お姉ちゃん
onee-chananime, affectionate
In anime a younger sibling usually says お姉ちゃん (onee-chan) to a big sister. It is warm and familiar. 姉さん (nee-san) is more respectful. It is also called お姉さん (onee-san).
Meaning: older sister (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| お姉ちゃん | onee-chan | anime, affectionate |
| 姉さん | nee-san | respectful |
| お姉さん | onee-san | polite |
お姉ちゃん (onee-chan) is used when calling to her. お姉さん (onee-san) is also used for a young woman who is not a relative, such as a shop assistant.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending ちゃん (chan) is affectionate and さん (san) is polite. The pattern matches お兄ちゃん (onii-chan) for a brother.
Did you know?
- お姉さん (onee-san) is often used to call a young woman at a shop or cafe, even when you do not know her.
Examples in context
- お姉ちゃん、見て！Onee-chan, mite!Big sister, look!
- 姉さん、お疲れさまです。Nee-san, otsukaresama desu.Thank you for your hard work, big sister.
- お姉さん、これください。Onee-san, kore kudasai.Miss, I will take this, please.
Example conversation
In an anime kitchen, Mio talks to her older sister Rina.
- Mioお姉ちゃん、おなかすいた。Onee-chan, onaka suita.Big sister, I am hungry.
- Rinaもう少し待ってね。Mō sukoshi matte ne.Wait a little longer.
- Mioはーい。Hāi.Okay.
