member, while in others, he may be viewed as an outsider.

  • Western Cultures: In Western societies, the brother-in-law is often seen as a close family member, and his relationship with his sibling’s spouse is considered important.
  • Eastern Cultures: In some Eastern cultures, the brother-in-law may be viewed as an outsider, and his relationship with his sibling’s spouse may be more formal.

How To Say Brother-in-Law In Different Languages

Now that we’ve explored the concept of brother-in-law and its cultural significance, let’s take a look at how to say “brother-in-law” in different languages:

European Languages

  • Spanish: Cuñado (husband’s brother) or cuñado político (sister’s husband)
  • French: Beau-frère (husband’s brother) or frère de ma femme (sister’s husband)
  • German: Schwager (husband’s brother) or Schwippschwager (sister’s husband)
  • Italian: Cognato (husband’s brother) or fratello della moglie (sister’s husband)
  • Portuguese: Cunhado (husband’s brother) or cunhado político (sister’s husband)

Asian Languages

  • Mandarin Chinese: (yì jiě fu) or (yì jiě gōng) for husband’s brother, and (sǎo jiě fu) or (sǎo jiě gōng) for sister’s husband
  • Japanese: (shūto) for husband’s brother, and (shūto) or (shūto-san) for sister’s husband
  • Korean: (sahwi) for husband’s brother, and (sahwi) or (sahwi-nim) for sister’s husband

African Languages

  • Swahili: Mjomba (husband’s brother) or mjomba wa mke (sister’s husband)
  • Yoruba: Oga (husband’s brother) or oga oko (sister’s husband)
  • Zulu: Indodana (husband’s brother) or indodana yomfazi (sister’s husband)

Other Languages

  • Arabic: (akhū al-zawj) for husband’s brother, and (zawj al-ukht) for sister’s husband
  • Russian: (svojak) for husband’s brother, and (svojak) or (svojak-muzh) for sister’s husband
  • Hebrew: (gish) for husband’s brother, and (gish) or (gish ba’al) for sister’s husband

Conclusion

Learning how to say “brother-in-law” in different languages can be a valuable skill, whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary, improve your cultural knowledge, or simply want to address your brother-in-law with the respect and affection he deserves. By understanding the concept of brother-in-law and its cultural significance, you can build stronger relationships with your loved ones and appreciate the diversity of languages and cultures around the world.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the concept of brother-in-law is a complex and multifaceted one, and its significance can vary greatly from one culture to another. By learning how to say “brother-in-law” in different languages, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of languages and cultures around the world and build stronger relationships with your loved ones.

Language Husband’s Brother Sister’s Husband
Spanish Cuñado Cuñado político
French Beau-frère Frère de ma femme
German Schwager Schwippschwager
Italian Cognato Fratello della moglie
Portuguese Cunhado Cunhado político

Note: The table above provides a summary of how to say “brother-in-law” in different European languages.

What Is The Term Brother-in-law In Different Languages?

The term brother-in-law is used to refer to the brother of one’s spouse. In different languages, this term can be translated in various ways. For example, in Spanish, it is ‘cuñado’, in French, it is ‘beau-frère’, and in German, it is ‘Schwager’. Each language has its unique way of expressing this relationship.

Understanding the different translations of brother-in-law can be helpful when communicating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It can also be useful when filling out official documents or forms that require information about family relationships. By knowing the correct term in different languages, individuals can ensure that they are providing accurate information and avoiding any confusion.

How Do You Say Brother-in-law In Italian?

In Italian, the term brother-in-law is ‘cognato’ or ‘fratello del coniuge’. The word ‘cognato’ is more commonly used to refer to the brother of one’s spouse, while ‘fratello del coniuge’ is a more formal way of expressing this relationship. Both terms are widely accepted and used in formal and informal settings.

It’s worth noting that the Italian language has different dialects and regional variations, and the term brother-in-law may be expressed differently in different parts of the country. However, ‘cognato’ and ‘fratello del coniuge’ are the most widely recognized and used terms to refer to a brother-in-law in Italian.

What Is The Term Brother-in-law In Chinese?

In Chinese, the term brother-in-law is ‘ (gū gōng)’ or ‘ (gū jiě gōng)’. The word ‘ (gū gōng)’ is used to refer to the older brother of one’s spouse, while ‘ (gū jiě gōng)’ is used to refer to the younger brother of one’s spouse. The Chinese language has a complex system of kinship terms, and the term brother-in-law is no exception.

It’s worth noting that the Chinese language has different dialects and regional variations, and the term brother-in-law may be expressed differently in different parts of the country. However, ‘ (gū gōng)’ and ‘ (gū jiě gōng)’ are the most widely recognized and used terms to refer to a brother-in-law in Chinese.

How Do You Say Brother-in-law In Japanese?

In Japanese, the term brother-in-law is ‘ (gishi)’ or ‘ (shūto)’. The word ‘ (gishi)’ is used to refer to the brother of one’s spouse, while ‘ (shūto)’ is a more formal way of expressing this relationship. Both terms are widely accepted and used in formal and informal settings.

It’s worth noting that the Japanese language has different levels of formality, and the term brother-in-law may be expressed differently depending on the level of formality. However, ‘ (gishi)’ and ‘ (shūto)’ are the most widely recognized and used terms to refer to a brother-in-law in Japanese.

What Is The Term Brother-in-law In Arabic?

In Arabic, the term brother-in-law is ‘ (akh al-zawj)’ or ‘ (akh al-mar’a)’. The word ‘ (akh al-zawj)’ is used to refer to the brother of one’s spouse, while ‘ (akh al-mar’a)’ is a more formal way of expressing this relationship. Both terms are widely accepted and used in formal and informal settings.

It’s worth noting that the Arabic language has different dialects and regional variations, and the term brother-in-law may be expressed differently in different parts of the Arab world. However, ‘ (akh al-zawj)’ and ‘ (akh al-mar’a)’ are the most widely recognized and used terms to refer to a brother-in-law in Arabic.

How Do You Say Brother-in-law In Portuguese?

In Portuguese, the term brother-in-law is ‘cunhado’ or ‘irmão do cônjuge’. The word ‘cunhado’ is more commonly used to refer to the brother of one’s spouse, while ‘irmão do cônjuge’ is a more formal way of expressing this relationship. Both terms are widely accepted and used in formal and informal settings.

It’s worth noting that the Portuguese language has different dialects and regional variations, and the term brother-in-law may be expressed differently in different parts of the country. However, ‘cunhado’ and ‘irmão do cônjuge’ are the most widely recognized and used terms to refer to a brother-in-law in Portuguese.

What Is The Term Brother-in-law In Russian?

In Russian, the term brother-in-law is ‘ (zjat’)’ or ‘ (brat zheny)’. The word ‘ (zjat’)’ is used to refer to the brother of one’s spouse, while ‘ (brat zheny)’ is a more formal way of expressing this relationship. Both terms are widely accepted and used in formal and informal settings.

It’s worth noting that the Russian language has different levels of formality, and the term brother-in-law may be expressed differently depending on the level of formality. However, ‘ (zjat’)’ and ‘ (brat zheny)’ are the most widely recognized and used terms to refer to a brother-in-law in Russian.

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