• 姉妹しまい — sisters
• 義姉ぎし — sister-in-law
• 姉御あねご — big-sister figure / bossy woman
• 姉上あねうえ — elder sister (honorific)
• 実姉じっし — biological older sister
• 姉ねえさん — older sister (polite/familiar)

姉 combines 女 (woman) and 市 (which once meant ‘market’ or ‘rank’), implying a grown or respected woman — thus used for one’s older sister.

You'll find it in everyday family references and polite or affectionate expressions.

姉あねは 医者いしゃです。
My older sister is a doctor.

姉あねと買かい物ものに行いきました。
I went shopping with my older sister.

🎧 A pronunciation guide will be added soon. Please check back later!