兄

How to remember it

The kanji 兄 shows a mouth (口) over legs — the elder brother who speaks for the family.

Example sentences

• 兄は医者です。

  あにはいしゃです。

  My older brother is a doctor.

• 兄が東京に住んでいます。

  あにがとうきょうにすんでいます。

  My older brother lives in Tokyo.

Usage

Humble term for one's own older brother; use お兄さん for someone else's.

Related words