次男
The Japanese phrase for middle brother is 次男.
In Japanese, the term for 'middle brother' is typically expressed by his birth order among sons, most commonly as the 'second son'.
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese inheritance customs, the 長男 (eldest son) typically inherited the family estate, leaving the 次男 (second son) to seek his own fortune or establish a branch family.
- Japanese culture sometimes associates the 次男 with a 'rebellious' or 'independent' personality type, as they lack the burdens of the eldest and the indulgence given to the youngest.
- While 次男 is the literal term, a middle brother might be called 次兄 when spoken to or about by a younger sibling to show respect.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are talking about Hiroto's family.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんは何人兄弟ですか。Hiroto-san wa nan-nin kyōdai desu ka.How many siblings do you have, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hiroto三人の兄弟がいます。Sannin no kyōdai ga imasu.I have three siblings.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんは次男なんですね。Hiroto-san wa jinan nan desu ne.So you are the second son, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、そうです。Hai, sō desu.Yes, that's right.
