Translation and Meaning of: 甥 - oi

Have you ever encountered the Japanese word 甥 (おい) and wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it in daily life? This article will explore everything about this term, from its translation to cultural curiosities. Whether you are learning Japanese or just interested in the language, understanding words like 甥 can enrich your vocabulary and knowledge about Japanese society.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 甥 is defined as "nephew," but there is much more behind this simple translation. Here, we will uncover its writing, usage in sentences, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. Keep reading to discover how this word is perceived in Japan and in what contexts it appears.

Meaning and writing of 甥 (おい)

The word 甥 (おい) specifically refers to a nephew on the side of a brother or sister. Unlike Portuguese, which uses the same term for nephews from both sides of the family, Japanese has distinct words: 甥 for male nephews and 姪 (めい) for female nieces. This distinction is important to avoid confusion in communication.

The kanji 甥 is composed of two radicals: 男 (man) and 生 (life, birth). This combination reinforces the meaning of "son of brother/sister." Although it is not one of the most frequent kanjis in daily life, it appears in family and formal contexts. For those who are learning, it's worth associating it with the radical 男, which is already known by many students.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, familial like 甥 carry significant cultural weight. They reflect the importance placed on kinship relations in society. Unlike Western languages, where "nephew" can be used more generically, Japanese maintains this gender specificity, which speaks volumes about how family is structured in the country.

In of frequency, 甥 is not a word that appears constantly in casual conversations, but it is essential in formal contexts or when discussing family relationships. In animes and dramas, for example, it comes up when characters need to explain their connections with other family . If you consume Japanese content, you may have already heard this word in everyday scenes.

Tips for memorizing and using 甥 (おい)

An effective way to memorize 甥 is to associate it with the kanji 男 (man), since nephews are male. Another tip is to create simple sentences like "私の甥は10歳です" (My nephew is 10 years old) to practice using it in real contexts. Repeating the word out loud also helps to fix it in memory.

For those who use apps like Anki, including 甥 in vocabulary cards with practical examples can accelerate learning. that the pronunciation "oi" is short and similar to the informal greeting in Portuguese, which can serve as a fun mnemonic hook. With consistent practice, this word will become part of your Japanese repertoire.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• おい (oi) - Sobrinho
• 甥っ子 (oikko) - Nephew (more colloquial form)
• 従兄弟 (itoko) - Cousin (more specifically, male cousin or female cousin)