姪(めい)

姪(めい) means niece — the daughter of one's brother or sister. Japanese does not distinguish between a brother's daughter and a sister's daughter; both are 姪(めい).

Family terms

• 姪(めい): niece
• 甥(おい): nephew
• 姪(めい)っ子(こ): niece (casual, affectionate)
• 甥(おい)っ子(こ): nephew (casual, affectionate)

Keigo

When referring to someone else's niece or nephew, add お〜さん:

• お姪(めい)さん: your niece
• お甥(おい)さん: your nephew

Writing

The kanji 姪(めい) uses the 女(おんな)へん radical. It is not used in other common words, so learners typically encounter it only in this family term.

Usage

In casual speech, 姪(めい)っ子(こ) is more common than 姪(めい) alone, especially when talking affectionately about a young niece.