1.
older brother-in-law; stepbrother (older)
A male relative who is like an older brother but not by blood — typically a spouse's older brother, or a stepbrother who is older. Composed of 義 (righteousness/adopted) + 兄 (older brother). A formal term used in writing and official contexts.
義兄は医者をしている。
My brother-in-law is a doctor.
結婚式で義兄にスピーチを頼まれた。
I was asked by my brother-in-law to give a speech at the wedding.
義兄とは年が近いので、子供の頃からよく一緒に遊んでいた。
Since my stepbrother and I are close in age, we often played together growing up.
USAGE:
義兄 is a formal, written term. In everyday conversation, people typically say お義兄さん or 義理の兄. The 義 prefix indicates a family relationship by marriage or adoption rather than by blood.
RELATED TERMS:
- 義弟 (younger brother-in-law)
- 義姉 (older sister-in-law)
- 義妹 (younger sister-in-law)
- 義父 (father-in-law)
- 義母 (mother-in-law)
The spoken form お義兄さん uses the kun'yomi reading and is warmer and more familiar.