Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

How to say 'Older brother' in Japanese | お兄さん

Wondering how to say 'Older brother' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Older brother is 'Oniisan', written as お兄さん in Japanese.'Older brother' in hiragana is おにいさん.

    word

    お兄さん

    Meaning

    Older brother

    Reading

    おにいさん

    oniisan

    Kanji

    兄Older brother

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun 'お兄さん (おにいさん)' is a polite term used to refer to an older brother. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. The term can also be used to address or refer to a young man in a respectful manner, even if he is not related to the speaker. For example: My older brother is kind「私のお兄さんは優しい」(わたしのおにいさんはやさしい). Excuse me, young man「すみません、お兄さん」(すみません、おにいさん). The term 'お兄さん' carries a sense of respect and affection, and it is often used by younger siblings or children when referring to their older brothers.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N4

    Kanji Grade

    2

    Frequency

    293

    Composition

    kanji-hiragana

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word お兄さん

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    兄

    Meaning

    Older brother

Hiragana in the Word お兄さん

This word contains 3 Hiragana characters :

  • hiragana

    お

    Reading

    O

  • hiragana

    さ

    Reading

    Sa

  • hiragana

    ん

    Reading

    N

Words Related to お兄さん Through the Kanji 兄

These 4 Words contain the Kanji 兄 as well.

  • word

    兄

    Meaning

    Older brother

  • word

    兄さん

    Meaning

    Older brother

  • word

    兄弟

    Meaning

    Siblings

  • word

    父兄

    Meaning

    Parents

Learn the Word お兄さん

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Oniisan' (お兄さん) mean?

'Oniisan' means 'Older brother' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.