やあ、兄弟
yā, kyōdai
The English phrase "hi brother" is translated into Japanese as やあ、兄弟 (yā, kyōdai).
やあ、兄弟 is an informal greeting used to address a male sibling or a very close male friend. Japanese has other specific ways to refer to brothers depending on the relationship and level of affection.
How do you pronounce it?
yā, kyōdai
Did you know?
- If you use 兄弟 to address a stranger, it can sound like you are part of a tough street gang or a movie underworld, rather than a friendly greeting.
- The concept of 'brotherhood' in Japanese can extend to 義兄弟, which refers to 'sworn brothers' who have no blood relation but have pledged a lifelong bond.
- The word やあ is quite old-fashioned and can sound like something from a classic novel or an anime character, rather than modern street slang.
Example conversation
Yota arrives at his sister Himari's house.
- 陽太 Yotaやあ、兄弟！遊びに来たよ。Yaa, kyoudai! Asobi ni kita yo.Hi brother! I've come to hang out.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、おかえり。中に入って。Yota, okaeri. Naka ni haitte.Welcome back, Yota. Come inside.
- 陽太 Yotaお腹が空いたよ。Onaka ga suita yo.I'm hungry.
- 陽葵 Himari何か軽いものがあるわよ。Nanika karui mono ga aru wa yo.I have something light to eat.
