babu

Học thuật
Thân thiện
babu

A man respectfully greets his neighbor, saying "Namaste, Babu."

Definition

Noun: 1. A title of respect used before a man's name, especially in India and some other South Asian countries. It is equivalent to the English title "Mr." or "Sir." 2. (Often used disparagingly or historically) An Indian clerk or official who writes in English. This usage can imply someone who uses overly elaborate or bureaucratic English.

Usage
  • The word "babu" is primarily used as a respectful form of address.
  • The second, sometimes derogatory, meaning is more common in historical or critical contexts to describe a certain style of administrative language or behavior.
Examples
  • As a title of respect:
    • The invitation was addressed to Babu Rajesh Kumar.
    • "Please have a seat, Babu-ji," the shopkeeper said respectfully.
  • Referring to a clerk/official (often historical context):
    • The colonial office was staffed by babus who handled all the paperwork.
    • His report was full of typical babu English—long sentences and obscure vocabulary.
Advanced Usage / Nuances
  • The suffix "-ji" can be added to form "Babu-ji", which is an even more respectful and polite form of address.
  • The term can sometimes be used ironically or critically within South Asia to mock pretentious or unnecessarily complicated bureaucratic language, e.g., or
Variants and Related Words
  • Sahib: Another term of respect (like "Sir" or "Master") used in South Asia, historically for Europeans or people of high status.
  • Babu English (noun phrase): A style of English perceived as overly formal, flowery, or adhering strictly to archaic bureaucratic rules.
Synonyms
  • Mr.
  • Sir (as a title of respect)
  • Clerk (for the second meaning)
  • Official (for the second meaning)
Antonyms
  • There is no direct antonym for the title. For the official/clerk meaning, antonyms could be subordinate, laborer, or client.
Notes on Usage
  • When used as a title ("Babu Rajesh"), it is capitalized.
  • The potentially offensive connotation of the second meaning depends heavily on context and tone. It is advisable for language learners to use the word primarily in its respectful titular sense.
babu

A man respectfully greets his neighbor, saying "Namaste, Babu."

Noun
  1. used as a Hindi courtesy title; equivalent to English `Mr'

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "babu"