Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 姉妹 | shimai | [ɕima̠i] (narrow) | |
| 姉 | ane | [a̠ne̞] (narrow) | |
| お姉さん | onēsan | [o̞ne̞ːsã̠ɴ] (narrow) | |
| 妹 | imōto | [imo̞] (narrow) [imo̞ːto̞] (narrow) |
|
| シスター | shisutā | [ɕisɨ̥ta̠ː] (narrow) | colloquial, humorous, ironic |
Japanese uses different words for sisters depending on whether you are referring to the general concept of sisters, an older sister or a younger sister. 姉妹 is used to describe the relationship or a group of sisters. To refer specifically to an older sister, use 姉 or お姉さん. To refer to a younger sister, use 妹. The loanword シスター is also used, but primarily in religious contexts for a nun or in a stylized, humorous or ironic way within pop culture.
Which one should you use?
While 姉妹 describes the state of being sisters or a group of them, it is not typically used to address a single sister directly. 姉 specifically means an older sister, whereas 妹 specifically means a younger sister. The loanword シスター differs from the native terms by being used for religious figures or in ironic pop culture settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
When speaking about your own older sister to someone outside your family, use 姉. If you are addressing your older sister directly or referring to someone else's older sister politely, use お姉さん. When speaking about your own younger sister to people outside your family, use 妹. The term シスター is colloquial and often carries a humorous or ironic tone.
How do you pronounce it?
shimai
Did you know?
- The word お姉さん is not just a name for a sister, but is frequently used as a polite way to address any young woman on the street.
- The term 姉妹 is first recorded in the Man'yōshū, a famous poetry anthology from the year 759.
- In Japanese, using お姉さん to refer to your own sister when talking to a stranger is often seen as too childish or overly casual.
Examples in context
- 姉はいない。I don't have an older sister.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not have an older sister using 姉.Tatoeba #9432274 by small_snow, translation #9432270 by CK
- 妹さんは元気？How's your sister?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's younger sister using 妹.Tatoeba #81415 by bunbuku, translation #322300 by CK
- 私の妹は有名だ。My sister is famous.This sentence is useful for stating that your younger sister is famous using 妹.Tatoeba #162593 by bunbuku, translation #251921 by CK
- 394 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are looking at a photo of Yui's family.
- 結衣 Yui私たちは、とても仲の良い姉妹です。Watashitachi wa, totemo naka no yoi shimai desu.We are very close sisters.
- 蓮 Ren二人とも本当に似ていますね。Futari tomo hontou ni nite imasu ne.You both really look alike.
- 結衣 Yui姉妹だと言われることが多いです。Shimai da to iwareru koto ga ooi desu.We are often told we look like sisters.
- 蓮 Renいい写真ですね。Ii shashin desu ne.It's a nice photo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sister” translations and entries 姉妹, 姉, お姉さん, 妹, シスター, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries お姉さん, 妹, 姉, 姉妹, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
