姉あね分ぶん

noun

sworn elder sister; woman one looks up to as an older sister

Refers to a woman who is not a blood relative but is treated like an older sister, often in a close-knit group or mentor-like relationship. The term is honorific and implies respect and affection. Compare with 妹分 (sworn younger sister).

See also: 妹分

• 彼かの女じょは私わたしの姉あね分ぶんで、いつも相そう談だんに乗のってくれる。

  She is like an older sister to me and always gives me advice.

• 芸げい者しゃの世せ界かいでは、先せん輩ぱいを姉あね分ぶんと呼よぶことがある。

  In the world of geisha, senior colleagues are sometimes called ane-bun (sworn elder sister).