Translation and Meaning of: 兄 - ani

If you are studying Japanese, you have certainly come across the word 兄 (あに, ani), which means "older brother." But do you know how this term originated, how it is used in daily life, or even how to memorize it efficiently? In this article, we will explore in depth the etymology, the pictogram, and the meaning of this word that is so important in Japanese culture. Furthermore, you will discover useful phrases to practice in Anki or other spaced repetition programs, ensuring that this vocabulary stays stored in your mind.

Many people search on Google not only for the translation of 兄, but also its origin, written in kanji, and examples of use. After all, understanding how the Japanese refer to older brothers goes far beyond the literal meaning — it involves family hierarchy, respect, and even everyday expressions. Here, you will learn all of this clearly and directly, without fuss.

Etymology and Origin of the Kanji 兄

The kanji 兄 is composed of two radicals: 口 (mouth) and 儿 (legs apart, representing a person). Together, they convey the idea of someone who "speaks" or "commands," reflecting the position of authority that an older brother traditionally holds in the Japanese family. The pronunciation あに (ani) comes from ancient Japanese, where it was used to refer to the male firstborn.

Interestingly, this kanji also appears in other words related to hierarchy, such as 兄弟 (きょうだい, kyoudai), which means "brothers." The presence of the radical 口 reinforces the notion that the older brother often takes on a leadership role, guiding the younger ones. It's no surprise that, in some regions of Japan, 兄 can even be used to refer to figures of respect outside the family unit.

Lies in Daily Life and Family Hierarchy

In Japan, calling someone 兄 is not just a matter of age — it is a sign of respect. Unlike in Portuguese, where "brother" can be used more casually, in Japanese this word carries a strong cultural weight. Often, younger people use お兄さん (おにいさん, oniisan) to refer to an older brother, adding the honorific prefix お to show reverence.

You may have already heard 兄貴 (あにき, aniki) in animes or dramas, a more colloquial and affectionate term, but still maintains hierarchy. This variation is common among close friends or in groups where there is a clear leadership figure. An interesting detail? In some subcultures, such as the yakuza, aniki is used to refer to the "boss" — a testament to how language reflects social structure.

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

An effective way to memorize 兄 is to associate the radical 口 with "orders" and 儿 with "someone in a superior position." Imagine an older brother giving instructions — it makes perfect sense, right? Another tip is to create flashcards on Anki with sentences like 兄は優しいです (あにはやさしいです, ani wa yasashii desu) ("My older brother is kind") to reinforce the vocabulary in context.

How about a pun? In Japanese, あに (ani) sounds similar to アニメ (anime). How about creating a sentence like "兄はアニメが好きです" (あにはアニメがすきです) ("My older brother likes anime") to practice? Small associations like this can make learning much more fun and efficient. Now that you know everything about 兄, how about practicing in a real conversation?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 兄弟 (kyoudai) - Brothers, brothers and sisters (generic form)
• お兄さん (oniisan) - Older brother (respectful form)
• あに (ani) - Older brother (more common or formal form)
• あにき (aniki) - Older brother (used in a more informal or affectionate context)

兄

Romaji: ani
Kana: あに
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: Older brother

Meaning in English: Older brother

Definition: The man is older than me.

Example Sentences - (兄) ani

See below some example sentences:

お兄さんはとても優しい人です。

Oniisan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My older brother is a very kind person.

Your brother is a very kind person.

• お兄さん - Older brother
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - kind
• 人 - person
• です - verb to be in the polite form

私の兄はとても優しいです。

Watashi no ani wa totemo yasashii desu

My older brother is very kind.

My brother is very kind.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun meaning "I" or "mine"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 兄 (ani) - noun that means "older brother"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい (yasashii) - adjective meaning "gentle" or "kind"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of discourse

私の従兄弟はとても親切です。

Watashi no itoko wa totemo shinsetsu desu

My cousin is very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 従兄弟 - noun that means "first cousin"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 親切 - adjective that means "kind" or "gentle"
• です - verb to be in the present affirmative

私は兄弟がいません。

Watashi wa kyoudai ga imasen

I do not have brothers.

I have no brother.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 兄弟 - noun that means "brothers"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• いません - negative verb that means "to not exist"