Hindi family relationships
Bhabhi vs Nanad: what is the difference?
Bhabhi is your brother's wife, while Nanad is your husband's sister in Hindi. Both may be called sisters-in-law in English, but they enter the relationship from different directions.
Side-by-side definitions
भाभी
Bhabhi means brother's wife in Hindi.
Use Bhabhi when you mean the woman married to your brother.
ननद
Nanad means husband's sister in Hindi.
Use Nanad when a married woman means her husband's sister.
Where each person sits in the family
For Bhabhi, move from you to Brother and then to his wife. For Nanad, move from a married woman to Husband and then to his sister.
The difference at a glance
| Term | Exact relationship | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| भाभीBhabhi | brother's wife | When you mean the woman married to your brother |
| ननदNanad | husband's sister | When a married woman means her husband's sister |
Easy way to remember
Bhabhi married your brother. Nanad was born as your husband's sister.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Bhabhi and Nanad?
Bhabhi is your brother's wife, while Nanad is your husband's sister in Hindi. Both may be called sisters-in-law in English, but they enter the relationship from different directions.
Are Bhabhi and Nanad the same relationship?
No. Bhabhi means brother's wife, while Nanad means husband's sister. Bhabhi married your brother. Nanad was born as your husband's sister.
Which side of the family are Bhabhi and Nanad on?
For Bhabhi, move from you to Brother and then to his wife. For Nanad, move from a married woman to Husband and then to his sister. These are the specific Hindi kinship paths.
See these relationships in your own family
Build a free family tree and see the correct Punjabi and Hindi relationship labels for each person.
Build your family tree