Annexure 5: Respectful Terms and Addressing Titles in Marathi Society

Abstract:

In Marathi society, respectful terms are used when addressing individuals to show deference and regard. These terms are often added before or after a person's name, or used independently to address someone. Here's a breakdown of common respectful terms:

Terms used with names:

• 'अण्णा' (Anna): Used for older men, often a term of affection and respect.
• 'ताई' (Tai): Used for older women, similar to "sister" or "elder female relative."
• 'साहेब' (Saheb): A general term of respect, often used for men in positions of authority or for older, respected individuals.
• 'बाई' (Bai): Similar to "Madam" or "Mrs.", used for women.
• 'महाराज' (Maharaj): Used for respected individuals, particularly in religious contexts.

Terms used independently:

• 'आजोबा' (Ajoba): Grandfather.
• 'आजी' (Aaji): Grandmother.
• 'काका' (Kaka): Uncle (father's brother).
• 'मावशी' (Mavshi): Aunt (mother's sister).
• 'वडील' (Vadil): Father.
• 'आई' (Aai): Mother.

The specific term used depends on the age, gender, and relationship of the person being addressed. It's a way of acknowledging their social standing and showing respect.

1. Introduction

In Marathi culture, showing respect through appropriate address and titles is deeply embedded in daily interactions. Whether in the family, workplace, or public life, how you address someone reflects your values, upbringing, and cultural understanding. This annexure introduces essential respectful terms, honorifics, and titles used across age groups, professions, and social settings in Marathi society.

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2. Importance of Respectful Address

Using correct terms:

• Builds rapport and trust

• Shows cultural sensitivity

• Prevents social offense

• Is especially important when interacting with elders, teachers, professionals, and guests

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3. Basic Forms of Respectful Address

English	Marathi	Usage
You (formal)	आपण (Āpaṇ) / तुम्ही (Tumhī)	Formal, respectful
Sir / Mister	श्री. (Shrī)	Formal title before a man's name
Madam / Miss	सौ. (Sau.) / कु. (Ku.)	Married / unmarried woman respectively
Respected	आदरणीय (Ādaraṇīya)	Used in letters or formal speech
Elder Brother	दादा (Dādā)	Also used for senior males with affection
Elder Sister	ताई (Tāī)	Used for older female sibling or respected woman
Father	वडील / बाबा / आबा	Formal / affectionate
Mother	आई / माई / अम्मा	Depending on region or tone
Uncle	काका / मामा / मावशीचा नवरा	Depending on relation
Aunt	काकू / मावशी / मामी	For both maternal and paternal side
Teacher	गुरुजी / मास्तर	Used in school/academic settings
Religious Leader	बाबा / स्वामीजी / गुरुजी	Spiritual context

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4. Honorifics Based on Profession and Role

Profession / Role	Marathi Title
Doctor	डॉक्टर साहेब / डॉक्टर (with suffix)
Teacher / Professor	प्राध्यापक / गुरुजी
Politician / MLA	आमदार साहेब / माननीय
Officer	साहेब (Sāheb)
Judge	न्यायमूर्ती
Police	पोलीस साहेब
Sarpanch / Head	सरपंच साहेब
Manager / Boss	मॅनेजर साहेब / सर
Priest	पंडितजी / भटजी
Engineer	अभियंता साहेब
Lawyer	वकील साहेब

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5. Common Respectful Suffixes and Prefixes

Type	Examples	Context
Prefixes	श्री., सौ., कु., आदरणीय	Before names in writing or speech
Suffixes	-साहेब, -ताई, -दादा, -बाई	After first name or title
Combined	श्री. शेखरदादा, सौ. कोमलताई	Name + respectful suffix

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6. Social Relationship-Based Terms

Relationship	Marathi Address Term	Respect Level
Father’s elder brother	मोठे काका (Mōṭhē Kākā)	High
Father’s younger brother	काका	High
Mother’s brother	मामा	High
Mother’s sister	मावशी	High
Son-in-law	जावईबापू	High
Daughter-in-law	सून	Respectful
Grandfather	आजोबा	High
Grandmother	आजी	High
Grandchild	नातू / नात	Affectionate

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7. Forms of Address in Writing and Letters

Formal Letters:

• To a Government Officer:
  आदरणीय साहेब / सौ. मॅडम,
  विनंती अशी की...
  (Respected Sir / Madam, I respectfully request that…)

• To a Teacher:
  आदरणीय प्राध्यापक साहेब,
  माझा नम्र नमस्कार.
  (Respected Professor Sir, My humble greetings.)

Ending Lines in Respectful Tone:

• आपला / आपली नम्र विद्यार्थी

• आपला विश्वासू

• आपली आज्ञा असावी

• कृपया योग्य तो निर्णय घ्यावा

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8. Dos and Don’ts of Respectful Address

✅ Do’s:

• Use “आपण” or “तुम्ही” instead of “तू” with elders.

• Use suffixes like -साहेब, -ताई, -दादा appropriately.

• In letters or public functions, start with “आदरणीय...”

❌ Don’ts:

• Avoid using first names directly with elders or seniors.

• Don’t mix formal and informal tones in one sentence.

• Never address elders or authority using “तू” unless very close and informal.

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9. Dialogues Using Respectful Terms

Example 1: At a Village Panchayat Office

You: नमस्कार सरपंच साहेब. एक अर्ज द्यायचा आहे.
Sarpanch: नमस्कार. या, काय मदत करू शकतो?

Example 2: Speaking to a Teacher

You: नमस्कार गुरुजी. मला पुढील परीक्षा संदर्भात माहिती हवी आहे.
Teacher: हो बाळा, मी सांगतो.

Example 3: Visiting Relative

You: नमस्कार मावशी. कशी आहात?
Mavshi: नमस्कार बाळा! छान आहे. तू कसा आहेस?

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10. Practice Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. शाळेत ____________ खूप चांगले शिकवतात.

2. ___________ साहेबांनी निर्णय दिला.

3. मला माझ्या ___________ कडून खूप स्नेह आहे.

(Answers: गुरुजी, न्यायमूर्ती, मावशी)

B. Translate into Marathi with Respect:

1. Hello sir, may I come in?
   → नमस्कार साहेब, मी आत येऊ का?

2. Respected teacher, thank you for your guidance.
   → आदरणीय गुरुजी, मार्गदर्शनाबद्दल धन्यवाद.

3. Aunt, how are you?
   → मावशी, कशी आहात?

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11. Conclusion

Understanding and using respectful address forms in Marathi is crucial for maintaining proper etiquette, social harmony, and cultural sensitivity. This knowledge not only improves your language skills but also allows you to build stronger, more respectful relationships within Marathi-speaking communities.

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Would you like to proceed with Annexure 6: Formal and Informal Speech in Marathi – When and How to Use or another section of your Marathi learning guide?