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A2 noun #2,000 más común 8 min de lectura

兄弟

kyoudai Top 2,000

At the A1 level, you learn 'kyōdai' as a basic vocabulary word for 'siblings' or 'brothers.' You use it in very simple sentences to describe your family. For example, 'Kyōdai ga imasu' (I have siblings). You also learn to count them using 'hitori' (one), 'futari' (two), and 'san-nin' (three). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex nuances; just remember that it's the word you use when someone asks about your family members who are not your parents. You might also learn that the kanji comes from 'older brother' and 'younger brother,' which helps you remember the meaning. It's a key word for self-introductions in your first Japanese classes.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'kyōdai' in more descriptive ways. You can talk about the relationship between siblings, such as 'Kyōdai-genka' (sibling fights) or 'Kyōdai-naka' (sibling relationship). You also learn to use the polite 'gokyōdai' when asking other people about their families. You can form sentences like 'Gokyōdai wa nannin desu ka?' (How many siblings do you have?). You begin to understand that 'kyōdai' is a gender-neutral term in many contexts, and you can distinguish it from 'shimai' (sisters). You also learn to specify your position, like being the 'ue no kyōdai' (older sibling) or 'shita no kyōdai' (younger sibling).

By B1, you are comfortable using 'kyōdai' in various grammatical structures. You can use it with relative clauses, like 'Kyōdai ga ōi hito wa taihen desu' (People with many siblings have it hard). You also start to encounter the word in metaphorical contexts, such as describing close friends who are 'like siblings.' You understand the cultural expectation of sibling hierarchy and how it affects the way people speak to each other. You might also learn compound words like 'gikyōdai' (brothers-in-law) and how to describe more complex family situations. Your ability to use 'kyōdai' correctly in social situations (using honorifics properly) becomes more consistent.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the social and psychological aspects of being a 'kyōdai.' You might talk about 'kyōdai-ai' (sibling love) or the influence of birth order on personality. You understand more formal and literary uses of the word. You can read news articles or literature where 'kyōdai' might refer to 'sister schools' or 'sister cities' in a metaphorical sense. You are also aware of the legal nuances, such as inheritance rights among siblings. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'shisun' (four inches - a metaphor for close siblings) or specific historical terms for sibling relationships in the imperial family or samurai class.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the etymological and sociological implications of the word 'kyōdai.' You can analyze how the word reflects Japan's historical patriarchal structure and how its usage has evolved in modern, more egalitarian times. You can use the word in academic or professional discussions about sociology, psychology, or law. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and proverbs involving siblings, such as 'Kyōdai wa tanin no hajimari' (Siblings are the beginning of strangers), and can use them appropriately in conversation. You can also distinguish between subtle nuances in written Japanese where 'kyōdai' might be written in different kanji or kana to evoke specific feelings.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'kyōdai' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You understand the most obscure literary references and historical usages. You can engage in high-level debates about family law or social changes in Japan using the term. You are sensitive to the stylistic choices of using 'kyōdai' versus 'shimai' or 'shitei' (brothers and sisters/disciples) in classical literature. You can appreciate the word's role in the 'ie' (family) system of the Meiji era versus the modern nuclear family. Your use of the word is perfectly nuanced, reflecting the exact degree of formality, intimacy, and respect required in any given situation, including the most formal of ceremonies.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

兄弟 en 30 segundos

Kyōdai means 'siblings' and is used for both brothers and sisters.
Use 'gokyōdai' to be polite when asking about someone else's family.
It is a common topic for small talk and introductions in Japan.
The word can also mean 'brothers' specifically in certain contexts.

The Japanese word 兄弟 (kyōdai) is a fundamental noun that translates most directly to 'siblings' or 'brothers.' While the kanji characters specifically represent 'older brother' (兄) and 'younger brother' (弟), the word itself is used inclusively in modern Japanese to refer to any combination of siblings, regardless of gender. If you are asked 'Gokyōdai wa imasu ka?' (Do you have siblings?), it is perfectly natural to answer 'Yes' even if you only have sisters. This linguistic phenomenon reflects a historical patriarchal structure where male terms often served as the default for the collective, yet today, it functions as a neutral umbrella term for one's brothers and sisters.

Literal Meaning: Older brother (兄) + Younger brother (弟).

私は三人の兄弟がいます。(I have three siblings.)

In a social context, knowing how to use 兄弟 is essential for basic introductions and family-related conversations. It is one of the first words learners encounter when discussing family trees. Interestingly, while shimai (姉妹) exists specifically for 'sisters,' it is much more formal and less common in casual speech than the all-encompassing kyōdai. When someone asks about your 兄弟, they are generally interested in your immediate family structure and your birth order, which is a significant aspect of Japanese social identity.

Social Nuance: Reflects birth order and family hierarchy, which are important in Japanese culture.

彼は私の兄弟のような存在です。(He is like a brother to me.)

Beyond biological relationships, 兄弟 can also be used metaphorically. In certain contexts, such as close friendships or organizations (like a fraternity or even the yakuza), it signifies a bond as strong as blood. This metaphorical usage highlights the deep sense of loyalty and shared history associated with the word. In literature and anime, you will often hear characters who are not related by blood calling each other 'kyōdai' to signify an unbreakable bond of brotherhood or camaraderie.

Kanji Breakdown: 兄 (Ani/Kyō) - Big Brother; 弟 (Otōto/Dai) - Little Brother.

あの二人は兄弟喧嘩ばかりしている。(Those two are always having sibling squabbles.)

Using 兄弟 (kyōdai) correctly involves understanding both the grammatical structures for counting and the social etiquette of honorifics. When you are talking about your own siblings, you use the plain form. When asking about someone else's, you should almost always add the polite prefix 'go-' to make it ご兄弟 (gokyōdai). This is a crucial distinction in Japanese 'keigo' (honorific speech) that shows respect to the listener's family.

Counting Siblings: Use the counter '~nin' (人). Example: 'San-nin kyōdai' (Three siblings).

ご兄弟は何人いらっしゃいますか？(How many siblings do you have? - Polite)

When describing your position among siblings, you might say 'Watashi wa san-nin kyōdai no sue-ko desu' (I am the youngest of three siblings). The word 'kyōdai' acts as the base for the group. If you want to specify that you have no siblings, you would say 'Hitorikko' (only child), rather than saying 'zero-nin kyōdai.' Understanding these set phrases will make your Japanese sound much more natural and fluent.

Common Verb Pairings: Kyōdai ga iru (to have siblings), Kyōdai ga dekiru (to get a new sibling/brother-in-law).

私たちは兄弟仲が良いです。(We siblings get along well.)

In written Japanese, such as on official documents or applications, you will often see '続柄' (tsuzukigara - relationship) where you might write '兄' or '弟'. However, when describing the relationship in a general sense, '兄弟' is the standard. In professional settings, if you are discussing a colleague's family, always stick to 'gokyōdai' to maintain a professional distance and show proper courtesy.

Self-Reference: Never use 'go-' when talking about your own siblings to others.

二人兄弟の兄の方です。(I am the older of two brothers/siblings.)

You will encounter 兄弟 (kyōdai) in a vast array of settings, from the most mundane daily conversations to high-stakes dramatic scenes in media. In everyday life, it’s a staple of small talk. When meeting someone for the first time, after asking where they are from, the next question is often 'Gokyōdai wa?' (And what about your siblings?). This helps the speaker understand the person's background and social role within their family.

In Anime & Manga: Often used to emphasize bonds between characters, like the 'Uchiha Brothers' in Naruto or the 'Elric Brothers' in Fullmetal Alchemist.

「俺たちは兄弟だろ！」("We're brothers, aren't we!")

In the workplace, while less common than in personal life, you might hear it during 'nomikai' (drinking parties) where colleagues share personal stories. It also appears in news reports, particularly when discussing inheritance (kyōdai-kan no sōzoku) or family-related crimes/incidents. In these contexts, the word takes on a more clinical or legal tone, but the core meaning remains the same.

Traditional Arts: In Rakugo or Kabuki, 'kyōdai-bun' refers to people who have entered into a brother-like apprenticeship bond.

あの二人は義理の兄弟です。(Those two are brothers-in-law.)

Music is another place where 'kyōdai' appears frequently. Folk songs and 'Enka' (traditional-style ballads) often use the term to evoke nostalgia for home and family. The lyrics might speak of 'kyōdai-bune' (sibling boat), symbolizing siblings working together against the hardships of life. This reinforces the cultural image of siblings as a primary support system that lasts a lifetime.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is assuming 兄弟 (kyōdai) only means 'brothers.' While the kanji suggests this, in practice, it is the standard word for 'siblings.' If you have a brother and a sister, you have 'kyōdai.' If you have two sisters, you can still say 'kyōdai,' although 'shimai' (sisters) is an option. Using 'kyōdai' is never 'wrong' for sisters, but using 'shimai' for a brother and sister *is* wrong.

Mistake #1: Using 'shimai' (姉妹) to refer to a mixed-gender group of siblings.

× 兄と妹の姉妹です。 (Incorrect: Brother and sister are 'sisters'.)
○ 兄と妹の兄弟です。(Correct: Brother and sister are 'siblings'.)

Another common error involves the use of honorifics. Learners often forget to use 'go-' (ご) when asking others about their family. Asking 'Kyōdai wa nannin?' to a superior or a stranger can sound overly blunt or even rude. Conversely, adding 'go-' to your own family (e.g., 'Watashi no gokyōdai...') makes you sound like you are being overly respectful to yourself, which is a major social faux pas in Japan's humble/honorific system.

Mistake #2: Confusing 'kyōdai' with 'itoko' (cousins).

いとこは兄弟ではありません。(Cousins are not siblings.)

Finally, be careful with the counter. Siblings are people, so you must use the 'nin' (人) counter. Some beginners accidentally use 'tsu' (hitotsu, futatsu) or other counters. Always remember: hitori (1), futari (2), san-nin (3), etc. Also, remember that 'kyōdai' refers to the relationship, not the individuals themselves when used as a collective noun. You wouldn't call your brother 'Kyōdai!' to get his attention; you would use 'Oniisan' or his name.

While 兄弟 (kyōdai) is the most common term, several other words occupy the same semantic space. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most obvious counterpart is 姉妹 (shimai), which specifically means 'sisters.' While 'kyōdai' can include sisters, 'shimai' excludes brothers entirely. It is often used in formal writing or to describe 'sister cities' (shimai-toshi).

Comparison: Kyōdai vs. Shimai: Kyōdai is general/inclusive; Shimai is female-only and slightly more formal.

三姉妹 (San-shimai) - Three sisters.
三兄弟 (San-kyōdai) - Three siblings (any gender).

Another related term is 義兄弟 (gikyōdai), which means 'brothers-in-law' or 'sworn brothers.' The 'gi' (義) prefix indicates a relationship based on duty or law rather than blood. This is used for your spouse's brothers or your sister's husband. In historical or martial arts contexts, it refers to the 'blood brothers' who have performed a ritual to become family. There is also 実兄弟 (jikkyōdai), which specifically means 'biological siblings,' used when you need to distinguish from step-siblings or half-siblings.

Comparison: Kyōdai vs. Itoko: Kyōdai are immediate family; Itoko (従兄弟) are cousins.

彼は私の義理の兄弟です。(He is my brother-in-law.)

Finally, we have 内兄弟 (uchikyōdai) and 外兄弟 (sotokyōdai), though these are much rarer and archaic, referring to siblings within the same household versus those outside. In modern Japanese, if you want to talk about half-siblings, you usually say 'chigai-kyōdai' (siblings with different [parents]). Understanding these variations allows for precise communication about family structures, which is highly valued in Japanese society.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Ejemplos por nivel

兄弟がいます。

I have siblings.

Basic 'ga imasu' structure for existence.

兄弟は何人ですか？

How many siblings (do you have)?

Using 'nannin' to ask for a count of people.

私は二人兄弟です。

I am one of two siblings.

Number + kyōdai indicates the total group size.

兄弟はいません。

I don't have siblings.

Negative form 'imasen'.

お兄さんと弟さんは兄弟です。

The older brother and younger brother are siblings.

Identifying a relationship.

兄弟はどこですか？

Where are your siblings?

Basic location question.

私の兄弟は学生です。

My siblings are students.

Noun + wa + Noun + desu.

兄弟の名前は何ですか？

What are your siblings' names?

Possessive 'no' with names.

ご兄弟はいらっしゃいますか？

Do you have any siblings? (Polite)

Use of 'go-' and 'irasshaimasu' for respect.

兄弟でテニスをします。

I play tennis with my siblings.

Particle 'de' indicating the group performing the action.

兄弟は仲が良いです。

The siblings get along well.

Set phrase 'naka ga ii'.

兄弟喧嘩はやめてください。

Please stop the sibling fighting.

Compound noun 'kyōdai-genka'.

三人兄弟の末っ子です。

I am the youngest of three siblings.

Using 'sue-ko' for youngest child.

兄弟はみんな東京に住んでいます。

My siblings all live in Tokyo.

Adverb 'minna' (all).

兄弟にプレゼントをあげました。

I gave a present to my sibling.

Particle 'ni' for the recipient.

兄弟は顔が似ています。

The siblings look alike.

Verb 'niru' (to resemble).

兄弟のような友達がいます。

I have a friend who is like a brother.

Simile 'no yō na'.

兄弟で力を合わせて頑張りました。

The siblings worked together and did their best.

Idiom 'chikara o awaseru'.

彼は五人兄弟の長男として育った。

He grew up as the eldest of five siblings.

Using 'toshite' (as/in the capacity of).

兄弟といっても、性格は全然違います。

Even though they are siblings, their personalities are completely different.

Conjunction 'to ittemo' (even though).

兄弟の間で遺産相続のトラブルがあった。

There was a dispute over inheritance among the siblings.

Formal noun 'isan sōzoku'.

彼は兄弟の中でも特に頭が良い。

He is especially smart among his siblings.

Comparison 'no naka demo'.

兄弟が結婚して、家族が増えました。

My sibling got married, and our family grew.

Te-form for sequence of events.

兄弟は一生の宝物です。

Siblings are a lifelong treasure.

Metaphorical use of 'takaramono'.

兄弟愛を描いた感動的な映画でした。

It was a moving movie that depicted sibling love.

Compound 'kyōdai-ai'.

兄弟喧嘩は犬も食わぬというが、現実は厳しい。

They say even a dog won't eat a sibling quarrel, but reality is harsh.

Quoting a proverb.

異母兄弟であることを大人になってから知った。

I found out after becoming an adult that we were half-siblings.

Specific term 'ibo-kyōdai' (different mothers).

兄弟の契りを交わす。

To exchange vows of brotherhood.

Formal expression for sworn brothers.

彼は兄弟子として、弟子の面倒をよく見ている。

As a senior apprentice, he takes good care of the junior ones.

Term 'anideshi' (senior apprentice).

兄弟校との交流試合が行われた。

An exchange match with a sister school was held.

Compound 'kyōdai-kō'.

兄弟であっても、金銭の貸し借りは慎むべきだ。

Even between siblings, one should refrain from lending or borrowing money.

Grammar 'beki' (should).

兄弟の情に訴える。

To appeal to sibling affection.

Expression 'jō ni uttaeru'.

兄弟は他人の始まりという言葉の真意を考える。

Consider the true meaning of the saying 'Siblings are the beginning of strangers.'

Deep philosophical inquiry.

その二つの企業は、いわば兄弟会社のような関係にある。

Those two companies are, so to speak, in a relationship like sister companies.

Adverb 'iwaba' (so to speak).

兄弟間の葛藤が、彼の文学作品の根底にある。

Sibling conflict lies at the root of his literary works.

Formal noun 'kattō' (conflict).

血を分けた兄弟ならではの深い絆を感じる。

I feel a deep bond that only blood-related siblings can have.

Grammar 'naredewa no' (unique to).

兄弟の縁を切るという苦渋の決断を下した。

He made the painful decision to sever ties with his siblings.

Expression 'en o kiru' (sever ties).

兄弟分として盃を交わした仲だ。

We are close because we exchanged cups as sworn brothers.

Cultural reference to 'sakazuki'.

兄弟が互いに切磋琢磨して成長していく姿は美しい。

The sight of siblings growing by competing and encouraging each other is beautiful.

Idiom 'sessa takuma'.

兄弟としての義務と、個人の幸福の間で揺れ動く。

Wavering between duties as a sibling and individual happiness.

Formal structure 'aida de yureugoku'.

兄弟の相克は、ギリシャ悲劇以来の普遍的なテーマである。

Sibling rivalry has been a universal theme since Greek tragedy.

Academic term 'sōkoku' (rivalry/conflict).

法的には、兄弟は第二順位の相続人にあたる。

Legally, siblings are second-order heirs.

Legal terminology.

兄弟の契りを、単なる比喩を超えた実存的な結びつきとして捉える。

Perceiving the bond of brotherhood as an existential connection beyond mere metaphor.

Philosophical phrasing.

中世文学における兄弟の描写は、家父長制の強固さを物語っている。

The depiction of siblings in medieval literature speaks to the strength of the patriarchal system.

Literary analysis.

兄弟という概念そのものが、近代家族制度の中で変容を遂げてきた。

The very concept of 'siblings' has undergone transformation within the modern family system.

Sociological analysis.

兄弟愛の崇高さを、宗教的文脈から紐解いていく。

Unraveling the sublimity of sibling love from a religious context.

Formal verb 'himodoiku'.

兄弟の絆が、国家の存亡を賭けた戦いの中で試される。

The bond of brotherhood is tested in a battle where the survival of the nation is at stake.

Dramatic/Epic tone.

兄弟の情愛を、言葉の綾を尽くして表現する。

Expressing sibling affection using every possible figure of speech.

Idiom 'kotoba no aya'.

Colocaciones comunes

兄弟がいる

兄弟が多い

兄弟が少ない

兄弟仲が良い

兄弟喧嘩

兄弟愛

兄弟校

兄弟会社

兄弟分

兄弟子

Frases Comunes

三人兄弟

二人兄弟

ご兄弟

義理の兄弟

実の兄弟

兄弟のような

兄弟の中で

兄弟を連れて

兄弟に相談する

兄弟で分ける

Se confunde a menudo con

兄弟 vs 姉妹

兄弟 vs いとこ

兄弟 vs 親戚

Modismos y expresiones

Fácil de confundir

兄弟 vs

Patrones de oraciones

Familia de palabras

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

gender

Inclusive of all genders unless specified.

metaphor

Commonly used for close bonds.

honorifics

Critical for polite Japanese.

Errores comunes

Using 'shimai' for a brother and sister.
Calling your own siblings 'gokyōdai'.
Using 'tsu' to count siblings.
Calling your brother 'Kyōdai!'
Confusing 'kyōdai' with 'itoko' (cousins).

Consejos

Inclusivity

Always remember that kyōdai is your go-to word for any sibling group. Don't overthink the gender unless it's relevant to the story.

The 'Go' Rule

Add 'go' to others' siblings, remove it from yours. This is the golden rule of Japanese family talk.

Counting

Practice 'hitori', 'futari', 'san-nin' until they are second nature. You'll use them every time you talk about siblings.

Icebreakers

Asking about siblings is a safe and friendly way to keep a conversation going in Japan.

Compound Words

Learn 'kyōdai-genka' early. It's a very common phrase you'll hear in anime and daily life.

Kanji Order

The big brother (兄) comes first in the kanji, reflecting the traditional hierarchy.

Context Clues

If someone says 'kyōdai' while pointing at two girls, they mean 'sisters'.

Birth Order

Be ready to say if you are the 'ue' (top/older) or 'shita' (bottom/younger) sibling.

Forms

On forms, look for '続柄' (relationship) to know where to specify your sibling status.

Metaphors

Don't be surprised if close friends call each other 'kyōdai' in movies; it shows a deep bond.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexto cultural

Older siblings are often addressed by title (Oniisan/Oneesan) rather than name.

Historically, the eldest brother inherited the family headship.

Increasingly used for close-knit social groups.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"ご兄弟は何人いらっしゃいますか？"

"兄弟の中で、誰と一番仲が良いですか？"

"兄弟喧嘩はよくしましたか？"

"兄弟はどこに住んでいますか？"

"兄弟で似ているところはありますか？"

Temas para diario

あなたの兄弟について書いてください。

兄弟がいない場合、一人っ子の良さについて書いてください。

兄弟との一番の思い出は何ですか？

理想の兄弟像について教えてください。

兄弟喧嘩をした時のことを思い出して書いてください。

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, in modern Japanese, it is the standard word for 'siblings' and includes sisters. However, in very specific contexts, it might refer only to males.

Yes, you can. While 'shimai' is also correct and more specific, 'kyōdai' is very common and perfectly natural.

You should say 'Hitorikko desu' (I am an only child) or 'Kyōdai wa imasen'.

When speaking to someone you don't know well or someone of higher status, yes, it is much more polite.

You use the counter for people, which is '~nin' (e.g., san-nin, yo-nin).

No, you would call him 'Oniisan' or by his name. 'Kyōdai' is the name of the relationship, not a term of address.

It means a sibling quarrel or fight.

It is used, but it's more formal. In casual conversation, people often stick to 'kyōdai'.

You can use 'giri no kyōdai' or 'chigai-kyōdai'.

It means 'sibling love' or the bond between siblings.