異父兄弟
ifukyōdai
The Japanese phrase for "half brother" is 異父兄弟 (ifukyōdai).
異父兄弟 is a noun used to specify a male half-sibling. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often simply use 兄弟 to refer to siblings, even if they are half-siblings, unless the specific distinction is necessary for the context.
Meaning: male half-sibling (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 異 meaning different, 父 meaning father and 兄弟 meaning siblings or brothers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
異父兄弟 is a technical or formal way to describe the relationship, often used in legal or genealogical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
ifukyōdai
Did you know?
- Japanese has distinct terms for half-siblings based on which parent is different, whereas English uses one phrase for both cases.
- The kanji 異 in 異父兄弟 is the same character used in 異常 meaning 'abnormal' or 'strange'.
- Historically, the distinction found in 異父兄弟 was vital for the 'ie' system, which dictated strict inheritance rights within the household.
Examples in context
- トムは、異父兄弟なのよ。Tom is my half brother.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is a 異父兄弟.Tatoeba #10736102 by small_snow, translation #2619673 by CK
- モハンドは、異父兄弟なのよ。Mohand is my half brother.This sentence is useful for stating that Mohand is a 異父兄弟.Tatoeba #10737738 by small_snow, translation #1744831 by Djef_Messaoudi
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are looking at an old family photo.
- 結衣 Yuiこの人は誰？Kono hito wa dare?Who is this person?
- 健太 Kenta僕の異父兄弟だよ。Boku no ifu kyōdai dayo.He is my half brother.
- 結衣 Yuiそうなんだね。Sō nanda ne.I see.
- 健太 Kentaたまに会っているよ。Tama ni atte iru yo.I see him once in a while.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
