甥(おい)

おい
noun
nephew
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.
姉(あね)の甥(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 sister's boy 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:

  • 姪(めい): niece
  • 甥(おい)っ子(こ): nephew (casual, affectionate)
  • 甥御(おいご)さん: someone else's nephew (polite)

KANJI NOTE:
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
general
Added 2026.2.25 22:58
13500/13525_oi