noun

babuji

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Babuji (noun) means a respectful South Asian term of address for a man, roughly equivalent to "sir" or "mister" but warmer and more personal. Example: “The clerk greeted the old man with a polite "babuji, please come in.”

noun

A respectful South Asian term of address for a man, roughly equivalent to "sir" or "mister" but warmer and more personal.

"The clerk greeted the old man with a polite "babuji, please come in.""

"Everyone in the neighbourhood called the retired schoolteacher babuji out of respect."

How to use babuji

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA polite, affectionate way to address a man in South Asian English and Hindi — like adding "sir" but friendlier.

When to use it

Common in Indian and Pakistani English; would sound out of place in most other English-speaking contexts.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: babujis

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The clerk greeted the old man with a polite "_____, please come in."

Etymology

From Hindi babu ("clerk, gentleman") plus the honorific suffix -ji, which is added to names or titles across South Asia to show respect.

Origin: Hindi

Rhymes for babuji

fuji guruji

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Frequently asked questions

What does “babuji” mean?

The word “babuji” means a respectful South Asian term of address for a man, roughly equivalent to "sir" or "mister" but warmer and more personal. In plain terms, a polite, affectionate way to address a man in South Asian English and Hindi — like adding "sir" but friendlier.

How do you use “babuji” in a sentence?

Here is “babuji” used in a sentence: “The clerk greeted the old man with a polite "babuji, please come in.".”

What part of speech is “babuji”?

“Babuji” is a noun.

Where does the word “babuji” come from?

The word “babuji” comes from Hindi. From Hindi babu ("clerk, gentleman") plus the honorific suffix -ji, which is added to names or titles across South Asia to show respect.

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