Japanese word

兄貴

Pronunciation

Romajianiki

Meaning

  • nounbig brother

Example

うちの兄貴はいつも助けてくれます。u chi no ani ki wa i tsu mo tasu ke te ku re ma su

My big brother always helps me.

Illustration for 兄貴 (big brother)

More examples

近所の若者たちは、彼を兄貴と呼んでいます。kin jo no waka mono ta chi wa kare o ani ki to yo n de i ma su

The young people in the neighborhood call him big brother.

Core concept

It marks an older male as someone close to the speaker who also has greater age, status, or experience.

Common phrases

  • 兄貴と呼ぶani ki to yo bu

    call someone big brother

  • 兄貴に相談するani ki ni sō dan su ru

    consult one's big brother

Similar words

お兄さんoniisan: A neutral or respectful term for an older male sibling or a familiar older man.
兄さんanisan: A casual term for an older male sibling or a familiar older man.
兄ちゃんanichan: A very casual term for an older male sibling or a familiar older man.

Definition in Japanese

年上の男性を、身近さや敬意を込めて呼ぶくだけた表現。toshi ue no dan sei o mi jika sa ya kei i o ko me te yo bu ku da ke ta hyō gen

Word origin

兄貴 (aniki) is written with 兄 (ani, "older brother") and 貴 (ki, "noble or precious"), though the historical reason for this spelling is not certain.

Usage tips

  • The word 兄貴 (aniki) sounds more casual and masculine than a neutral reference to an older brother and often appears in relaxed spoken dialogue.

Other meanings

  • seniornoun
  • older guynoun

Related words

  • 兄貴分anikibunbig brother figurenoun

Word lists with this word