Hindi family relationships
Bahu vs Beti: what is the difference?
Bahu is your son's wife, or daughter-in-law, while Beti is your daughter. Families may affectionately call a Bahu a Beti, but the literal kinship relationships are different.
Side-by-side definitions
बहू
Bahu means son's wife in Hindi.
Use Bahu when you mean the woman married to your son.
बेटी
Where each person sits in the family
Beti is one child step directly below you. Bahu is reached by moving to your Son and then across his marriage to his wife, so she joins the family through marriage.
The difference at a glance
| Term | Exact relationship | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| बहूBahu | son's wife | When you mean the woman married to your son |
| बेटीBeti | daughter | When you mean your own female child |
Easy way to remember
Beti is your child. Bahu is married to your son, even when she is loved like a daughter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Bahu and Beti?
Bahu is your son's wife, or daughter-in-law, while Beti is your daughter. Families may affectionately call a Bahu a Beti, but the literal kinship relationships are different.
Are Bahu and Beti the same relationship?
No. Bahu means son's wife, while Beti means daughter. Beti is your child. Bahu is married to your son, even when she is loved like a daughter.
Which side of the family are Bahu and Beti on?
Beti is one child step directly below you. Bahu is reached by moving to your Son and then across his marriage to his wife, so she joins the family through marriage. These are the specific Hindi kinship paths.
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