姉
[a̠ne̞]
In Japanese, the phrase for "my sister" is 姉, referring specifically to an older sister.
The term 姉 is used when you are speaking to others about your own older sister. It is not typically used as a direct way to call out to her within your own household.
Which one should you use?
While 姉 refers specifically to an older sister, the term 妹 is used to refer to a younger sister.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
When speaking about someone else's older sister, or when addressing your own older sister in a polite manner, use the polite form お姉さん instead of 姉.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate possession, such as saying "my sister's book", add the particle の after 姉 to form 姉の.
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is common to address a female stranger or a female employee in a shop as お姉さん even if she is not related to you.
- The term 姉 functions as a 'humble' word in Japanese social grammar. By using it, you are lowering your own family's status to show respect to the person you are talking to.
- The word 姉 may have originated as a contraction of the phrase 'my eldest sibling', combining a first-person pronoun, a possessive particle, and the word for 'elder brother'.
Examples in context
- 姉は大学生です。My sister is in college.This sentence is useful for describing your sister's current status as a student.Tatoeba #10778223 by small_snow, translation #9194445 by DJ_Saidez
- 姉は二つ上です。My sister is two years older than me.This sentence is useful for stating the age difference between you and your sister.Tatoeba #11047983 by small_snow, translation #11064008 by Luornu
- 彼女は私の姉です。She's my sister.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as your sister.Tatoeba #89377 by bunbuku, translation #469126 by CK
- Imouto to eiga ni ikitai. (妹と映画に行きたい。)I want to go to the movies with my sister.
- Ore no ane wa isogashii. (俺の姉は忙しい。)My sister is busy.
- Boku no imouto wa sensei. (僕の妹は先生。)My sister is a teacher.
- 105 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their families in the hallway.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんの姉はどこにいますか？Himari-san no ane wa doko ni imasu ka?Where is your older sister, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himari姉は今、東京に住んでいます。Ane wa ima, Tokyo ni sunde imasu.My sister lives in Tokyo now.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうですか。お姉さんは優しいですか？Sou desu ka. Oneesan wa yasashii desu ka?I see. Is your sister kind?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても優しいです。Hai, totemo yasashii desu.Yes, she is very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 姉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 姉, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
