姉 (zǐ) - Older sister & elder sister (used in Japanese and Classical Chinese

姉Tone 3

zǐ ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 女

志

姉 · zǐ

Older sister;

elder sister (used in Japanese and Classical Chinese;

in modern Chinese, 姐 is more common).

Older sisterelder sister (used in Japanese and Classical Chinesein modern Chinese, 姐 is more common).

Usage highlights

Elder sisterOlder sisterSistersElder sister and younger sisterRespectful term for older sisterBig sister

Synonyms

  • 姐— older sister (modern Chinese)
  • 姊— elder sister (classical/literary)
  • 姐姐— older sister (common term)

Antonyms

  • 妹— younger sister

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • My older sister is very kind (姉はとても親切です).
  • She is the eldest sister in the family (彼女は家族の一番上の姉です).
  • This is my sister's book (これは私の姉の本です).

Collocations

  • Elder sister(姉)
  • Older sister(お姉さん)
  • Sisters(姉妹)
  • Elder sister and younger sister(姉と妹)
  • Respectful term for older sister(姉上)
  • Big sister(姉ちゃん)

Idioms

  • Sisterly affection(姉妹愛)
  • Elder sister's guidance(姉の導き)
  • Sisterly bond(姉妹の絆)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Primarily used in Japanese; in modern Chinese, 姐 is the standard term for older sister.
  • In Japanese culture, 姉 carries respect and denotes seniority in the family hierarchy.
  • Appears in classical Chinese texts but has been largely replaced by 姐 in contemporary usage.

FAQ