1.
older sister (polite)
A polite way to refer to an older sister.
お姉さんは大学生ですか。
Is your older sister a university student?
お姉さんに借りた。
I borrowed it from my older sister.
お姉さんは先生です。
My older sister is a teacher.
お姉さんは結婚している。
My older sister is married.
お姉さんと買い物に行った。
I went shopping with my older sister.
お姉さんにプレゼントを買った。
I bought a present for my older sister.
2.
young woman
Used to address a young woman, similar to 'miss' in English.
お姉さん、これはいくらですか。
Excuse me, miss, how much is this?
お姉さん、写真を撮ってもらえますか。
Excuse me, miss, could you take a photo for us?
あのお姉さんは親切だった。
That young woman was kind.
お姉さん、席は空いていますか。
Excuse me, miss, is this seat taken?
お姉さん、すみません、このバスは駅に行きますか。
Excuse me, miss, does this bus go to the station?
お姉さん is the polite term for 'older sister,' also used to address young women.
SENSE 1 - OLDER SISTER:
Used to refer to someone else's older sister, or when speaking to/about your own sister politely.
SENSE 2 - YOUNG WOMAN:
Used to address a young woman you don't know (like 'miss').
FAMILY TERM SYSTEM:
- 姉: my older sister (humble, when talking to others)
- お姉さん: older sister (polite, for others' sisters)
- お姉ちゃん: older sister (casual/affectionate)
- 姉貴: older sister (masculine/rough speech)
CONTRAST WITH YOUNGER SISTER:
- 妹: my younger sister
- 妹さん: younger sister (polite)
NOTE:
Children often call their own older sister お姉ちゃん or お姉さん directly.