elder sister; big sister
Familiar and honorific term for one's own elder sister, used mainly by younger siblings. Not used for addressing someone else's sister directly.
older female friend; big sis (figurative)
Used for a slightly older female friend or acquaintance, often in casual or slangy speech. Can carry a rough or gang-like tone when written as 姐貴.
My big sister got into university.
Hey sis, can you help me out a bit?
She's like an older sister figure to me.
Hey big sis, looking forward to today!
Standard kanji spelling; 貴 is ateji.
Katakana spelling used in casual or slangy contexts, especially for the 'older female friend' sense.
Rarely used kanji form; 姐 can carry a slightly rougher or gang-like nuance.
From 姉 “elder sister” and the honorific element 貴, producing a familiar but respectful term for an older woman.