こんにちは、兄弟
konnichiwa, kyoudai
The Japanese phrase for "hello brother" is こんにちは、兄弟 (konnichiwa, kyoudai).
こんにちは、兄弟 is used as a greeting to address a male sibling or a very close male friend. However, while the phrase is grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural or overly dramatic in standard Japanese conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
konnichiwa, kyoudai
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using kyoudai to address a brother directly in a greeting can sound unnatural. In a more natural context, a younger sibling would typically use お兄ちゃん or oniisan instead.
When do people say it?
In natural Japanese, a younger sibling would more commonly use お兄ちゃん or oniisan to address an older brother rather than the literal word for sibling kyoudai.
Did you know?
- While kyoudai means 'siblings', it is a gender-neutral term that can refer to both brothers and sisters together as a group.
- If you use the term kyoudai to address a stranger, they might think you are part of a secret society or a formal brotherhood rather than just being friendly.
- In Japanese, the term ani is used when talking about your own older brother to others, but you would never use it to greet him directly.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui meet at a family gathering.
- 蓮 Renこんにちは、兄弟。Konnichiwa, kyōdai.Hello, brother.
- 結衣 Yuiこんにちは、蓮。Konnichiwa, Ren.Hello, Ren.
- 蓮 Ren久しぶりに会ったね。Hisashiburi ni atta ne.It's been a long time.
- 結衣 Yui本当だね。Hontō da ne.It really has.
