भतीजीBhatijiNiece (Brother's daughter)
Bhatiji (भतीजी) is your brother's daughter — the niece on the brother's side in Hindi kinship. She calls you Chacha or Chachi, Tau or Tai, or Bua, depending on how you connect to her father.
Who is your Bhatiji?
A Bhatiji traditionally grew up inside the extended paternal household, so her uncles and aunts shared real parental duties toward her — most visibly at her wedding, where a Chacha or Tau performs rituals beside her father. For a Bua, the Bhatiji is the girl growing up in the very house she herself left at marriage, which lends the bond a particular tenderness. Even today, uncles often claim an almost paternal pride in a Bhatiji's studies and career.
How it's used
Family members say meri bhatiji when speaking about her and use her name or beti when speaking to her. Example: "मेरी भतीजी ने चित्रकला में पहला इनाम जीता" (Meri bhatiji ne chitrakala mein pehla inaam jeeta) — My niece won first prize in painting. Being junior, she receives warmth rather than the -ji of respect.
Bhatiji vs similar terms
The matching term on the sister's side is Bhanji: a Bhatiji descends from your brother, a Bhanji from your sister. Her brother is your Bhatija — the same brother-side logic in masculine form.
Frequently asked questions
What does Bhatiji mean in Hindi?
Bhatiji (भतीजी) means your brother's daughter — your niece through a brother. The masculine counterpart is Bhatija, and nieces through a sister take the separate word Bhanji.
What is the difference between Bhatiji and Bhanji?
Bhatiji is the daughter of your brother, while Bhanji is the daughter of your sister. The connecting sibling, not the child, determines which word Hindi uses.
Related terms
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