How to Say Brother in Japanese168

The Japanese word for brother depends on a few factors, including the speaker's gender, the age difference between the siblings, and the level of formality desired. Here are the most common ways to say brother in Japanese:

Brother (Older Brother)

Formal

Onii-san (お兄さん): This is the most formal way to address an older brother. It is typically used by younger siblings or when speaking to someone outside the family.

Informal

Ani (兄): This is the informal way to say older brother. It is commonly used between siblings or close friends.

Brother (Younger Brother)

Formal

Otouto (弟): This is the formal way to address a younger brother. It is typically used by older siblings or when speaking to someone outside the family.

Informal

Otouto-san (弟さん): This is a slightly more formal way to say younger brother. It is often used by older siblings or when speaking to someone they don't know well.

Otou-chan (おとうちゃん): This is the most informal way to say younger brother. It is typically used between siblings or close friends.

Half-Brother

Han-kyoudai (半兄弟): This is the Japanese word for half-brother. It can be used for both older and younger half-brothers.

Stepbrother

Mamahaha (儘兄弟): This is the Japanese word for stepbrother. It can be used for both older and younger stepbrothers.

Other Terms for Brother

In addition to the above terms, there are a few other words that can be used to refer to brothers in Japanese.
Kyodai (兄弟): This is a general term for brother. It can be used for both older and younger brothers, and it is often used when referring to both brothers at the same time.
Aniue (兄上): This is a respectful way to address an older brother. It is typically used by younger siblings or when speaking to someone outside the family.
Imouto (妹): This is the Japanese word for younger sister. However, it can also be used to refer to a younger brother in some contexts.

Choosing the Right Word

When choosing which word to use for brother in Japanese, it is important to consider the following factors:
The speaker's gender: Men typically use different words for brother than women.
The age difference between the siblings: The age difference between the siblings can affect which word is used.
The level of formality: The level of formality desired can also affect which word is used.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are using the correct word for brother in Japanese.

2025-02-06

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