Sirrah Meaning in English

word

US

ˈsɪrə

SIR-uh

UK

sˈɜːɹɐ

SUR-uh

Definition

An old-fashioned way to address a young man or servant, often used with a commanding or mocking tone; mostly found in Shakespearean English.

Usage & Nuances

Now extremely archaic and literary; appears mainly in Shakespeare and historical dramas. Can sound insulting or patronizing. Never used in modern speech except for humorous or dramatic effect.

• Spanish: muchacho (arcaico) - joven (arcaico)
• Portuguese (BR): moço (arcaico) - rapaz (arcaico)
• Portuguese (PT): moço (arcaico) - rapaz (arcaico)
• Chinese (Simplified): 小子（古语，带轻蔑或命令色彩）
• Chinese (Traditional): 小子（古語，帶輕蔑或命令色彩）
• Hindi: अरे लड़के (पुराना, सम्मानहीनता/आदेश देने वाला)
• Arabic: أيها الشاب (قديم، غالباً بطريقة متعالية)
• Bengali: হে ছেলে - ওরে ছেলে
• Russian: эй, парень - эй, мальчик
• Japanese: おい、そこの若造 - おい、お前
• Vietnamese: này cậu kia - này, thằng kia
• Korean: 이봐, 자네 - 이봐, 어린 친구
• Turkish: hey çocuk - hey delikanlı
• Urdu: ارے لڑکے - او نوجوان
• Indonesian: hai, anak muda - hei, bocah

Example Sentences

Come here, sirrah, and fetch my shoes.

basic

Do you hear me, sirrah? Answer at once!

basic

Sirrah, you are late for your duties again.

basic

In Shakespeare’s plays, powerful men often address servants as sirrah.

natural

Don’t take offense if someone calls you sirrah in a play—it’s just old English!

natural

Whenever I read ‘sirrah’ in a book, I know the character is about to get scolded or ordered around.

natural