What does it mean word for word?
これは means this (as the topic), 私の means my, 兄 (ani) means older brother and です is the polite ending meaning is.
Which one should you use?
Japanese uses different words for older and younger brothers. 兄 (ani) is an older brother, while 弟 (otouto) is a younger brother. For a younger brother you can say 弟（おとうと）です。 Among friends, a casual version is こいつは俺（おれ）の兄（あに）だ, meaning this guy is my brother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect you may hear 兄（あに）やで。
How do you pronounce it?
Say kore wa watashi no ani desu. The final u in desu is usually very weak and often almost silent.
What mistakes should you avoid?
兄 (ani) is used when speaking about your own brother to someone else. Do not use the more polite word for someone else's older brother here, since that is used to address him directly or to talk about another family's brother. Use 弟 (otouto) instead of 兄 if your brother is younger.
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called 'in-group' and 'out-group' language. Because your brother is part of your 'in-group', using a polite title for him when speaking to an outsider would actually sound strange or arrogant.
- The word 兄 (ani) is not just a family label but also carries a sense of humility. By using this specific term, you are subconsciously lowering your own family's status to show respect to the person you are talking to.
- In Japanese, the word for 'older brother' changes depending on whether you are talking to him or talking about him to a stranger. While you might call him お兄ちゃん (oniichan) at home, you must use the more humble 兄 (ani) when introducing him to others.
Examples in context
- こちらは私（わたし）の弟（おとうと）です。This is my younger brother.
- 紹介します。これは私の兄です。Shoukai shimasu. Kore wa watashi no ani desu.Let me introduce him. This is my older brother.
Example conversation
Ren introduces his older brother to Misaki.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さん、こんにちは。これは私の兄です。Misaki-san, konnichiwa. Kore wa watashi no ani desu.Hi Misaki. This is my brother.
- 美咲 Misakiはじめまして。よろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you. Pleased to meet you.
- 蓮 Ren兄、美咲さんです。Ani, Misaki-san desu.Brother, this is Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiお兄さんはとても背が高いですね。Oniisan wa totemo se ga takai desu ne.Your brother is very tall.
