Onyomi: キョウ, ケイ · Kunyomi: あに · Meanings: big brother, elder brother
Kanji for big brother, elder brother
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The kanji 兄 combines the elements for “mouth” (口) and “person” (儿), depicting someone who speaks with authority — an elder brother or senior figure. In ancient times, it represented a man who guided and protected others through words and actions. 兄 embodies the spirit of responsibility, leadership, and family strength, symbolizing someone who leads by example.
A person with a strong voice — 兄 means older brother, the one who speaks, leads, and protects.
Imagine an older brother standing tall and speaking with confidence — that’s 兄, the kanji of guidance, strength, and care.
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Meta |
|---|---|---|---|
| 兄 | あに | older brother, elder brother | common JLPT-N5 Noun |
| 兄 | にい | older brother, elder brother | Noun, used as a suffix |
| 兄 | このかみ | eldest son | Noun |
| 兄 | けい | you | Pronoun |
| 兄弟 | きょうだい | siblings, brothers and sisters | common JLPT-N5 Noun |
| 兄貴 | あにき | elder brother | common Noun |
| 兄ちゃん | にいちゃん | (one's) older brother | common Noun |
| 兄さん | にいさん | older brother, elder brother | common Noun |
| 兄弟子 | あにでし | senior pupil (of the same master), senior disciple, senior student, senior member | Noun |
| 兄姉 | けいし | older brother and older sister | Noun |