ਮਾਸੀ ਜੀMasijiMaternal Aunt
Masiji (ਮਾਸੀ ਜੀ) is your mother's sister — the maternal aunt in Punjabi. Her husband is your Masarji, and her children are your masere cousins.
How your Masiji connects to you
Who is your Masiji?
Punjabi wisdom holds that a masi is practically a mother — the popular explanation of the word itself is "maa si," like a mother. Having grown up in the same house as your mother, she loves her sister's children with an almost parental instinct, and she is often the first refuge when parents say no. Sisters' families historically stayed close through the shared nanke, so the masi's home doubles as a second holiday address.
How it's used
Nieces and nephews address her as Masiji; the word also serves as a warm address for a mother's close friends. Example: "ਮਾਸੀ ਜੀ ਸਾਡੇ ਘਰ ਇੱਕ ਹਫ਼ਤਾ ਰਹਿ ਕੇ ਗਏ" (Masiji saade ghar ikk hafta reh ke gaye) — "Masiji stayed with us for a week."
Where Masiji comes from
Masi comes from the Sanskrit mātṛṣvasṛ — literally 'mother's sister' — worn down over centuries to mausi and then masi. The word still carries mata, 'mother', inside it.
Masiji vs similar terms
Masi versus bhua is the aunt question every learner meets: masi is your mother's sister, bhua your father's. A mami — the mama's wife — is maternal too, but by marriage rather than blood.
Did you know?
A masi's house is the heart of a classic Punjabi childhood — those long summers at your nanke (mother's parents' home), where masis are famous for spoiling their nieces and nephews rotten.
Frequently asked questions
What does Masiji mean in Punjabi?
Masiji (ਮਾਸੀ ਜੀ) means your mother's sister — the maternal aunt. Punjabis fondly say a masi is "maa si," like a mother, reflecting how close the bond usually is.
What is the difference between Masi and Bhua?
A masi is your mother's sister and a bhua is your father's sister. Both are aunts by blood, but they sit on opposite sides of the family tree.
Related terms
Build your family tree with Masiji on it
Add real family members and see exactly how each kinship term maps to your relatives.
Start building — free