兄貴
Meanings
Familiar term for one's elder brother. It is more casual, rough, or affectionate than 兄, and may carry a respectful feeling toward the older brother rather than being polite speech.
My older brother works in Tokyo.
Big bro, I need to ask you about something.
senior; older-brother figure
Used for a senior or respected older-brother-like figure in a group. It sounds familiar and often masculine; in ordinary school or workplace contexts, 先輩 is the safer neutral word.
Everyone affectionately calls the senior at work 'Aniki.'
older man; older guy
Colloquial way to refer to a man older than oneself, often with a rough, streetwise, or familiar flavor rather than a neutral description of age.
A tough-looking older guy was standing in front of the shop.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉を兄貴と呼ぶto call someone 'big brother' (out of familiarity or respect)
His juniors looked up to him and called him 'big brother.'
- 〈人〉にとって兄貴のような存在to be like a big-brother figure to someone
He's like a big brother to me.
Expressions
- 兄貴風を吹かすact patronizingly; act like a big brother