お兄ちゃん
onii-chan[o̞ɲ̟iːt͡ɕã̠ɴ]
The Japanese phrase onii-chan means "older brother" or "big brother."
onii-chan is an affectionate term used by a younger sibling to address or refer to their older brother. This term is used not only to address an older brother directly but also to refer to him when speaking to others in a familiar context.
Which one should you use?
While onii-san is a standard, polite way to address an older brother or a young man, onii-chan is more intimate and childish. For a much higher level of respect, one might use Onii-sama, where the suffix -sama denotes great respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
onii-chan is highly informal and affectionate. The suffix -chan makes it a term typically used by children or within very close-knit families. In contrast, Onii-sama is a formal way to address an older brother and Ni-ni is a cutesy, informal version used by younger siblings.
How do you pronounce it?
onii-chan
Did you know?
- In Japan, onii-chan is often used to address young men who are not related to the speaker, such as a friendly older boy in the neighborhood.
- In certain subcultures like anime, the term is sometimes used by characters to create a specific 'moe' or ultra-cute persona, which can differ from its standard domestic use.
- Adults may continue to use onii-chan when speaking to their older brother to maintain a sense of childhood intimacy and affection.
Examples in context
- お兄ちゃん、これ買って！Onii-chan, kore katte!Onii-chan, buy me this!
- お兄ちゃんはどこにいるの？Onii-chan wa doko ni iru no?Where is my big brother?
- お兄ちゃん、手伝って。Onii-chan, tetsudatte.Onii-chan, help me.
Example conversation
Misaki is asking her older brother for help with homework.
- 美咲 Misakiお兄ちゃん、ここを教えて！Onii-chan, koko o oshiete!Big brother, help me with this part!
- 蓮 Renいいよ。どこがわからないの？Ii yo. Doko ga wakaranai no?Sure. Which part don't you understand?
- 美咲 Misakiこの問題が全然わからないの。Kono mondai ga zenzen wakaranai no.I don't understand this problem at all.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、一緒にやってみようか。Jaa, issho ni yatte miyou ka.Well then, shall we try it together?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry お兄ちゃん, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
