兄が二人います
ani ga futari imasu
The English phrase "I have two older brothers" is expressed in Japanese as 兄が二人います (ani ga futari imasu).
This phrase is used to inform someone that the speaker has two brothers who are older than they are. In Japanese, the word 兄 (ani) is specifically used to refer to one's own older brother.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the following parts: 兄 (ani) means older brother (referring to your own). 二人 (futari) is the specific counter for two people. And います (imasu) is a verb meaning to exist or there is, which is used for living things like people.
Which one should you use?
When talking about your own older brother, use 兄 (ani).
How does it change in a sentence?
The counter 二人 (futari) is used specifically when counting two people. The verb います (imasu) is used to denote the existence of living things such as people or animals.
How do you pronounce it?
ani ga futari imasu
Did you know?
- In many Japanese families, you might never actually call your older brother by his name, instead calling him お兄ちゃん (onii-chan) or simply 'older brother' throughout your entire life.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'older brother' is not just a biological label but a social one. It is common to use the term 兄 (ani) or お兄さん (oniisan) for a slightly older male peer or even a senior at school, even if there is no blood relation.
- The word 兄 (ani) is part of a complex system of 'honorifics' where you must switch your vocabulary depending on whether you are being humble about your own family or respectful toward someone else's.
Examples in context
- 兄が二人いますが、二人とも留学中です。I have two older brothers. They're both studying abroad.This sentence is useful for adding information about the brothers being currently abroad while using the phrase 兄が二人います.Tatoeba #11582433 by small_snow, translation #11018639 by megamanenm
- 兄が二人います。ani ga futari imasu.I have two older brothers.
- 実は、兄が二人います。jitsu wa, ani ga futari imasu.Actually, I have two older brothers.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are talking about their families at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんは兄弟がいますか？Hiroto-san wa kyoudai ga imasu ka?Hiroto, do you have any siblings?
- 大翔 Hiroto一人、弟がいます。結衣さんは？Hitori, otouto ga imasu. Yui-san wa?I have one younger brother. How about you, Yui?
- 結衣 Yui私は、兄が二人います。Watashi wa, ani ga futari imasu.I have two older brothers.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうなんですね。Sou nan desu ne.I see.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
