Translation guide
In Japanese, there is no single word that directly translates to the English plural 'brothers' in all contexts. The way you refer to brothers depends on whether you are talking about your own brothers, someone else's brothers, or using the term in a broader sense. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express the concept.
When speaking about your own brothers to someone outside your family, use humble terms.
This is the most common and neutral way to refer to your own brothers (or siblings in general) when speaking to others. It can mean 'brothers' or 'siblings' depending on context.
I have two brothers.
Use this specifically for your own older brother when speaking to someone outside your family.
My older brother lives in Tokyo.
Use this specifically for your own younger brother when speaking to someone outside your family.
My younger brother is still a student.
When speaking about someone else's brothers, use respectful terms.
The polite prefix ご makes this the standard respectful way to refer to someone else's brothers or siblings.
How many brothers do you have?
Use this for someone else's older brother. It can also be used to address your own older brother politely within the family.
Use this for someone else's younger brother.
How old is your younger brother?
When talking to your own brothers, use family terms or names.
In Japanese families, it's common to address siblings by their given name or a nickname rather than a title, especially for younger siblings.
Taro, come here a minute.
A casual, affectionate way to address your older brother. Common within the family.
Big brother, let's play!
A rough, masculine way to address an older brother or a senior in a gang/group. Can be used within family but sounds tough.
When 'brothers' refers to a close bond, comrades, or religious context.
Can be used metaphorically for close friends or comrades, similar to 'brothers in arms'.
They are bound by a brotherly bond.
Means 'brethren' or 'compatriots', used in formal or literary contexts for people sharing the same nationality or cause.
English often uses 'brothers' to mean multiple male siblings. In Japanese, you must consider the relationship and formality. Simply using 兄弟 (きょうだい) is usually sufficient, but be aware that it can also include sisters. If you need to specify only male siblings, you can say 男の兄弟 (おとこのきょうだい) or use 兄 (あに) and 弟 (おとうと) explicitly.
Japanese does not usually mark plurals. 兄弟 can mean 'brother' or 'brothers' depending on context. If you need to emphasize the number, use counters like 二人 (ふたり) for two people.
お兄さんはお元気ですか。
How is your older brother?
兄貴、待ってくれよ。
Bro, wait up.
我々は同胞として助け合うべきだ。
We should help each other as brothers.