兄
ani[a̠ɲ̟i]
The Japanese word for "older brother" is 兄, pronounced ani.
The term 兄 is used to refer to one's own older brother. In specific masculine or tough contexts, you may also encounter the slang forms 兄貴 or あにき to mean "big bro" or "older brother".
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on who you are talking to and whose brother you are discussing. Use 兄 (ani) as a humble form when talking about your own brother to someone outside your family, such as a stranger or a superior.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquial form あにき is mainly used in western Japan or within yakuza contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
ani
When do people say it?
The use of different words for "older brother" reflects Japanese social hierarchy and the distinction between one's own family and the outside world. While 兄 is the standard humble way to identify a sibling to others, the term あにき carries a specific connotation of toughness and is often associated with certain subcultures or specific regions.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 彼は私の兄です。He's my older brother.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as your 兄.Tatoeba #163830 by bunbuku, translation #511849 by CK
- 兄はいないんだ。I don't have an older brother.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have an 兄.Tatoeba #9483256 by small_snow, translation #9483253 by CK
- 兄を探してます。I'm looking for my older brother.This sentence is useful for describing the act of searching for an 兄.Tatoeba #11563492 by small_snow, translation #12442361 by CK
- 私の あに はとても優しいです。My older brother is very kind.
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんの兄は、大学生ですか？Himari-san no ani wa, daigakusei desu ka?Is your older brother a college student, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、兄は来年卒業します。Hai, ani wa rainen sotsugyou shimasu.Yes, my older brother is graduating next year.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうなんですね。かっこいいですね。Sou nan desu ne. Kakkoii desu ne.I see. He must be cool.
- 陽葵 Himariいえ、全然普通ですよ。Ie, zenzen futsuu desu yo.No, he is just very ordinary.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “older brother” translations and entries 兄, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 兄, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
