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姉
ane
older sister
私の姉は医者です。
My older sister is a doctor.
neutral
an older sister; elder sister
彼女は三人姉妹の長女です。
She is the eldest of three sisters.
姉は私より五歳年上です。
My sister is five years older than me.
Used for one's own sister. For addressing someone else's sister politely, use 姉さん (anesan).
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Age hierarchy in siblings
姉 (older sister) and 妹 (younger sister) are used regardless of the speaker's gender. For brothers, use 兄 (older brother) and 弟 (younger brother).
Gold Rule
Politeness levels
When referring to someone else's older sister, always use 姉さん (anesan) or the full title (e.g., 田中さんの姉). Using just 姉 alone can sound impolite.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *ane₂, from Proto-Japonic *ana. Cognate with Ryukyuan languages (e.g., Okinawan あに 'older sister').
Usage Notes
In Japanese family hierarchy, the term emphasizes age order. For addressing or referring to someone else's older sister, suffix -さん (e.g., 田中さんの姉) or use 姉さん (anesan).
Word Breakdown
姉
older sister
root和英辞典