お兄ちゃん
onii-chan[o̞ɲ̟iːt͡ɕã̠ɴ]
The English phrase "big bro" can be translated into Japanese as お兄ちゃん (onii-chan).
お兄ちゃん is an affectionate term used to address or refer to one's older brother. In Japanese culture, it is frequently used to address an older brother directly.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the honorific prefix o, the word for older brother nii and the diminutive/affectionate suffix chan.
Which one should you use?
While お兄ちゃん is affectionate and casual, お兄さん is the standard polite version. Additionally, ani is the humble way to refer to one's own brother when speaking to outsiders.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
お兄ちゃん is an informal and affectionate term typically used by children or younger siblings. For formal settings, use the more polite and respectful term お兄さん. 兄ちゃん is another informal and affectionate way to call an older brother or a close friend who feels like a brother.
How do you pronounce it?
onii-chan
Did you know?
- In many anime and manga, a young girl might address a boy she has just met as お兄ちゃん if he shows a protective or caring nature. This establishes an immediate sense of familial intimacy even if they are strangers.
- In certain social circles or gangs, the term 兄貴 (anikki) is used to denote a 'big brother' figure based on seniority or loyalty rather than blood relation.
- The suffix ちゃん (chan) in お兄ちゃん is actually a miniature version of the honorific 'san', used to make a word sound cute or small.
Examples in context
- お兄ちゃん、お腹空いた。Onii-chan, onaka suita.Big bro, I'm hungry.
- お兄ちゃんは、どこにいるの？Onii-chan wa, doko ni iru no?Where is big bro?
- 大好きなお兄ちゃんへ。Daisuki na onii-chan e.To my beloved big bro.
Example conversation
Himari asks Ren for help with her homework.
- 陽葵 Himariお兄ちゃん、これを教えて！Oniichan, kore o oshiete!Big bro, help me with this!
- 蓮 Renいいよ。どの問題かな？Ii yo. Dono mondai kana?Sure. Which problem is it?
- 陽葵 Himariここが全然わからないの。Koko ga zenzen wakaranai no.I don't understand this part at all.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、一緒にやってみよう。Jaa, issho ni yatte miyou.Well then, let's try it together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry お兄ちゃん, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
