お兄ちゃん
onii-chananime, affectionate
In anime a younger sibling most often says お兄ちゃん (onii-chan) to a big brother. It is warm and childlike. 兄さん (nii-san) is more respectful and 兄貴 (aniki) sounds rough.
Meaning: older brother (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| お兄ちゃん | onii-chan | anime, affectionate |
| 兄さん | nii-san | respectful |
| 兄貴 | aniki | casual, tough |
お兄ちゃん (onii-chan) is used as a name for the brother when speaking to him. 兄さん (nii-san) fits a serious or grown-up character. 兄貴 (aniki) is also used by gang members for a senior man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending ちゃん (chan) is affectionate and さん (san) is polite. The same pattern is used with older sisters.
Did you know?
- In Japan the same word お兄ちゃん (onii-chan) is also used in real families, not only in anime.
Examples in context
- 兄さん、ありがとう。Nii-san, arigatō.Thank you, big brother.
- 兄貴についていきます。Aniki ni tsuite ikimasu.I will follow you, boss.
Example conversation
In a school anime scene, Yuki runs after her older brother Takumi.
- Yukiお兄ちゃん、待って！Onii-chan, matte!Big brother, wait!
- Takumiどうしたの？Dōshita no?What is wrong?
- Yuki一緒に帰ろう。Issho ni kaerō.Let us go home together.
