“Older brother” in Japanese is 兄 (あに), pronounced ani.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
Japanese always distinguishes older and younger siblings. 兄 is your own older brother; お兄さん (onīsan) is someone else’s, or how you address yours.
Example sentences
- 兄が一人います。あにがひとりいます。I have one older brother.
- お兄さんは東京に住んでいますか。おにいさんはとうきょうにすんでいますか。Does your older brother live in Tokyo?
Related forms
| Meaning | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| polite / addressing | お兄さん | おにいさん onīsan |
Quick practice
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FAQ
How do you say older brother in Japanese?
Older brother in Japanese is 兄 (あに), pronounced “ani”.
How do you write older brother in Japanese?
It's written 兄 with kanji, or あに in hiragana. Both are read ani.
Is 兄 on the JLPT?
Yes. 兄 (ani) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.