Translation and Meaning of: 姉妹 - kyoudai

The Japanese word 姉妹[きょうだい] is often used to refer to siblings, but its meaning and usage go beyond that. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in Japanese culture. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding this word can enrich your vocabulary and cultural knowledge.

In addition to explaining the basics, let's dive into details such as kanji writing, pronunciation, and even how this word is used in everyday life. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese talk about family relations or how to memorize terms like this, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and use of 姉妹 [きょうだい]

In Japanese, 姉妹 [きょうだい] can be translated as "siblings" or "brothers and sisters," but its meaning is broader. Unlike Portuguese, which often separates the terms by gender (irmãos/irmãs), this word encompasses both sexes. It is used to refer to siblings in general, regardless of whether they are male or female.

However, it is important to note that, in some contexts, 姉妹 can specifically be used for sisters when written with the kanji 姉 (older sister) and 妹 (younger sister). The pronunciation "kyoudai" is more generic, while the reading of the kanji can change the meaning. This is a detail that many Japanese students may find interesting.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 姉妹[きょうだい] is composed of two kanji: 姉 (ane, meaning "older sister") and 妹 (imouto, meaning "younger sister"). The combination of these characters originally referred only to sisters, but over time, the meaning expanded to include siblings of both sexes when pronounced as "kyoudai".

It is worth noting that writing in kanji is not always used in everyday life. Many times, the Japanese choose to write only in hiragana (きょうだい) to avoid ambiguity. This happens because, as mentioned, kanjis can suggest a more restricted meaning. This flexibility in writing is something that catches the attention of those who are learning the language.

Cultural usages and curiosities

In Japan, the relationship between siblings is seen as something very important, and the word きょうだい reflects this. In many families, the bonds between siblings are nurtured from an early age, and this word frequently appears in everyday conversations. It is also used in broader contexts, such as in organizations or groups that consider themselves "like brothers."

An interesting fact is that, although きょうだい is a common word, Japanese people often specify the birth order using terms like 兄 (ani, older brother) or 弟 (otouto, younger brother). This shows how the Japanese language values hierarchies and family relationships. If you want to sound more natural when speaking about family in Japanese, paying attention to these details can make all the difference.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 姉妹 (shimai) - sisters
• きょうだい (kyoudai) - siblings (can include brothers and sisters)
• あねうた (aneuta) - sister's song
• あねいも (aneimo) - younger sister
• あねこ (anekko) - sister's daughter
• あねぼっち (anebocchi) - lonely sister
• あねぼう (anebou) - older sister, affectionate
• あねよめ (aneyome) - sister who got married
• あねん (anen) - little sister (can have a loving connotation)

姉妹

Romaji: kyoudai
Kana: きょうだい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: sisters

Meaning in English: sisters

Definition: Relationship between women born of the same parents.

Example Sentences - (姉妹) kyoudai

See below some example sentences:

私の従姉妹はとても美しいです。

Watashi no jōshimai wa totemo utsukushii desu

My cousin is very beautiful.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "mine"
• 従姉妹 (joushimai) - noun meaning "second cousin"
• は (wa) - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "my second cousin"
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい (utsukushii) - adjective meaning "beautiful"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence

私の姉妹はとても仲が良いです。

Watashi no shimai wa totemo naka ga yoi desu

My sisters are very close.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• の (no) - possession particle in Japanese, indicating that the next word is possessed by "me"
• 姉妹 (shimai) - means "sisters" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "sisters"
• とても (totemo) - adverb in Japanese, meaning "a lot"
• 仲 (naka) - means "relationship" in Japanese
• が (ga) - subject particle in Japanese, indicating that "relationship" is the subject of the sentence
• 良い (yoi) - Japanese adjective meaning "good"
• です (desu) - verb to be in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative