25
兄
Older Brother
あに (ani)
JLPT N4
Interesting Fact
In Japanese mythology, the storm god "Susanoo" was the younger brother of the sun goddess "Amaterasu." His reckless behavior caused so much trouble that he was eventually banished from heaven. Even divine siblings, it seems, sometimes have complicated relationships.
Memory Trick
A person with a giant mouth (口) is standing over you explaining how everything should be done. That's your big brother. That's 兄.
Readings
Onyomi: ケイ (kei), キョウ (kyou)
Kunyomi: あに (ani)
Example Words
兄
あに (ani)
Older brother
お兄さん
おにいさん (oniisan)
Older brother
兄弟
きょうだい (kyoudai)
Brothers, siblings
長兄
ちょうけい (choukei)
Eldest brother
Example Sentence
兄は大学生です。
あに は だいがくせい です。
ani wa daigakusei desu
My older brother is a university student.