義兄
also: あに
Meanings
1
brother-in-law (spouse's older brother or older sister's husband)
Refers to a brother-in-law who is older than the speaker or the speaker's spouse. Used in formal and family contexts.
My brother-in-law works at a bank.
My older sister's husband, that is, my brother-in-law, is good at cooking.
2
older stepbrother
Used when referring to an older stepbrother, typically in formal or written contexts. In casual speech, 義理の兄 or simply 兄 may be used.
I got an older stepbrother through my father's remarriage.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の義兄にあたるto be someone's brother-in-law
He is my brother-in-law.
- 義兄がいるto have a brother-in-law (older)
Since I got married, I gained one older brother-in-law.