1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “姉” (ane) means “older sister” in Japanese. It is used to refer to one’s elder sister or as a term of endearment for an older female sibling.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “姉” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “woman” (女) with a phonetic component that suggests the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “姉” is 女 (woman), which indicates that the character is related to female figures.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 姉妹 (shimai) – sisters
- 姉貴 (aneki) – older sister (informal)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私の姉は大学生です。 (Watashi no ane wa daigakusei desu.) – My older sister is a university student.
- 姉と一緒に買い物に行きました。 (Ane to issho ni kaimono ni ikimashita.) – I went shopping with my older sister.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 妹 (imouto) – younger sister. This kanji refers specifically to a younger female sibling.
Antonyms:
- 弟 (otouto) – younger brother. This kanji refers to a younger male sibling.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of family hierarchy is significant in Japanese culture, and the term “姉” reflects the respect and affection given to older siblings.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 姉の言うことは聞け (Ane no iu koto wa kike) – “Listen to what your older sister says.” This emphasizes the wisdom and guidance of older siblings.