兄弟姉妹
kyōdaishimai
The Japanese word for 'siblings' is 兄弟姉妹 (kyōdaishimai).
兄弟姉妹 is used to refer to people who share the same parents, encompassing both brothers and sisters. In casual conversation, however, Japanese speakers often use the shorter term 兄弟 to mean 'siblings' regardless of gender.
How do you pronounce it?
kyōdaishimai
Did you know?
- The character 姉 (ane) specifically denotes an 'older sister', which is a distinction often more emphasized in Japanese social hierarchy than in English.
- If you are talking about your own siblings to someone of higher status, you would likely avoid the term 兄弟姉妹 and instead use more humble forms to show respect to the listener.
- The word for 'sisters' in the phrase, 姉妹 (shimai), is also used in Japanese to refer to 'sisters' in a more figurative sense, such as 'spiritual sisters'.
Examples in context
- トムには兄弟姉妹がいますか？Does Tom have any siblings?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has any 兄弟姉妹.Tatoeba #8794940 by small_snow, translation #7729290 by CK
Example conversation
Misaki and Daito are talking about their families.
- 美咲 MisakiÒ翔さんは兄弟姉妹がいますか？Daito-san wa kyōai shimai ga imasu ka?Daito, do you have any siblings?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、姉が一人います。Hai, ane ga hitori imasu.Yes, I have one older sister.
- 美咲 Misakiそうなんですね。Sō nan desu ne.I see.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんは？Misaki-san wa?How about you, Misaki?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
