Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for brother-in-law depends on whether he is your spouse's brother or your sibling's husband, and on relative age in some cases. Politeness and family context also affect word choice.
Referring to the brother of your husband or wife.
Used when your spouse's brother is older than your spouse. Literally 'older brother by marriage'.
義理の兄は東京に住んでいます。
My brother-in-law (husband's older brother) lives in Tokyo.
Referring to the husband of your own brother or sister.
Used when your sister's husband is older than you, or when referring to your older sister's husband. Can also be used for your brother's husband if he is older than you.
姉の夫、つまり義理の兄は料理が上手です。
My sister's husband, my brother-in-law, is good at cooking.
When the exact relationship or age difference is unknown or irrelevant, or when speaking generally.
A gender-neutral term for brother-in-law, literally 'sibling by marriage'. Can be used when the age relationship is unclear.
義理の兄弟が二人います。
I have two brothers-in-law.
English uses one term for multiple relationships, but Japanese requires specifying whether the person is a spouse's brother or a sibling's husband, and often their age relative to the speaker or spouse. Using a vague term like 義理の兄弟 is acceptable but less common in specific contexts.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often refer to a brother-in-law by name with an appropriate honorific (e.g., お兄さん for an older brother-in-law) rather than using a kinship term. This is especially common when addressing them directly.
Used when your spouse's brother is younger than your spouse. Literally 'younger brother by marriage'.
義理の弟は大学生です。
My brother-in-law (wife's younger brother) is a college student.
A more formal or written term for an older brother-in-law (spouse's older brother).
義兄は医者です。
My brother-in-law (spouse's older brother) is a doctor.
A more formal or written term for a younger brother-in-law (spouse's younger brother).
義弟はまだ独身です。
My brother-in-law (spouse's younger brother) is still single.
Used when your sister's husband is younger than you, or when referring to your younger sister's husband. Can also be used for your brother's husband if he is younger than you.
妹の夫、義理の弟はIT企業に勤めています。
My younger sister's husband, my brother-in-law, works at an IT company.
Formal term for an older brother-in-law (sibling's husband older than you).
義兄は弁護士です。
My brother-in-law (older sister's husband) is a lawyer.
Formal term for a younger brother-in-law (sibling's husband younger than you).
義弟は教師です。
My brother-in-law (younger sister's husband) is a teacher.
Literally 'older or younger brother by marriage', used when you want to be vague about age.
彼は私の義理の兄か弟です。
He is my brother-in-law (I'm not sure if he's older or younger).