甥(おい)

おい
noun
nephew
family
1. nephew
The son of one's sibling. Used for both the son of a brother and the son of a sister.
甥(おい)が遊(あそ)びに来(き)た。
My nephew came to visit.
甥(おい)は今年(ことし)小学校(しょうがっこう)に入学(にゅうがく)する。
My nephew will start elementary school this year.
甥(おい)っ子(こ)が大(おお)きくなって、もう高校生(こうこうせい)になった。
My nephew has grown up and is already a high school student.

Usage

When referring to one's own nephew in polite conversation, use 甥(おい) or the more casual 甥(おい)っ子(こ). When referring to someone else's nephew politely, use 甥御(おいご)さん.

Related words

Writing

The kanji 甥(おい) is a single-kanji word. Also sometimes written 甥(おい)っ子(こ) in casual speech, which adds a diminutive, affectionate nuance.

Common collocations

  • 甥(おい)っ子(こ): nephew (casual)
  • 甥御(おいご)さん: nephew (polite, about others' nephews)
  • 甥(おい)姪(めい): nephews and nieces

Related Words

Related: 姪(めい) (niece)
general
Added 2026.2.25 22:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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