私の兄
watashi no ani
In Japanese, "my brother" is said as 私の兄 (watashi no ani).
This phrase is used to refer to a male sibling who is older than the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 私 (watashi – I/me), の (no – possessive particle) and 兄 (ani – older brother).
Which one should you use?
Additionally, while you use 兄 (ani) when speaking about your own brother to others, you should use お兄さん (oniisan) when addressing him directly or speaking about someone else's brother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term ani is the formal term used for an older brother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Okinawan dialect, an older brother is typically called ani.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my brother's [something]", you append the possessive particle の (no) to 兄 (ani), resulting in 兄の (ani no).
How do you pronounce it?
watashi no ani
Did you know?
- Some people use the term 兄貴 (aniki) to refer to a 'big brother' figure in non-family groups, such as in sports teams or traditional organized crime syndicates.
- The term お兄さん (oniisan) is often used by children or even adults to address a young male stranger, such as a shop assistant, as a polite form of address.
- In Japan, it is common to address an older brother as お兄ちゃん (oniichan) well into adulthood to express a close and affectionate bond.
Examples in context
- 彼は私の兄です。He is my brother.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your brother.Tatoeba #163830 by bunbuku, translation #250680 by CK
- 私の兄は大学生です。My brother is a college student.This sentence is useful for stating your brother's occupation.Tatoeba #163789 by bunbuku, translation #250722 by CK
- この人は私の兄です。This is my brother.This sentence is useful for introducing someone as your brother.Tatoeba #221000 by bunbuku, translation #463308 by lukaszpp
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui shows a photo to Yota.
- 結衣 Yuiこの人は私の兄です。Kono hito wa watashi no ani desu.This person is my brother.
- 陽太 Yotaかっこいいですね。Kakkoii desu ne.He is cool, isn't he?
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 陽太 Yotaお兄さんは何歳ですか。Oniisan wa nansai desu ka.How old is your brother?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
