兄
elder brother, big brother
Readings
On'yomi
- ケイ
- キョウ
Kun'yomi
- あに
Nanori
- え
- せ
- よし
Meaning
兄 centers on the family relationship of an older male sibling: an elder brother or big brother.
Most common words using 兄
20 of 92- 兄あにN5
older brother; elder brother
- 兄弟きょうだいN5
brothers and sisters; siblings
- 兄さんにいさんN1
older brother; elder brother
- 兄ちゃんにいちゃん
(one's) older brother
- 兄貴あにき
elder brother
- 従兄弟いとこN3
cousin (male)
- 兄妹けいまい
older brother and younger sister
- 義兄ぎけい
brother-in-law (spouse's older brother or older sister's husband)
- 長兄ちょうけい
eldest brother
- 従兄じゅうけいN3
cousin (older male)
- 義兄弟ぎきょうだい
brother-in-law; stepbrother; sworn brother
- 父兄ふけいN1
guardians; parents
- 兄嫁あによめ
elder brother's wife; sister-in-law
- 諸兄しょけい
dear friends; (all of) you or those men
- 兄弟子あにでし
senior pupil (of the same master); senior disciple; senior student; senior member
- 実兄じっけい
biological older brother
- 兄弟分きょうだいぶん
sworn brother; buddy; pal
- 再従兄弟はとこ
second cousin
- 兄にい
older brother; elder brother
- 乳兄弟ちきょうだい
foster sibling; foster brother; foster sister
Study
Etymology
兄 is commonly explained as a person 儿 with a large mouth 口, suggesting an elder brother who speaks with authority in the family.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 口 is a big mouth, and the bottom 儿 is a person. Picture an elder brother standing tall and speaking with a big voice, guiding his younger siblings.
Reading mnemonic
For ケイ, imagine your elder brother named Kay: Kay -> ケイ, and he's the big brother who always looks out for you.