Meaning

Primary

Older Sister

Alternatives

Big Sister, Elder Sister

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well. This is your older sister, by the way. Not somebody else's.

Reading

あね
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. You haven't learned this reading yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you remember:

Picture your older sister (even if you don't have one), her birthday is coming up and there's only one thing she wants from you. A necklace (あね). She's wanted a necklace for years and you're finally going to give her one. She'll be so happy.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 姉がいる

    to have an older sister

    姉が来る

    sister comes

    姉がくれる

    sister gives me

Context Sentences

姉はシンガポールにいます。

My sister is in Singapore.

姉のお父さんと私のお父さんは同じ人です。

My sister's dad and my dad are the same person.

二人の姉と、一人の兄がいるので、四人兄弟です。

I have two sisters and a brother, so we are siblings of four.

Kanji Composition