Meaning

Primary

Older Brother

Alternative

Guy

Word Type

noun

Explanation

This word starts with an to make it more polite. Then it has the kanji which you already know. Lastly, it has さん which is an honorific to elevate people and be polite. This is basically the formal way of saying older brother (versus plain old ). It can also be used to refer to a guy that you don't know who has a youthful appearance.

Reading

おにいさん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading for this one is pretty tricky, and I'd consider it an exception. To remember it, you have to learn the part, and everything else will fall into place. Here's a mnemonic to help you:

Your (kind) older brother pushes you down on the ground. You stand up and look at your knee (にい), which is all bloody. "Why'd you do that to my knee!?" you ask. "You're supposed to be a nice older brother, that's why I call you お兄さん!"

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • お兄さんはやさしい

    Older Brother is kind

    お兄さんはおもしろい

    Older Brother is amusing

    お兄さんはこわい

    Older Brother is scary

Context Sentences

あの男の人が、山田さんのお兄さんです。

That man is Yamada's older brother.

私のお兄さんは体が大きくて、仕草も男の子らしいです。

My older brother is big and he also has a masculine demeanor.

ちょっと、そこのお兄さん!シャツに血がついてますよ!

Hey there! Your shirt has some blood on it!

Kanji Composition