← Kanji module
N4 · 5 strokes · — · Irodori #256 · Elementary 1 L17
兄
big brother, elder brother
Stroke diagrams © KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Readings
- On’yomi
- キョウ、ケイ
- Kun’yomi
- あに
Example words
兄
あに
older brother; elder brother
兄
にい
older brother; elder brother
兄
このかみ
eldest son
兄
けい
you
Memory aids
Guided learn session →How to remember
Shape
A 5-stroke character meaning "big brother" — picture the concept as you trace each stroke.
Components
Remember "big brother" (兄) by connecting it to its Irodori vocabulary context.
Anchor word
兄 (あに) — your first meeting with this kanji in Irodori.
Readings
First learned in 兄 (あに) — recall the word to unlock the reading. Kun'yomi: あに — often used in native Japanese words (like 兄). On'yomi: キョウ、ケイ — common in compound words (熟語).