何人兄弟ですか
nannin kyōdai desu ka
The phrase "how many siblings you have" in Japanese is translated as 何人兄弟ですか (nannin kyōdai desu ka).
This phrase is used to ask someone about the total number of brothers and sisters they have. The term 兄弟 (kyōdai) refers to siblings in general, regardless of gender, even though the individual characters literally mean "older brother" and "younger brother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 何人兄弟ですか is a polite way to ask this question and is suitable for use with strangers or acquaintances. For a more informal tone suitable for friends or people younger than you, you can drop the end of the phrase to say 何人兄弟？ For even higher levels of politeness, you can use Nan nin no kyoudai irasshaimasu ka?
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ですか (desu ka) at the end of the phrase turns the noun phrase into a polite question. To state how many siblings you have formally, you can use the structure Watashi wa (number) nin kyoudai ga imasu.
How do you pronounce it?
nannin kyōdai desu ka
What mistakes should you avoid?
When counting siblings, use the counter 何人 (nannin) for "how many people". This is the standard way to count siblings in this context.
Did you know?
- When responding to 何人兄弟ですか, the speaker includes themselves in the count. A person with two siblings will state they are 三人兄弟 ('three siblings') rather than saying they have two.
- In highly formal contexts, asking 何人兄弟ですか directly can be perceived as too personal or intrusive. Speakers often preface the question with 差し支えなければ ('if it is not inconvenient') to soften the inquiry.
- The term 兄弟 (kyōdai) is not limited to biological family and can be used to describe 'sworn brothers' or incredibly close friends. This mirrors the English concept of 'brothers in arms'.
Examples in context
- 何人兄弟ですか。Nan nin kyoudai desu ka.How many siblings do you have?
- すみません、何人兄弟ですか。Sumimasen, nan nin kyoudai desu ka.Excuse me, how many siblings do you have?
- 田中さんは何人兄弟ですか。Tanaka-san wa nan nin kyoudai desu ka.How many siblings does Mr. Tanaka have?
Example conversation
Two acquaintances are chatting at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんは何人兄弟ですか。Himari-san wa nan nin kyoudai desu ka.Himari, how many siblings do you have?
- 陽葵 Himari二人の姉がいます。Futari no ane ga imasu.I have two older sisters.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうなんですね。僕は一人だけです。Sou nan desu ne. Boku wa hitori dake desu.I see. I am an only child.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんは一人なんですね。Hiroto-san wa hitori nan desu ne.So you are an only child, Hiroto.
