お兄さん

おにいさん
Alternative writings: 御兄さん
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

A polite term for one's older brother; also used respectfully to refer to someone else's older brother.

NounHonorific or Respectful (Sonkeigo) Language

Examples

お兄さんは何歳ですか?

How old is your older brother?

田中さんのお兄さんは医者です。

Mr. Tanaka's older brother is a doctor.

お兄さん、荷物を持ちましょうか。

Brother, shall I carry your luggage?

2

Used to address or refer to a young man (e.g., a stranger, shop assistant) or as a casual form of address to a male peer; often used vocatively.

NounFamiliar Language

Examples

あの、お兄さん、道を教えてください。

Excuse me, sir, could you tell me the way?

お兄さん、ビール一杯ください。

Hey man, one beer please.

お兄さん、写真撮ってもらえますか?

Hey, could you take a photo for us?

Word Relationships

Derivations