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

Nihongo

Classroom

How to say 'Older brother' in Japanese | 兄

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

The Japanese word for Older brother is 'Ani', written as 兄 in Japanese.'Older brother' in hiragana is あに.

    word

    兄

    Meaning

    Older brother

    Reading

    あに

    ani

    Kanji

    兄Older brother

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '兄 (あに)' means 'older brother'. It is used to refer to one's own elder brother in a family context. This term is typically used when speaking about or to one's own brother, and it carries a sense of respect and familiarity. For example: My older brother is kind「私の兄は優しい」(わたしのあにはやさしい). I asked my older brother for help「兄に助けを求めた」(あににたすけをもとめた). It's important to note that '兄' is used specifically for one's own older brother, and when referring to someone else's older brother, the term 'お兄さん (おにいさん)' is more appropriate.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N4

    Kanji Grade

    2

    Frequency

    829

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 兄

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    兄

    Meaning

    Older brother

Words Related to 兄 Through the Kanji 兄

These 4 Words contain the Kanji 兄 as well.

  • word

    お兄さん

    Meaning

    Older brother

  • word

    兄さん

    Meaning

    Older brother

  • word

    兄弟

    Meaning

    Siblings

  • word

    父兄

    Meaning

    Parents

Learn the Word 兄

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Ani' (兄) mean?

'Ani' means 'Older brother' .

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