старший брат
starshiy brat
The Russian phrase for "older brother" is старший брат (starshiy brat).
The term is used to denote a brother who is senior in age or rank within a sequence of siblings.
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective старший is the comparative form of старый (old), used specifically to denote seniority.
Which one should you use?
старший брат is used to indicate seniority in age. You should not use старый брат, as that would literally mean an elderly or aged brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing possession, such as saying "Tom's older brother," the phrase changes from the nominative старший брат to the genitive case старшего брата.
How do you pronounce it?
starshiy brat
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using старый брат to describe someone who is simply older than you. This incorrectly implies the brother is an elderly person.
Did you know?
- The English word 'fraternity' shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European ancestor as the Russian word брат.
- In Russian, the word брат is often used as a slang term to address any close male friend, regardless of whether they are related.
- While старший брат refers to age, the same word старший is used in Russian to describe a 'senior' officer or a 'senior' student in a hierarchy.
Examples in context
- Я старший брат Тома.I'm Tom's older brother.This sentence shows how to use старший брат to identify yourself as someone's older brother.Tatoeba #3479081 by marafon, translation #2262044 by CK
- Он старший брат Таро.He is Taro's older brother.This sentence demonstrates how to use старший брат to identify someone else as a specific person's older brother.Tatoeba #3597119 by sharptoothed, translation #460851 by FeuDRenais
- Это мой старший брат.This is my older brother.This sentence shows how to use старший брат to introduce your older brother.Tatoeba #3853177 by odexed, translation #3826011 by CK
- Как дела, старший брат?How are you, older brother?
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry and Maria are talking about their family members at a cafe.
- Дмитрий DmitryУ тебя есть старший брат?U tebya yest' starshiy brat?Do you have an older brother?
- Мария MariaДа, мой старший брат живёт в Москве.Da, moy starshiy brat zhivyot v Moskve.Yes, my older brother lives in Moscow.
- Дмитрий DmitryТвой старший брат работает врачом?Tvoy starshiy brat rabotayet vrachom?Does your older brother work as a doctor?
- Мария MariaНет, он инженер.Net, on inzhener.No, he is an engineer.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries брат, старший, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
