JLPT N4 · 5 strokes
Kanji 兄: "elder brother, big brother"
The kanji 兄 means "elder brother, big brother". It is written with 5 strokes and belongs to JLPT level N4, read ケイ, キョウ in on'yomi and あに in kun'yomi.
Stroke order
Strokes are written in the order of the numbers. The order is not decorative: it is what gives the character its balance, and it is also how handwriting search works in Japanese dictionaries.
Readings
On'yomi (Sino-Japanese reading)
ケイキョウ
Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading)
あに
In a kun'yomi reading, the dot separates the kanji from its okurigana: かた.る is read かたる and written 語る. A hyphen marks a bound position, like -び in 日.
At a glance
| Meaning | elder brother, big brother |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 5 |
| JLPT level | N4 |
| Taught in Japan | grade 2 |
| Frequency rank | 1219 of 2,501 |
Common words with 兄
The most frequent words using this kanji, most common first, with furigana readings. Click one to open it in the reader.
- 兄older brother; elder brother · brother-in-law (spouse's older brother or older sister's husband)
- 兄弟brothers and sisters; siblings · half-siblings; step-siblings; siblings by marriage or adoption
- お兄ちゃんgrand frère (affectueux)
- 兄さんolder brother; elder brother · brother (as older-brother figure in friendly and or work relationship)
- お兄さんolder brother; elder brother · young man; buddy; fella; laddie
- 兄貴grand frère, frère aîné · son aîné, son ancien
- 兄妹frère aîné et soeur cadette
- 兄様older brother
- 兄ちゃん(one's) older brother · young man; sonny; lad
- 兄上older brother
- 義兄brother-in-law (spouse's older brother or older sister's husband) · older stepbrother
- 従兄弟cousin (male)
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